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
Scale
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
