Description
This Cherry Tomato Tart is a delightful and easy-to-make savory pastry featuring a flaky puff pastry base topped with a creamy ricotta and Parmesan cheese mixture, fresh cherry tomatoes, and fragrant thyme. Perfect as an appetizer or light meal, this tart combines rich flavors and a crispy texture, baked to golden perfection in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Toppings
- 15 to 20 cherry tomatoes, sliced into 4 slices each
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 355°F (180°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for baking the tart.
- Prepare the pastry base: Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a clean surface. Using a 9 to 10-inch pie pan as a guide, cut a circle from the dough. Transfer this dough circle into the pie pan, and prick the surface lightly with a fork tines, keeping about a 1/2-inch border untouched to help the edges rise during baking.
- Make the cheese filling: In a bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese, finely shredded Parmesan, minced garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the tart: Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the prepared puff pastry base, leaving a small border around the edges to allow for puffing and browning.
- Add toppings: Arrange the sliced cherry tomatoes evenly over the cheese layer. Scatter fresh thyme leaves on top, and season with salt and pepper to taste for enhanced flavor.
- Bake the tart: Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden and crisp around the edges.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the tart from the oven, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top, slice, and serve warm to enjoy the perfect combination of creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors.
Notes
- Make sure the puff pastry is fully thawed before rolling out for easy handling and optimal texture.
- You can substitute fresh thyme with dried thyme if fresh is not available, but reduce the quantity slightly.
- Cherry tomatoes can be halved instead of quartered if preferred to keep their shape.
- Serve the tart as a brunch item, appetizer, or light lunch paired with a fresh salad.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free puff pastry instead of regular puff pastry.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
