Imagine a golden, flaky pastry canvas adorned with vibrant cherry tomatoes and creamy, melted cheese that transports you straight to the charming countryside of France. These irresistible Cheese Tomato Tarts are not your ordinary quiche – they're a quick, elegant dish that promises to elevate your cooking game and impress even the most discerning food lovers. In just 40 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy appetizer that looks like it took hours to prepare!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cheese (e.g., goat cheese or mozzarella), crumbled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Remove the puff pastry from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to become pliable. Gently unfold the pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface.
- Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, carefully slice the puff pastry into 8 equal rectangular pieces. Transfer these pieces onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each tart.
- Using a small knife, create a light border around each pastry piece by scoring a 1/2-inch margin, being careful not to cut completely through the pastry. This border will help create a raised edge for the tart.
- Drizzle olive oil over each pastry piece and lightly brush to ensure even coverage. This will help create a golden, crisp base.
- Distribute the halved cherry tomatoes evenly across each pastry piece, placing them within the scored border. Ensure they are arranged in a single layer.
- Sprinkle crumbled cheese over the tomatoes, covering them generously. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed, golden brown, and the cheese is melted and slightly bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let the tarts cool for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the pastry to set and makes serving easier.
- Just before serving, garnish with fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped, to add a bright, aromatic finish to the tarts.
- Serve warm as an appetizer, light lunch, or side dish. These tarts are best enjoyed immediately while the pastry remains crisp and the cheese is still warm.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Allow your puff pastry to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to ensure it's pliable and easy to work with.
- Create a Beautiful Border: When scoring the pastry, use a light touch to create an elegant raised edge that helps contain the tomatoes and cheese.
- Cheese Selection: While goat cheese and mozzarella work wonderfully, experiment with other soft cheeses like feta or ricotta for unique flavor profiles.
- Fresh is Best: Use ripe, in-season cherry tomatoes for maximum flavor and visual appeal.
- Olive Oil Trick: Lightly brushing the pastry with olive oil ensures a beautifully golden and crisp base.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately after a short cooling period to maintain the pastry's crispness and the cheese's warm, melty texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 20mg
