This Easy Tomato Tart is like a slice of summer on a plate! With juicy tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a flaky crust, it’s both pretty and tasty.
Making this tart is a breeze! You can impress friends and family, and it’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner. I love serving it with a side salad for a colorful meal! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the base of the tart. If you can’t find puff pastry, use a pre-made pie crust or make your own with flour, butter, and water. Some prefer phyllo dough for a lighter texture.
Tomatoes: Ripe tomatoes are key for flavor. I love using heirloom tomatoes for their color and taste. If tomatoes aren’t in season, you can use sun-dried tomatoes or even canned tomatoes, just drain them well.
Cheese: Mozzarella is mild, while Gruyère adds a nutty depth. You can swap for feta for a tangy twist, or skip cheese altogether for a vegan option. Nutritional yeast can give a cheesy flavor if desired!
Fresh Herbs: Basil, thyme, and parsley are favorites, but feel free to switch them out. Oregano or chives are great alternatives. Dried herbs can work in a pinch, just use less since they’re more potent.
How Do I Get the Puff Pastry Just Right?
Getting puff pastry to puff perfectly can be tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll succeed! Make sure to thaw it properly and keep it cold to maintain its flaky layers.
- Preheat your oven well before baking. A hotter oven helps the pastry rise.
- Don’t skip pricking the base. This allows steam to escape, preventing sogginess.
- Be gentle when rolling it out. Overworking it can make it tough instead of flaky.
With these tips, your easy tomato tart will not only be delicious but visually appealing too!
Easy Tomato Tart with Fresh Herbs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tart:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (about 8×8 inches), thawed
- 2-3 medium ripe tomatoes (preferably a mix of red and yellow), sliced about 1/4 inch thick
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Gruyère cheese
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard or whole grain mustard
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or oregano, chopped
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy tomato tart takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus an additional 25-30 minutes to bake. You’ll have a delicious dish ready in under an hour! Perfect for those busy days or when you need a quick and tasty meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for your tart.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet to fit your baking sheet, aiming for about 9×9 inches. Once rolled out, carefully transfer the pastry onto the prepared baking sheet.
3. Prick the Pastry:
To prevent the center of the pastry from puffing up too much while baking, use a fork to prick the center all over, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges uncovered.
4. Add the Mustard:
Spread the Dijon mustard evenly over the center of the pastry, making sure to stay within the borders you just created. This adds a delightful flavor base!
5. Sprinkle on the Cheese:
Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or Gruyère cheese over the mustard layer. This cheesy layer adds a wonderful richness to the tart.
6. Layer the Tomatoes:
Now, arrange the tomato slices over the cheese in a single layer. Feel free to overlap them a bit for a lovely presentation!
7. Season with Olive Oil and Spices:
Drizzle the olive oil over the tomatoes. Then, sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and pepper according to your taste. This enhances the flavors beautifully.
8. Fold and Brush the Edges:
Gently fold the edges of the pastry up and over the filling to create a rustic border. Make sure it looks nice and crinkly! Then, brush the pastry edges with the beaten egg to give it a lovely golden color while baking.
9. Bake the Tart:
Place your tart in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the tomatoes are tender.
10. Add Fresh Herbs:
Once baked, take the tart out of the oven and immediately sprinkle the fresh chopped herbs evenly over the top. This adds a burst of freshness!
11. Cool and Serve:
Let the tart cool for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving. It’s perfect as an appetizer, light lunch, or for dinner paired with a side salad!
Enjoy your delicious and easy tomato tart with fresh herbs!
FAQ for Easy Tomato Tart with Fresh Herbs
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and Gruyère are great choices, you can experiment with other cheeses like feta for a tangy flavor, or goat cheese for creaminess. Just choose a cheese that melts well to enhance the texture of the tart.
What Should I Do If I Have Leftover Tart?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to crisp it up again!
Can I Make This Tart Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the tart in advance! Assemble it but don’t bake; cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a day. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed to ensure it’s heated through.
How Do I Choose the Best Tomatoes for This Recipe?
The best tomatoes for this tart are ripe and flavorful. Heirloom or vine-ripened tomatoes are excellent choices. Look for tomatoes that are firm yet slightly soft to the touch, indicating they are ripe and ready to eat!
