Imagine biting into a golden, flaky pastry that crumbles perfectly to reveal a burst of vibrant cherry tomatoes and creamy feta cheese, all kissed with fresh basil. These Mini Tomato Feta Tarts are not just an appetizer; they're a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet experience that will have your guests begging for the recipe. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or craving a sophisticated snack, these elegant little tarts are about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 12 tarts
Ingredients
- 1 package puff pastry, thawed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry to smooth out any creases. Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to cut the pastry into 3-inch squares. You should be able to get about 12 squares from one package of puff pastry.
- Place the pastry squares on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each square to allow for puffing during baking.
- Using a sharp knife, gently score a smaller square about 1/2 inch from the edge of each pastry square, being careful not to cut all the way through. This will create a border that will puff up nicely when baked.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh basil. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring that the flavors are well balanced.
- Evenly distribute the tomato and feta mixture into the center of each puff pastry square, making sure to stay within the scored border.
- Brush the edges of the pastry squares with the beaten egg to give them a beautiful golden color as they bake.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed up.
- Once baked, remove the tarts from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet.
- Serve the mini tomato feta tarts warm or at room temperature, garnished with additional fresh basil if desired. Enjoy your Mediterranean-inspired appetizer!
Tips
- Always ensure your puff pastry is completely thawed but still cold for the best flaky texture.
- Use a sharp knife when scoring the pastry to create clean, defined borders.
- Choose ripe, sweet cherry tomatoes for maximum flavor impact.
- Don't overcrowd the pastry squares with filling - leave room for the edges to puff up.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a tiny drizzle of high-quality olive oil before serving.
- If you want a more intense flavor, briefly roast your cherry tomatoes with a touch of garlic before adding to the tarts.
- Serve immediately or within an hour of baking for the crispiest pastry texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 150kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 25mg
