Heirloom Carrot and Whipped Ricotta Tart Recipe
If you’re searching for a show-stopping yet totally doable vegetarian centerpiece, look no further than the Heirloom Carrot and Whipped Ricotta Tart. This dish brings the natural beauty of jewel-toned heirloom carrots together with a cloud-like, lemony ricotta filling atop golden, flaky puff pastry. It’s an utter celebration of texture, flavor, and color—perfect for spring gatherings, brunches, or anytime you need something fresh and impressive. Every bite balances creamy, zesty, buttery, and earthy notes. Whether you’re a longtime veggie lover or just enchanted by pretty produce at the market, this tart will win everyone over.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for this tart is blessedly simple, but every element plays an essential part, adding to the savory-sweet harmony and stunning presentation. Use quality produce and dairy for the tastiest results—each item truly makes a difference.
- Puff pastry: A premade sheet is your shortcut to buttery, flaky perfection with zero fuss.
- Ricotta cheese: Whole milk ricotta creates a light, creamy base that pairs beautifully with tender carrots.
- Cream cheese: Just a hint blends into the ricotta, making the filling ultra-smooth and rich.
- Lemon zest: Brightens up the cheese mixture and highlights the sweetness of the carrots.
- Lemon juice: Adds tang and keeps flavors lively, not heavy.
- Olive oil: Used for roasting the carrots and enhancing their earthy flavor.
- Salt: Balances every bite and brings the flavors together.
- Black pepper: A hint of spice to elevate the savory notes.
- Heirloom carrots: Choose a rainbow if you can—they look stunning and each variety brings subtle flavor differences.
- Honey: A little drizzle draws out the carrots’ natural sweetness and helps with caramelization.
- Fresh thyme leaves: Adds an aromatic, herbal accent to the roasted carrots.
- Egg wash: A quick brush gives your pastry that bakery-worthy shine and deep golden color.
- Microgreens or chopped parsley: For a beautiful, fresh finishing touch (optional but highly recommended!).
How to Make Heirloom Carrot and Whipped Ricotta Tart
Step 1: Prepare Your Puff Pastry Base
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the puff pastry sheet to even out the edges (don’t make it too thin!). Then, transfer it to your prepared baking sheet. Score a 1/2-inch border around the pastry—with the tip of a knife—but don’t cut all the way through. This creates a frame that will puff up beautifully. Finish by pricking the center (not the border) all over with a fork to prevent it from ballooning up in the oven.
Step 2: Brush and Build That Gorgeous Border
For a perfectly burnished edge, brush your scored border with a generous swipe of egg wash (one beaten egg mixed with a spoonful of water). This small step ensures your Heirloom Carrot and Whipped Ricotta Tart comes out with bakery-caliber appeal and an irresistible crunch.
Step 3: Whip Up the Ricotta Filling
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. This creamy mixture should be smooth, fluffy, and lightly tangy—taste and season as needed. Spread the filling evenly within the scored border of your pastry, smoothing it out with the back of a spoon or offset spatula.
Step 4: Season and Arrange the Heirloom Carrots
In a separate bowl, toss your peeled, halved heirloom carrots with a drizzle of olive oil, honey, fresh thyme, and just a pinch of salt and pepper. The honey boosts caramelization, while thyme and seasoning draw out warmth and earthiness in each carrot. Arrange the carrot halves in a single, decorative layer across the ricotta—alternate colors for maximum visual impact.
Step 5: Bake to Golden, Savory Perfection
Slide your assembled tart into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the pastry is deeply golden and crisp, with tender, just-roasted carrots on top. If you love softer carrots, you can par-roast them before assembling. Once baked, let your Heirloom Carrot and Whipped Ricotta Tart cool slightly before adding the final flourish: a sprinkling of microgreens or chopped parsley.
How to Serve Heirloom Carrot and Whipped Ricotta Tart
Garnishes
Finishing touches matter: scatter fresh microgreens, a little extra lemon zest, or a handful of chopped parsley over the tart just before serving. They bring welcome freshness, a pop of green, and a peppery bite that makes the Heirloom Carrot and Whipped Ricotta Tart even more stunning.
Side Dishes
This colorful tart pairs beautifully with a crisp spring salad, perhaps with shaved fennel or arugula, and a chilled glass of white wine. For a heartier lunch, serve it alongside a cup of lemony lentil soup or a medley of roasted spring vegetables.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Slice the tart into bitesize squares for party-ready appetizers, or serve larger slices on individual boards garnished with edible flowers. The Heirloom Carrot and Whipped Ricotta Tart also looks lovely atop a rustic wooden platter, ready to share at the center of your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store slices of the tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The puff pastry stays reasonably crisp, and the flavors meld deliciously over time.
Freezing
You can freeze the tart either whole or in slices, wrapped tightly in plastic and foil. For best texture, freeze before garnishing with fresh herbs, and enjoy within one month for the freshest taste.
Reheating
To reheat, place chilled or frozen slices of the Heirloom Carrot and Whipped Ricotta Tart on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven until warmed through (about 10 minutes from chilled or 20 from frozen). This helps revive the crispness of the pastry.
FAQs
Can I use regular carrots instead of heirloom?
Absolutely! While the unique colors and flavors of heirloom carrots make the tart extra special, regular carrots work just as well—just look for the smallest, sweetest ones you can find for a beautiful finish.
Is there a dairy-free way to make this tart?
You can substitute your favorite dairy-free ricotta and cream cheese alternatives. Let them come to room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth, creamy filling.
Can I make the tart ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the tart a few hours in advance and serve it at room temperature or gently re-warm it before serving. Wait to garnish with microgreens and herbs until the last minute for peak freshness.
What are some other toppings I could add?
Feel free to get creative! Thinly shaved radishes, roasted beets, or even a sprinkle of toasted nuts would all be lovely atop this tart, giving you plenty of room to customize.
How do I get the carrots super tender?
If you prefer your carrots extra soft, try roasting them separately for about 10 minutes before assembling the tart. They’ll finish meltingly tender in the oven while the pastry bakes.
Final Thoughts
Don’t be surprised if the Heirloom Carrot and Whipped Ricotta Tart becomes your new go-to for impressing friends and treating yourself. Its effortless elegance, stunning colors, and layered flavors make it a delight from the first glance to the last bite. Gather your favorite carrots, warm up your oven, and discover just how easy it is to create something beautiful. Enjoy every slice!
Print
Heirloom Carrot and Whipped Ricotta Tart Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Heirloom Carrot and Whipped Ricotta Tart. With a flaky puff pastry base, creamy ricotta filling, and roasted heirloom carrots, this tart is a perfect balance of savory and sweet.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
Ricotta Filling:
1 cup ricotta cheese, 2 tablespoons cream cheese (softened), 1 tablespoon lemon zest, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for drizzling), 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Roasted Carrots:
6–8 small heirloom carrots (trimmed, peeled, and halved lengthwise), 1 tablespoon honey, 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Additional:
egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water), fresh microgreens or chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the pastry: Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface and place it on the baking sheet. Score a border and prick the inside with a fork. Brush the border with egg wash.
- Make the ricotta filling: Combine ricotta, cream cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread this mixture within the scored border.
- Prepare the carrots: Toss carrots with olive oil, honey, thyme, salt, and pepper. Arrange them over the ricotta.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden. Garnish with microgreens or parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can partially roast the carrots before assembling for a softer texture.
- Try using rainbow heirloom carrots for a colorful presentation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer or Light Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Modern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
