Afternoon tea is one of those lovely traditions that brings people together over good food and warm conversation. While sweet treats usually steal the spotlight, savoury tarts deserve a place at the table too.
Packed with bold flavours and beautiful fillings, they add a satisfying, hearty touch to any spread. Whether you're hosting a fancy party or a casual get-together, these 20 savoury tarts are sure to impress every guest.
1. Classic Quiche Lorraine
Few things are as comforting as a perfectly baked Quiche Lorraine sitting at the centre of an afternoon tea table. This French classic combines smoky bacon, rich egg custard, and melted Gruyere cheese inside a buttery, golden pastry shell.
It tastes just as good at room temperature as it does warm, making it ideal for entertaining. Slice it into thin wedges for easy sharing.
A light green salad on the side turns this tart into a truly satisfying experience.
2. Caramelised Onion and Goat Cheese Tart
Sweet, jammy onions paired with tangy goat cheese is one of those flavour combinations that just works every single time. The slow-cooked onions melt into a rich, golden topping that balances beautifully against the sharpness of the cheese.
Baked in a crisp shortcrust pastry, this tart looks stunning on any tea table. A sprinkle of fresh thyme on top adds a lovely herby aroma.
Guests always go back for a second slice of this one.
3. Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Tartlets
Smoked salmon has long been a favourite at elegant afternoon teas, and tucking it into a buttery tartlet shell takes things up a notch. A smooth cream cheese filling acts as the perfect base, letting the salmon's rich, smoky flavour shine through.
Top each tartlet with a tiny sprig of fresh dill and a twist of lemon zest for a pop of colour. These bite-sized beauties are easy to eat and incredibly impressive to serve to guests.
4. Spinach and Ricotta Tart
Earthy spinach and silky ricotta cheese make an unbeatable filling for an afternoon tea tart. The combination is light yet satisfying, with a creamy texture that pairs wonderfully with the crunch of the pastry base.
A hint of nutmeg stirred into the filling adds warmth and depth that many people can't quite put their finger on but absolutely love. This tart is also a brilliant choice for vegetarian guests.
Serve it slightly warm for the best flavour experience.
5. Roasted Tomato and Basil Tart
There is something deeply satisfying about roasted tomatoes. Slow-roasting concentrates all their natural sweetness and creates an intense, jammy flavour that tastes incredible inside a crisp pastry shell.
Layering in fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of good olive oil makes this tart feel almost like a slice of Italy. It works beautifully in summer when tomatoes are at their best, but tinned tomatoes roasted low and slow do a surprisingly good job too.
Absolutely crowd-pleasing.
6. Mushroom and Tarragon Tart
Mushrooms bring a deep, earthy richness to any dish, and this tart is no exception. Sauteed in butter until golden, they develop an almost meaty flavour that makes this tart feel wonderfully indulgent.
Tarragon is the secret weapon here. Its subtle anise-like flavour lifts the mushrooms and adds a sophisticated herbal note that feels very grown-up and refined.
This tart suits an elegant afternoon tea perfectly and pairs wonderfully with a cup of Earl Grey tea on the side.
7. Asparagus and Gruyere Tart
Asparagus season is short, but this tart makes the most of every single spear. Laid in neat rows across a golden puff pastry base and blanketed with melted Gruyere cheese, it looks almost too beautiful to eat.
The nutty, creamy cheese complements the slightly grassy flavour of the asparagus in the most delightful way. This tart is a true showstopper at spring afternoon teas and takes surprisingly little effort to pull together.
Simple ingredients, stunning result.
8. Blue Cheese and Walnut Tart
Bold, punchy, and unapologetically flavourful, this tart is made for guests who enjoy big, complex tastes. Blue cheese melts into the custard filling, creating a creamy, sharp base that pairs brilliantly with the crunch of toasted walnuts on top.
A drizzle of honey just before serving softens the sharpness and adds a surprising sweetness that ties everything together beautifully. Serve thin slices alongside a crisp glass of white wine for the ultimate afternoon tea indulgence.
9. Leek and Cheddar Tart
Leeks have a mild, sweet flavour that softens beautifully when cooked slowly in butter. Combined with sharp cheddar cheese in a creamy egg custard, they create a filling that feels homely, warming, and deeply satisfying.
This tart has a slightly nostalgic quality to it, like something your grandmother might have made on a Sunday afternoon. It works just as well cold as warm, making it a reliable choice for buffet-style afternoon tea spreads where guests help themselves freely.
10. Sun-Dried Tomato and Olive Tart
Every bite of this tart tastes like a sunny Mediterranean holiday. Intensely flavoured sun-dried tomatoes and briny black olives are a match made in culinary heaven, and tucking them into a buttery pastry shell makes them even better.
A scattering of fresh oregano or rosemary adds fragrance and a lovely herbal finish. This tart is brilliant for guests who love bold, punchy flavours and pairs wonderfully with a cold glass of sparkling water or lemonade on a warm afternoon.
11. Brie and Cranberry Tart
Brie and cranberry is a classic flavour pairing that never goes out of style, and baking them together in a pastry shell creates something truly special. The creamy, mild brie melts into a luxurious layer beneath the sweet-tart cranberry sauce.
This tart is especially popular at winter afternoon teas and festive gatherings. A sprig of rosemary tucked alongside each slice adds a festive touch.
It looks beautiful, tastes incredible, and always sparks conversation among guests at the table.
12. Courgette and Feta Tart
Thinly sliced courgette ribbons layered over crumbled feta cheese make this tart as visually striking as it is delicious. The mild, slightly watery courgette absorbs the flavours around it beautifully, while the salty feta adds a satisfying punch.
Roasting the courgette slices briefly before adding them to the tart concentrates their flavour and removes excess moisture. A squeeze of lemon juice over the finished tart brightens everything up.
This one is a real crowd-pleaser at summer afternoon tea parties.
13. Chicken and Pesto Tartlets
Leftover roasted chicken gets a serious upgrade when it meets a spoonful of vibrant basil pesto inside a buttery tartlet shell. The herby, garlicky pesto coats every piece of chicken and transforms simple ingredients into something genuinely exciting.
Adding a halved cherry tomato on top of each tartlet gives a pop of colour and a burst of juicy freshness. These are incredibly easy to prepare ahead of time, making them a practical and delicious choice for busy afternoon tea hosts.
14. Beetroot and Goat Cheese Tart
Roasted beetroot has a jewel-like colour and a naturally sweet, earthy flavour that looks absolutely stunning against the white of creamy goat cheese. Together, they create a tart that is as beautiful as it is delicious.
The slight tanginess of the goat cheese cuts through the richness of the beetroot perfectly. A handful of peppery rocket leaves scattered over the top just before serving adds freshness and a lovely colour contrast.
This tart always draws admiring comments at afternoon tea gatherings.
15. Prawn and Avocado Tartlets
Plump, juicy prawns and creamy avocado are two ingredients that bring out the very best in each other. Spooned into crisp, golden pastry shells, they create a tartlet that feels luxurious and sophisticated without requiring a great deal of effort.
A squeeze of lime juice and a pinch of chilli flakes stirred into the avocado filling adds a zingy kick that keeps things interesting. Serve these chilled for maximum freshness.
Guests will love the combination of textures and flavours in every bite.
16. Caramelised Shallot and Anchovy Tart
Inspired by the French classic pissaladiere, this tart layers intensely sweet caramelised shallots with salty anchovy fillets and briny olives for a flavour combination that is truly unforgettable. It might sound unusual, but the balance of sweet and salty is absolutely extraordinary.
The anchovies melt into the shallots during baking, adding depth without overpowering the other flavours. Serve this tart at room temperature for the best taste experience.
Even guests who claim they dislike anchovies tend to love this one.
17. Ham and Mustard Tart
Ham and mustard is a pairing that has stood the test of time, and for very good reason. The sweet, salty ham works in perfect harmony with the sharp, tangy kick of wholegrain mustard stirred into a creamy egg custard filling.
A golden, bubbling cheese topping makes this tart look irresistible straight out of the oven. It is hearty and filling without being heavy, which makes it ideal for afternoon tea when guests are still planning to enjoy sweet treats afterward.
A real crowd favourite.
18. Roasted Red Pepper and Feta Tart
Sweet, smoky roasted red peppers and crumbly, salty feta cheese are a Mediterranean match that bursts with colour and flavour. Roasting the peppers beforehand intensifies their natural sweetness and gives them a slightly charred, smoky edge.
Layering them over a creamy feta base inside a crisp pastry shell creates a tart that looks as vibrant as it tastes. Fresh basil scattered over the top adds a beautiful aroma.
This tart is a guaranteed conversation starter at any afternoon tea table.
19. Pea and Mint Tartlets
Bright, fresh, and full of spring energy, pea and mint tartlets are a cheerful addition to any afternoon tea spread. Blended into a smooth, vibrant green filling, garden peas bring natural sweetness that is lifted beautifully by the cool freshness of mint.
These little tartlets look stunning with their vivid green colour against the golden pastry. They are light enough not to fill guests up before the sweet treats arrive.
A tiny dollop of creme fraiche on top makes them look extra polished and professional.
20. Wild Garlic and Gruyere Tart
Wild garlic season is fleeting, but this tart is reason enough to make the most of it while it lasts. The leaves have a gentle, aromatic garlic flavour that is far less sharp than regular garlic, making the filling beautifully fragrant and mellow.
Paired with nutty, melting Gruyere cheese in a silky custard, the result is a tart that feels refined and seasonal. Foraging for wild garlic adds a fun, adventurous element to the cooking process.
This tart is a real springtime celebration on a plate.
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