This Puff Pastry Tomato Tart recipe is the perfect combination of crispy, golden pastry with the juicy sweetness of fresh tomatoes and rich, cheesy toppings. Whether you’re looking for a summer appetizer or a light lunch, these tarts are easy to make and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. The flaky puff pastry, tangy pesto, and fresh mozzarella will impress your guests with minimal effort!
Why You’ll Love These Tomato Tarts
- Easy to Prepare: Using store-bought puff pastry saves time, and the recipe comes together quickly.
- Customizable: You can change up the toppings with different cheeses, vegetables, or herbs to suit your preferences.
- Impressive Presentation: These tarts look elegant and are perfect for serving guests, but they’re simple enough for a weeknight meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Puff Pastry Tarts:
- 1 Sheet DuFour Puff Pastry, Thawed: The base of the tart, providing a flaky, buttery texture.
- 3-4 Medium Plum Tomatoes, Thinly Sliced: Fresh and juicy, they create the star of the tart.
- 1/4 Cup Pesto: Adds a punch of flavor, complementing the tomatoes and cheese.
- 1/4 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory, salty element to the tarts.
- 6 oz Fresh Mozzarella Cheese, Crumbled or Finely Diced: Creamy and rich, it balances the crispness of the pastry.
- 1 Large Egg + 1 Tbsp Water, Lightly Beaten (For Egg Wash): Helps create a golden, shiny crust.
- 1/4 Cup Olive Oil (Or Optional Basil Oil): For drizzling over the tarts before baking.
- Coarse Salt, to Taste: Enhances the flavors of the fresh ingredients.
- Fresh Torn Basil, For Garnish: Adds a fragrant and fresh finishing touch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- Unfold the thawed puff pastry onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Cut the puff pastry into 8 even rectangles.
- Using a knife, score a smaller rectangle inside each rectangle, leaving about a 1/4-inch border around the edges. This will allow the edges to puff up while keeping the center flat.
- Dock (poke) the inside of the smaller rectangles with a fork to help reduce puffing in the middle.
3. Assemble the Tarts:
- Spread a thin, even layer of pesto on the inside of each scored rectangle.
- Arrange the sliced tomatoes on top of the pesto, slightly overlapping them for a pretty presentation.
- Sprinkle coarse salt and pepper to taste over the tomatoes.
- Next, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the tomatoes, followed by a small amount of crumbled mozzarella. Be careful not to add too much cheese to avoid soggy tarts.
- Brush the edges of each rectangle with the egg wash, ensuring the pastry will turn a beautiful golden brown.
4. Bake the Tarts:
- Drizzle the tops of each tart with olive oil (or basil oil for extra flavor).
- Bake the tarts in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
5. Garnish and Serve:
- Once the tarts are baked, sprinkle them with more grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Garnish with fresh torn basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor.
- Serve the tarts warm or at room temperature. They can also be reheated in the oven if needed.
Tips for Success
- Thawing the Puff Pastry: Make sure your puff pastry is fully thawed before using, as it will be easier to handle and will bake evenly.
- Avoid Overloading the Tarts: Adding too much cheese or tomato can make the tarts soggy. Keep the toppings light to ensure the pastry stays crisp.
- Customize the Flavors: You can swap the pesto for a tomato sauce or use different cheeses like goat cheese or feta for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
These Puff Pastry Tomato Tarts pair well with a fresh green salad, a glass of white wine, or as part of a larger spread for a summer gathering. They make a perfect appetizer or can be served as a light lunch.
Conclusion
These Puff Pastry Tomato Tarts are a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of summer. The combination of fresh tomatoes, rich cheese, and flaky pastry makes for a delicious, light dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for entertaining. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or for lunch, these tarts are sure to be a hit!