Today, we want to share with you an easy recipe that will make your taste buds dance with joy: Tomato Tarts made with frozen puff pastry! These mouthwatering treats are a perfect blend of simplicity and deliciousness, and trust me, they’re easier to make than you might think!
Today, we want to share with you an easy recipe that will make your taste buds dance with joy: Tomato Tarts made with frozen puff pastry! These mouthwatering treats are a perfect blend of simplicity and deliciousness, and trust me, they’re easier to make than you might think!
Picture this: a buttery, flaky pastry crust that cradles juicy, ripe tomatoes bursting with flavor. It’s a combination that will have you coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering with friends, enjoying a cozy night in, or simply seeking a satisfying snack, tomato tarts are a wonderful choice.
One of the best things about these tomato tarts is their versatility. You can serve them as a fancy appetizer at your next dinner party or enjoy them as a light lunch on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Plus, the recipe allows for endless creativity. You can sprinkle in some fresh herbs like fresh basil or thyme, top with any kind of cheese you like!
No need to worry about spending hours in the kitchen. We’ll be using store-bought puff pastry found in the freezer section, which means less time rolling dough and more time savoring the deliciousness. It’s a game-changer for busy folks who still want to enjoy a homemade treat without the hassle.
How to Make this Tomato Tart:
Start by getting your thick tomato slices ready. Any combination of tomatoes will work. What is crucial is that you salt your tomatoes and drain them on paper towels or a towel. We use a little bit of kosher salt sprinkled over the tomatoes. We allow them to drain, then flip them over and add a bit more salt. You can place the towel on a wire rack, or simply on your cutting board.
Start by placing your puff pastry sheet onto parchment paper. Using a rolling pin, roll out the pastry just enough to eliminate the folds. I then slip the pastry on the parchment onto a large baking sheet. Now you will score a frame with a sharp knife around the outside of the puff pastry. Poke the center of the pastry with a fork. You will bake for just 10 minutes before you finish assembling the tart. Using a pastry brush, lightly add olive oil to the top of the crust. Then sprinkle with Italian seasoning or Pizza seasoning for a burst of Mediterranean flavor. Next, layer on cheese: We use freshly shredded parmesan cheese, but you can use any blend of cheeses you like. Sometimes we use creamy mozzarella cheese, tangy goat cheese, or nutty Gruyere. Thick slices of juicy tomatoes, drained to remove excess moisture, are then arranged atop the cheese, in a single layer. Any fresh tomatoes will do, but we love using heirloom tomatoes if they are in season! Grape tomaotoes are a great one to use when tomatoes are out of season. Finish with a grind of fresh black pepper, then into the oven!
After just 20 minutes in the oven, becoming golden brown, allow to cool then slice them into squares. Top with oregano or fresh basil. Serve them warm or room temperature alongside a simple green salad for a light lunch, or pair them with a hearty main dish for a memorable meal that celebrates the best of tomato season. So, whether you’re preparing these tomato tartlets for the first time or adding them to your repertoire of delicious recipes, one thing is certain: they’re the best way to savor the flavor of good tomatoes and elevate any occasion with their effortless elegance. And as you take your first bite, you’ll already be planning your next batch, eager to share the joy of easy tomato puff pastry tarts with friends and family alike.
Chill the pastry again before baking.
Do not skip the extra chilling step when making this. Pop it in the fridge after working with it, while the oven preheats. This step gives the butter a chance to re-solidify. That is the trick to getting that puff! Take a look at the additional tips for baking with puff pastry, from Kelli Foster at The Kitchen.
Tips For Baking With Puff Pastry
If you are craving this puff pastry tomato tart in the middle of winter, just sub out home grown tomatoes for cherry tomatoes! Of course, using the seasonal tomatoes is the best! We add fresh cut basil over the top of our tomato tart!
Can I use other cheeses in this tomato tart?
Absolutely! We love switching things up with feta cheese or goat cheese. Just use the cheese sparingly so that the tomatoes shine! The key is to make sure you drain your tomatoes and apply the cheese to the half baked crust before you add the tomatoes so that the tart stays crisp and not soggy!
Equipment
- 1 sheet pan
- 1 sheet Parchment paper
- fork
Ingredients
- 1 sheet sheet of puff pastry
- 1 teaspoon garlic olive oil
- 2 medium tomatoes sliced thick
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 8 grinds Black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian or Pizza seasoning or Italian seasoning
Instructions
Instructions for the Tomato Tart:
- Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees.
- Slice tomatoes in half, making sure to make a thick slice. Lay them on a dark colored tea towel, or paper towels and sprinkle lightly with salt. Allow to sit while preparing pastry. Turn over after a few minutes to soak up all the moisture.2 medium tomatoes
Prepare Puff Pastry:
- Thaw puff pastry overnight in refrigerator. You may also thaw on counter for about 20 minutes-depending on temprature of kitchen.1 sheet sheet of puff pastry
- Put a piece of parchment paper on sheet pan. Place puff pastry in center. Use sharp knife to score (do not cut all the way through) about one inch around outside. Use a fork, and generously poke holes all over the center section.1 sheet sheet of puff pastry
- Bake at 400 degrees F. for 10 minutes, turning pan half way through. Pull pastry out of oven, and take the flat part of a fork and smash middle that has puffed up down.
Put Tomato Tart together:
- Brush center of pastry with garlic oil. Sprinkle with seasoning. Add the freshly grated parmesan cheese,1 teaspoon garlic olive oil, 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon Italian or Pizza seasoning
- Top with tomatoes. Add a few grinds of fresh pepper.2 medium tomatoes, 8 grinds Black pepper
- Bake for a total of 20 minutes, turning half way through. If side crust is getting brown, and tomatoes have not quite cooked, cover lightly with foil and bake for a few more minutes.
- When tart is done, allow to rest for at least 5 minutes.Use parchment to pick up tart, and move to a cutting, and serving board, and slide out the parchment. Use a sharp knife to cut into 4 squares. Garnish with fresh basil.
Notes
Nutrition
Other recipes to try!
Easy Tomato Tortellini Soup with Kale
Caramelized Onion & Tomato Tart
Pasta House Salad Recipe (Italian Salad)
BJ says
Delicious. We made with fresh tomatoes and it was like tomato pizza extraordinaire.
Bruce and Dina Miller says
Oh, yay! Isn’t fresh tomato season the best! So glad you liked it! We are making it again for breakfast on Sunday! Enjoy the Summer!
Best,
Dina and Bruce
Mimi Rippee says
Isn’t puff pastry the best?! So much fun to make any kind of goodie. I could never use it when I catered, since it’s only good right out of the oven, but any tine someone comes over, it’s a quick and easy way to make something spectacular, like yours with the tomatoes!
Bruce and Dina Miller says
Mimi,
Puff pastry is the best! And so easy!
Dina and Bruce