This savory tomato tart features a flaky crust filled with fresh tomatoes, herbs, and cheese. It’s a delightful dish that can be served as an appetizer, side, or light main course.
The recipe is simple and allows for customization with your favorite cheeses or additional vegetables. Perfect for showcasing summer tomatoes.
Creating the Perfect Crust
The foundation of any great tart lies in its crust. For this savory tomato tart, a flaky and buttery pastry is essential. You can choose to use a pre-made pie crust or puff pastry, depending on your preference and time constraints.
To prepare the crust, roll it out into a tart pan, ensuring it fits snugly against the edges. Trim any excess dough to create a clean finish. This step is crucial for achieving that golden, flaky texture that will complement the juicy tomatoes beautifully.
Layering the Cheese
Once the crust is ready, it’s time to build the flavor layers. Start by sprinkling shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the bottom of the crust. This will act as a delicious base that not only adds flavor but also helps to absorb some of the moisture from the tomatoes.
The mozzarella provides a creamy texture that pairs wonderfully with the fresh tomatoes. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste, such as goat cheese or feta, which can add a unique twist to the dish.
Arranging the Tomatoes
Next comes the star of the show: the tomatoes. Choose ripe, vibrant tomatoes for the best flavor. Slice them evenly and layer them on top of the cheese, overlapping slightly for an appealing presentation.
Drizzle the layered tomatoes with olive oil and season generously with salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. This seasoning enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and creates a savory depth that elevates the entire tart.
Finishing Touches with Herbs and Parmesan
To add a burst of freshness, sprinkle chopped basil over the tomatoes. The aromatic herbs will infuse the tart with a delightful fragrance as it bakes.
Don’t forget to add grated Parmesan cheese on top. This adds a nutty flavor and a crispy finish to the tart as it bakes. The combination of mozzarella and Parmesan creates a rich, cheesy filling that perfectly complements the tomatoes.
Baking to Perfection
With all the layers in place, it’s time to bake. Brush the edges of the crust with a beaten egg if you desire a golden finish. Place the tart in a preheated oven set to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 30-35 minutes.
Keep an eye on the tart as it bakes. You want the crust to turn golden brown and the tomatoes to become tender. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible!
Serving Suggestions and Presentation
Once baked, allow the tart to cool for a few minutes before slicing. This will help the filling set a bit, making it easier to serve. You can enjoy this tart warm or at room temperature, making it a versatile dish for any occasion.
For an inviting presentation, garnish with fresh basil leaves. The vibrant colors and textures will make this dish a standout at any gathering. Serve it as an appetizer, side dish, or even a light main course, and watch as it disappears from the table!
Easy Tomato Tart Recipe
This tomato tart is made with a buttery pastry crust, layered with ripe tomatoes, and topped with a blend of cheese and fresh herbs. The tart takes about 1 hour to prepare and bake, serving 6 people.
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pie crust or puff pastry
- 4 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Crust: Roll out the pie crust or puff pastry into a tart pan, pressing it into the edges. Trim any excess dough.
- Layer the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the bottom of the crust.
- Arrange the Tomatoes: Layer the sliced tomatoes on top of the cheese, overlapping slightly. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Add Parmesan and Herbs: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan and chopped basil over the tomatoes.
- Bake the Tart: If using, brush the edges of the crust with the beaten egg for a golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the tomatoes are tender.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the tart to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 6 slices
- Calories: 250kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 22g