This easy tomato tart is a perfect blend of juicy tomatoes and fresh herbs baked in a flaky crust. It’s vibrant, colorful, and tastes like summer on a plate!
I love serving this tart warm, and it’s great for brunch or a light dinner. Just grab a slice, and be prepared for the deliciousness to take over! 🍅
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: The star of this tart, puff pastry, gives it a light and flaky texture. If you’re in a pinch, you can use a pre-made pie crust or even phyllo dough. Just keep in mind, it won’t be as flaky but will still be delicious!
Tomatoes: Use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor. Heirloom tomatoes work wonderfully, but any fresh, juicy variety will do. If tomatoes aren’t in season, canned or sun-dried tomatoes can be a good substitute in a pinch.
Cheese: I love Gruyere for its nuttiness, but mozzarella is also fantastic for a gooey texture. Feel free to substitute with other cheeses like feta for a tangy twist, or a lactose-free cheese if needed!
Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or chives elevate the flavor. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried herbs can be used—just use about one-third the amount.
How Do I Avoid a Soggy Bottom on My Tart?
A soggy crust can ruin a great tart, but there are simple tricks to avoid this! Here’s what to do:
- Pre-bake the puff pastry for about 10 minutes before adding toppings. This ensures it starts cooking and gets a bit crispy.
- Use Dijon mustard as a barrier. It not only adds flavor but also helps keep moisture from the tomatoes away from the crust.
- Be sure not to overload the tomatoes. Too many slices can create excess moisture. Overlapping is great, just don’t stack them too high!
Following these tips will help your tart have a perfectly baked bottom every time! Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Tomato Tart Recipe With Fresh Herbs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tart:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 3-4 large ripe tomatoes, sliced about 1/4 inch thick
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Gruyere, mozzarella, or your choice)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or herbes de Provence
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (such as basil, parsley, or chives), chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take approximately 10 minutes for preparation and about 25 minutes for baking. In total, you’ll need around 35 minutes to get a delicious tomato tart ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps to ensure that the tart cooks evenly right from the start. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup easy!
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
Roll out the thawed puff pastry onto the prepared baking sheet. If it’s not already rectangular, shape it that way. Use a knife to score a border about 1 inch from the edges, being careful not to cut all the way through. This will help the edges puff up nicely while baking.
3. Prick the Pastry:
Gently prick the inner area of the puff pastry with a fork. This is important because it prevents the crust from bubbling up while baking.
4. Add the Mustard Layer:
Spread the Dijon mustard evenly within the scored border of the pastry. This not only adds flavor but also creates a barrier to keep the crust crispy.
5. Sprinkle the Cheese:
Now, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the mustard layer. This is where the cheesy goodness begins!
6. Layer the Tomatoes:
Arrange the sliced tomatoes on top of the cheese, slightly overlapping them for that beautiful look. Feel free to get as creative as you like!
7. Prepare the Herb Oil:
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well and then brush this flavorful herb oil generously over the tomato slices. This will really enhance the flavor.
8. Bake the Tart:
Place the tart in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You want the crust to be nicely puffed and golden and the tomatoes to be cooked but not burnt.
9. Cool and Garnish:
Once you’re done baking, take the tart out of the oven and let it cool slightly. This helps the flavors settle together. Then, sprinkle the fresh chopped herbs on top for that extra freshness.
10. Slice and Serve:
Now it’s time to slice your beautiful tart! Enjoy it warm, or at room temperature. It’s perfect as a light lunch or a stunning appetizer for your friends and family!
This tomato tart is simple yet bursting with flavor, showcasing fresh tomatoes and fragrant herbs on a buttery puff pastry crust. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Easy Tomato Tart
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While Gruyere and mozzarella are fantastic choices, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like goat cheese, feta, or even cheddar. Each will bring a unique flavor to your tart!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) to restore its crispiness.
Can I Make This Tart in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the tart (up to the assembly stage) and store it in the fridge for up to a day. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What Should I Serve with the Tomato Tart?
This tart pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or some grilled vegetables. You can also serve it with a light soup for a more complete meal!
