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’s perfect as a light lunch, brunch, appetizer, or summer dinner and comes together with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
Cheese Spread
- 4 ounces (115 g) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Toppings & Garnish
- 2–3 medium ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Finishing
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the puff pastry: Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet onto the prepared baking sheet. Score a 1-inch border around the edges without cutting completely through, and prick the center area with a fork to prevent excessive puffing.
- Apply egg wash: Brush the puff pastry border with the beaten egg to give it a beautiful golden color when baked.
- Make the cheese spread: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and dried Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well blended.
- Spread cheese mixture: Evenly spread the cheese mixture within the scored border on the puff pastry, keeping the edges clear.
- Arrange tomato slices: Layer the thinly sliced tomatoes in a single, slightly overlapping arrangement over the cheese spread for even baking and flavor.
- Season and drizzle: Drizzle the olive oil over the tomatoes and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste.
- Bake: Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed up and golden brown.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and allow the tart to cool for 5 minutes to set and enhance flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped basil and thyme leaves over the tart before slicing and serving warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Pat the tomato slices dry with paper towels to prevent a soggy crust.
- Heirloom tomatoes add beautiful color and extra flavor enhancements.
- Try adding sliced mozzarella, goat cheese, or caramelized onions for variation and richness.
- Serve warm or at room temperature with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
