Description
These Tomato, Black Olive, and Ricotta Puff Tarts are a delicious Mediterranean-inspired appetizer featuring flaky puff pastry topped with creamy ricotta, zesty lemon, savory Parmesan, juicy cherry tomatoes, and briny black olives. Easy to prepare and perfect for serving warm or at room temperature, these tarts make a flavorful light lunch or party snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry Base
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
Cheese Mixture
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- salt and black pepper to taste
Toppings and Garnish
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet slightly to loosen it, then cut into 4 equal rectangles. Place the rectangles on the prepared baking sheet. Using a knife, score a 1/2-inch border around the edges of each rectangle but be careful not to cut all the way through, so the edges will puff up distinctly during baking.
- Mix Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, lemon zest, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Assemble Tarts: Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the center of each puff pastry rectangle, avoiding the scored borders. Top each with halved cherry tomatoes and sliced black olives to add freshness and a briny contrast.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the exposed pastry edges with the beaten egg carefully to help them brown beautifully and achieve a glossy finish once baked.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the tarts for 18 to 20 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed up, and the toppings look cooked and slightly roasted.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from the oven and immediately drizzle the baked tarts with olive oil for added richness. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if using, to introduce a fresh herbal note. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Ricotta can be substituted with goat cheese or cream cheese for a different flavor profile.
- These tarts are best served warm but can also be enjoyed at room temperature.
- Perfect as an appetizer, light lunch, or party snack.
