This easy tomato tart features a flaky crust filled with juicy, ripe tomatoes and fresh herbs. It’s like summer on a plate and perfect for a cozy dinner or a fun gathering!
I love how quick this dish comes together! Just roll out the crust, layer the tomatoes, and bake away. It’s so good, I can’t resist snagging a slice before serving! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the star of the tart! Make sure to thaw it completely for easy handling. If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider using whole wheat puff pastry or even a store-bought pie crust.
Tomatoes: Ripe, juicy tomatoes are essential for flavor. I love using a mix of heirloom tomatoes for their vibrant colors. If tomatoes aren’t in season, you can use canned diced tomatoes, but reduce excess liquid to prevent a soggy tart.
Cheese: Mozzarella gives a nice stretch, while Gruyère adds a rich flavor. You can also try feta for a tangy twist or even vegan cheese for a dairy-free version!
Dijon Mustard: This adds a kick! If you don’t have Dijon, you can substitute with yellow mustard or skip it altogether for a simpler flavor.
How Do I Get the Perfect Puff Pastry Crust?
Achieving that flaky, golden crust is a must! Here’s how:
- Be sure your pastry is cold when you start; heat causes it to lose its flakiness.
- When scoring, don’t cut all the way through; this helps maintain the shape while allowing the edges to puff up.
- Pricking the base with a fork prevents it from puffing up too much. Aim for an even distribution of holes!
- After baking, let it cool slightly before slicing. This helps the filling set and keeps your tart looking neat.
Enjoy making your tomato tart, and savor every bite!
Easy Tomato Tart with Flaky Crust
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tart:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (about 9×9 inches), thawed
- 3-4 medium ripe tomatoes (a mix of red and yellow for color), sliced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or gruyere cheese
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy tomato tart takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare and around 20-25 minutes to bake. Overall, you can have a delicious, homemade tart ready in about 35-40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Then, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to make it a bit larger and smoother. Once done, transfer it onto your prepared baking sheet.
3. Score the Edges:
Using a sharp knife, score about 1 inch from the edge all around the pastry. Be careful not to cut all the way through; this helps create a lovely border that will puff up during baking.
4. Prick the Inside:
Take a fork and prick the inside of the border all over. This step is key to keeping the base from puffing up too much while baking.
5. Spread the Mustard:
Evenly spread the Dijon mustard within the scored border on the puff pastry. This adds a nice tangy flavor to the tart!
6. Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the mustard layer. Feel free to use your favorite cheese if you’d like!
7. Layer the Tomatoes:
Arrange the tomato slices in a single layer on top of the cheese. Overlapping them slightly adds a beautiful presentation.
8. Season:
Drizzle olive oil over the tomatoes, and sprinkle with thyme leaves, salt, and freshly ground black pepper for that delicious seasoning.
9. Brush the Edges:
Use the beaten egg to brush the edges of the pastry. This will give the tart a lovely golden color when baked.
10. Bake the Tart:
Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and crisp, and the cheese is bubbly. Keep an eye on it for the perfect bake!
11. Cool and Garnish:
Once baked, remove the tart from the oven and let it cool slightly. Just before serving, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor.
Enjoy your delicious, flaky tomato tart! It’s perfect for any gathering or simply as a delightful treat for yourself!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Store-Bought Pastry Instead of Homemade?
Absolutely! Store-bought puff pastry is a great time-saver and works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it completely before using, and follow the preparation steps outlined above.
What Kind of Tomatoes Work Best for This Tart?
Ripe, juicy tomatoes are ideal! A mix of red and yellow heirloom tomatoes not only adds color but also brings rich flavor. If out of season, you can use canned diced tomatoes—just drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover tart in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through for that fresh-baked taste!
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to add other toppings such as caramelized onions, olives, or spinach for some extra flavor. Just make sure not to overload it to keep the crust crisp.
