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Tex-Mex Appetizer Tart

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Updated Mar 4, 2026
Bake-Off® Contest 38, 1998
Richard McHargue
Richmond, Kentucky
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This Tex-Mex Appetizer Tart is easy, crowd-pleasing, and just plain fun to serve. No wonder it was a finalist in the 38th Pillsbury Bake-Off® Contest! A flaky Pillsbury™ Pie Crust is topped with a creamy, cheesy filling packed with roasted red peppers and green chiles, bringing just the right balance of richness and mild heat. It’s big Tex-Mex flavor without a lot of work! This appetizer tart is easy to prep, slice, and serve; it’s perfect for parties, game nights, or any time you want a warm, shareable snack that everyone can dig into.

Looking for more tasty recipes to make with Pillsbury™ Pie Crust? We have tons of inspiration, from sweet treats to savory dinners and more!

Recipe Ingredients

All these ingredients come together to create that irresistible Tex-Mex taste!

Pillsbury™ Pie Crust: It’s the best shortcut to a perfectly flaky base and makes a sturdy border that holds all that tasty filling.

Shredded Colby-Monterey Jack Cheese Blend: We love this combination of cheeses, because it melts smoothly and delivers a mild, crowd-pleasing cheesy flavor. If you don’t have it on hand, any shredded cheese will work!

Roasted Red Bell Peppers: You can find jars of these in any grocery store. They add sweetness and slight smokiness that balances the richness of the filling.

Old El Paso™ Chopped Green Chiles: These add mild heat and classic Tex-Mex flavor without being too spicy.

Other Ingredients You’ll Need: Mayonnaise makes the filling extra creamy and helps bind everything together, so it’s soft and spreadable. Fresh cilantro or parsley finishes the tart with a touch of freshness and color.

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How to Make Tex-Mex Appetizer Tart

This tart comes together fast with just a few simple steps. Here’s a quick overview—keep scrolling for the full recipe details.

1. Prep the Crust


Unroll the pie crust and lay it flat on a baking sheet, giving yourself an easy canvas for the filling.

2. Mix the Filling


In a bowl, stir together cheese, roasted peppers, mayo, and green chiles until evenly combined.

3. Assemble the Tart


Spread the filling over the crust, leaving space around the outside, then fold up the edges and use your fingers to gently pleat the dough to create a rustic, decorative edge.

4. Bake and Enjoy!


Bake in a 375°F oven for 25 to 35 minutes, until the crust is deeply golden and the filling is hot and bubbly. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro or parsley, let rest for 10 minutes to set, then slice into wedges and serve warm.

How to Store (and Reheat) Tex-Mex Appetizer Tart

Leftovers of this tart make a great quick snack or next-day appetizer! Here’s how to keep them fresh.

Refrigerator Storage

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to store them within 2 hours of finishing preparation.

Freezer Storage

Cut any remaining tart into wedges, then wrap each slice in plastic wrap, and place in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

This tart reheats just like leftover frozen pizza! Remove any plastic wrap and reheat in a 375°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes from the fridge, or for 10 to 12 minutes from the freezer, until piping hot and ready to eat. We wouldn’t recommend reheating the tart in the microwave, as the crust will get too soggy.

Tex-Mex Appetizer Tart

  • Prep Time 10 min
  • Total 55 min
  • Ingredients 6
  • Servings 16
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Ingredients

Instructions

  • Step 
    1

    Heat oven to 375°F. Remove crust from pouch; place flat on ungreased baking sheet.

  • Step 
    2

    In medium bowl, mix cheese, roasted bell peppers, mayonnaise, and chiles. Spread over crust to within 1 inch of edge. Fold crust edge over filling to form 1-inch border, pleating as needed.

  • Step 
    3

    Bake 25 to 35 minutes or until crust is golden brown. Sprinkle with cilantro. Let stand 10 minutes. Cut into wedges. Serve warm.

Nutrition

150 Calories
12g Total Fat
3g Protein
7g Total Carbohydrate
0g Sugars

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 Serving
Calories
150
Calories from Fat
110
Total Fat
12g
18%
Saturated Fat
4g
21%
Trans Fat
0g
Cholesterol
15mg
5%
Sodium
200mg
8%
Potassium
20mg
1%
Total Carbohydrate
7g
2%
Dietary Fiber
0g
0%
Sugars
0g
Protein
3g
% Daily Value*:
Vitamin A
6%
6%
Vitamin C
8%
8%
Calcium
8%
8%
Iron
0%
0%
Exchanges:
1/2 Starch; 0 Fruit; 0 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Skim Milk; 0 Low-Fat Milk; 0 Milk; 0 Vegetable; 0 Very Lean Meat; 0 Lean Meat; 0 High-Fat Meat; 2 1/2 Fat;
Carbohydrate Choice
1/2
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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