Bright, fresh, and effortlessly elegant, this Goat Cheese & Cherry Tomato Tart is a celebration of vibrant flavors and creamy textures wrapped in a flaky, golden crust. Imagine tangy goat cheese and pillowy ricotta beneath juicy, blistered cherry tomatoes, all perched atop buttery puff pastry—each bite is a little taste of summer, perfect for brunch, a fancy appetizer, or a light lunch. This recipe brings together simple ingredients for maximum impact, and it’s one of those dishes that feels special without demanding hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Goat Cheese & Cherry Tomato Tart is how such a short list of wholesome, colorful ingredients can create something truly spectacular. Each item brings its own character, whether it’s adding creaminess, tang, or a burst of color.
- Puff pastry: Frozen puff pastry is your shortcut to a flaky, buttery base—just thaw before using!
- Goat cheese: The star of the show, goat cheese offers tang and creaminess that pairs perfectly with tomatoes.
- Ricotta cheese: Ricotta lightens the goat cheese, making the filling extra smooth and luscious.
- Fresh thyme: This herb adds a gentle earthiness; dried thyme works in a pinch, but fresh gives a brighter flavor.
- Garlic powder: Just a hint gives the cheese layer a subtle savory depth.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing all those creamy, tangy flavors—don’t skip the seasoning!
- Cherry tomatoes: Sweet, juicy, and colorful—halve them for the prettiest presentation and best texture.
- Olive oil: Tossing the tomatoes with oil helps them roast beautifully and adds richness.
- Egg: A quick egg wash on the pastry edges gives you that gorgeous golden finish.
- Fresh basil or arugula: Optional, but a sprinkle of greens at the end brings freshness and a pop of color.
How to Make Goat Cheese & Cherry Tomato Tart
Step 1: Prepare the Pastry
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper—this keeps cleanup easy and prevents sticking. On a lightly floured surface, roll out your thawed puff pastry into a 10×12-inch rectangle. Scoring a 1/2-inch border all the way around (without cutting through) creates a frame that puffs up beautifully in the oven, while pricking the center with a fork keeps the middle flat and ready for your creamy filling.
Step 2: Mix the Cheese Layer
In a small bowl, blend together the softened goat cheese, ricotta, thyme, garlic powder, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. This mixture should be smooth, spreadable, and fragrant—don’t be shy about tasting and adjusting the seasoning to your liking! The ricotta mellows the goat cheese, so even goat cheese skeptics will fall in love with this combo.
Step 3: Assemble the Tart
Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the center of your prepared pastry, taking care not to cover that scored border. Next, halve your cherry tomatoes and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper until glossy and glistening. Arrange them cut-side up on the cheese, nestling them in for maximum color and flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches
Brush the visible pastry border with the beaten egg—this step is what gives your tart those bakery-style golden edges. Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the pastry is puffed and deeply golden and the tomatoes are just starting to blister and caramelize.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Let the tart cool for a couple of minutes before scattering over fresh basil or a handful of arugula. This last flourish adds a bright, peppery contrast that makes the Goat Cheese & Cherry Tomato Tart truly irresistible. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature—either way, it’s a showstopper.
How to Serve Goat Cheese & Cherry Tomato Tart
Garnishes
A handful of fresh basil leaves, torn just before serving, adds a fragrant, herbaceous finish to every slice. Or, opt for peppery arugula for a little bite. For an extra layer of flavor, try a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before the tart hits the table.
Side Dishes
Serve your Goat Cheese & Cherry Tomato Tart alongside a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette for a perfect lunch or brunch. For a heartier meal, pair it with a bowl of chilled gazpacho or a platter of marinated olives and roasted vegetables. It also shines as part of an appetizer spread with other nibbles.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the tart into bite-sized squares for an elegant hors d’oeuvre, or slice into generous rectangles for a brunch centerpiece. For a rustic look, serve directly on a wooden board with a scattering of herbs. You can even use heirloom tomatoes or add roasted red peppers for a colorful twist on the classic Goat Cheese & Cherry Tomato Tart.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Goat Cheese & Cherry Tomato Tart, let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days without losing its delightful flavors or textures.
Freezing
While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze slices of the tart for longer storage. Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To refresh the tart’s crispness, reheat slices in a 350°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes. This brings back the golden crunch of the pastry while gently warming the cheese and tomatoes—almost as good as freshly baked!
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of goat cheese?
Absolutely! While goat cheese gives the tart its signature tang, you can experiment with feta, cream cheese, or even a soft herbed cheese for a different flavor profile. Just make sure it blends well with ricotta for a creamy filling.
Do I need to pre-bake the puff pastry?
No pre-baking is needed here. Scoring the edges and pricking the center ensures the pastry bakes evenly and holds up perfectly under the cheese and tomato layers.
Can I make this Goat Cheese & Cherry Tomato Tart gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use a gluten-free puff pastry sheet—many grocery stores carry them in the freezer section. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy this tart worry-free.
What other toppings work well with this tart?
Feel free to get creative! Try swapping cherry tomatoes for roasted red peppers, thinly sliced zucchini, or even caramelized onions. The cheese base is super versatile, so use whatever fresh produce you have on hand.
Can I serve the tart cold?
Yes, the Goat Cheese & Cherry Tomato Tart tastes lovely at room temperature or even chilled, making it ideal for picnics and potlucks. The flavors are just as vibrant, and the pastry remains pleasantly crisp.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that’s as impressive as it is easy, give this Goat Cheese & Cherry Tomato Tart a try. It’s guaranteed to win hearts at any meal, and you just might find yourself making it again and again for every occasion!
Print
Goat Cheese & Cherry Tomato Tart Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A deliciously flaky goat cheese and cherry tomato tart featuring creamy goat cheese blended with ricotta and fresh thyme, topped with vibrant cherry tomatoes baked to perfection on a buttery puff pastry base. Perfect for appetizers, brunch, or light meals.
Ingredients
Cheese Mixture
- 4 ounces goat cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Pastry
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Topping
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish (optional)
- Fresh basil or arugula
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pastry: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry into a 10×12-inch rectangle. Using a knife, score a 1/2-inch border around the edges without cutting all the way through. Prick the center lightly with a fork to prevent excessive puffing during baking.
- Mix Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened goat cheese, ricotta cheese, fresh thyme leaves, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Assemble Tart: Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the center of the puff pastry, staying within the scored border. In another bowl, toss the halved cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange the tomatoes cut side up over the cheese layer. Brush the exposed pastry border with the beaten egg to help it brown beautifully.
- Bake the Tart: Place the tart on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the puff pastry turns golden brown and the cherry tomatoes are slightly blistered.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or arugula if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute cherry tomatoes with heirloom tomato slices or roasted red peppers for different flavor profiles.
- For a touch of sweetness and tang, drizzle the tart with balsamic glaze just before serving.
- Ensure the puff pastry is well chilled before rolling out to prevent sticking.
- Use fresh thyme if available for a more vibrant herbal note.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 240 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
