Description
A delicious and elegant Goat Cheese Cherry Tomato Tart featuring a flaky puff pastry base topped with creamy goat cheese, fresh cherry tomatoes, and aromatic thyme. Perfect for brunch or as an appetizer, this French-inspired tart is easy to prepare and bakes to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Cheese Mixture
- 4 ounces goat cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup cream cheese or ricotta (optional for added creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh basil or arugula for garnish (optional)
- Balsamic glaze for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the tart.
- Prepare Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the puff pastry slightly to even it out. Transfer the pastry to the prepared baking sheet and use a knife to score a 1/2-inch border around the edge, making sure not to cut all the way through to allow puffing of the edges.
- Make Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the softened goat cheese with cream cheese or ricotta if using, olive oil, and fresh or dried thyme. Season the mixture with salt and pepper, then spread it evenly within the scored border on the puff pastry.
- Arrange Tomatoes: Place the halved cherry tomatoes cut side up evenly over the cheese mixture. This ensures they roast beautifully and retain their juicy flavor.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg to give the crust a shiny golden finish once baked.
- Bake: Bake the tart in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes until the pastry is golden brown, puffed, and the tomatoes are nicely roasted.
- Garnish and Serve: Let the tart cool slightly, then top with fresh basil or arugula and drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature for maximum flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute goat cheese with feta cheese or experiment with heirloom cherry tomatoes for added color and flavor variety.
- This tart is versatile and works well as a brunch dish or an elegant appetizer for gatherings.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the cheese and substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently in the oven to maintain crispness.
