Description
This Tomato Tart is a simple yet elegant dish featuring flaky puff pastry, a creamy herb cheese spread, juicy ripe tomatoes, and fresh herbs. It is perfect for a light lunch, brunch, appetizer, or summer dinner and comes together quickly with minimal effort. The tart combines the savory flavors of seasoned cream cheese and Parmesan with fresh tomatoes, baked to golden perfection and garnished with basil and thyme for a fresh finish.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
Cheese Mixture
- 4 ounces (115 g) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Tomato Topping
- 2–3 medium ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Egg Wash
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet onto the prepared baking sheet. Score a 1-inch border around the edges by lightly pressing with a knife without cutting all the way through, and prick the center area with a fork to prevent excessive puffing.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the scored border with the beaten egg to promote browning and give the edges a golden, shiny finish during baking.
- Make Cheese Spread: In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and dried Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly until smooth and evenly blended.
- Assemble Tart: Spread the cheese mixture evenly within the scored border on the puff pastry, creating a creamy base layer for the tomatoes.
- Arrange Tomatoes: Lay the thinly sliced tomatoes in a single, slightly overlapping layer over the cheese spread to ensure even cooking and beautiful presentation.
- Season and Oil: Drizzle olive oil over the tomato slices, then season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance their natural flavors.
- Bake: Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the puff pastry is risen, puffed, and turns a beautiful golden brown.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the tart from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes to set and make slicing easier.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil and optional thyme leaves on top before slicing and serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Pat the tomato slices dry with paper towels before arranging to prevent a soggy crust.
- Using heirloom tomatoes adds vibrant color and extra depth of flavor.
- For variations, add sliced mozzarella, goat cheese, or caramelized onions to the cheese mixture or as toppings.
- Serve the tart warm or at room temperature alongside a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French