This Easy Yellow Tomato and Goat Cheese Tart is a sunny treat that’s full of flavor! With a flaky crust, creamy goat cheese, and sweet yellow tomatoes, it’s perfect for any occasion.
Honestly, this tart looks so pretty, I can hardly resist taking a photo before diving in! 🍅 Plus, it’s simple to whip up, making it a hit for both lunch and dinner gatherings.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the base for your tart and gives it a delightful flaky texture. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use a whole wheat pastry or even a homemade crust. For gluten-free needs, try a gluten-free pastry available in stores.
Yellow Tomatoes: The star of this recipe! Heirloom or sliced yellow tomatoes work best here. If yellow tomatoes aren’t available, feel free to use ripe red tomatoes or a mix of both; just remember that the flavor might change a little.
Goat Cheese: Softened goat cheese adds creaminess and tang. If goat cheese isn’t your favorite, you could substitute cream cheese for a milder taste or feta for some added saltiness. Vegan cream cheese is another option if you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative.
Fresh Herbs: Thyme enhances the flavors beautifully. If you don’t have it, rosemary, oregano, or even Italian seasoning can work well. Just remember to adjust the amount to your taste!
How Do I Get the Puff Pastry Just Right?
Handling puff pastry can be tricky, but with some care, you can make it perfect! Here’s how:
- First, ensure your puff pastry is thawed but still cold for easy handling.
- Gently roll it out on parchment paper, if needed. Avoid pressing too hard to keep the layers intact.
- Pricking the dough before baking helps prevent it from puffing up too much in the center, keeping everything contained.
- Watch it closely as it bakes for that beautiful golden finish; every oven is a bit different.
Keeping these tips in mind will help you achieve a lovely crust every time!
Easy Yellow Tomato and Goat Cheese Tart
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tart:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (about 9×12 inches), thawed
- 4-5 medium ripe yellow tomatoes (heirloom or yellow slicing tomatoes), sliced
- 4-5 medium ripe red and mixed heirloom tomatoes, sliced (for color variety)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (yellow and red), halved
- 4 oz goat cheese, softened
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh chopped chives or basil for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tart will take you about 25-30 minutes total! You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping and assembling the ingredients, plus 22-25 minutes baking time in the oven. The result is a delicious tart that’s worth every minute!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
Roll out your thawed puff pastry directly on the parchment paper. If necessary, smooth out any creases and gently stretch it to make a slightly larger rectangle, but be careful not to tear it!
3. Prick the Pastry:
Use a fork to prick the pastry all over, except for about a 1-inch border along the edges. This will help it bake evenly and keep the center from puffing up too much.
4. Partially Bake the Crust:
Put the pastry in your preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes or until it starts to turn a light golden color. This step gives the crust a good start before you add the toppings! Once done, remove it and let it cool slightly.
5. Spread the Goat Cheese:
Take your softened goat cheese and spread it evenly over the partially baked puff pastry, making sure to leave that delicious border uncovered for a crispy edge.
6. Arrange the Tomatoes:
Now for the fun part! Arrange your sliced yellow and mixed heirloom tomatoes on top of the goat cheese in a colorful pattern. Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes on top for extra color and flavor!
7. Add Seasoning and Oil:
Drizzle olive oil over the tomatoes, and if you’re using it, sprinkle the minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. This will enhance all the wonderful flavors!
8. Bake it Again:
Place the tart back into the oven and bake for another 12-15 minutes. You’re looking for the tomatoes to soften and the pastry edges to become a deep golden brown and crispy.
9. Cool and Garnish:
Once done, take the tart out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will make slicing easier!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Just before you serve, sprinkle fresh chopped chives or basil on top for that lovely finishing touch. Slice it up and enjoy your vibrant Easy Yellow Tomato and Goat Cheese Tart!
Bon appétit!
FAQ for Easy Yellow Tomato and Goat Cheese Tart
Can I Use Different Types of Tomatoes?
Absolutely! While yellow heirloom tomatoes are recommended for their sweetness, you can substitute with any ripe tomatoes you prefer—just keep in mind that the flavor and color may vary.
What Can I Substitute for Goat Cheese?
If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, you can use cream cheese for a milder taste or feta for added saltiness. For a dairy-free option, try vegan cream cheese!
Can I Make This Tart Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the tart up to the point of baking and then cover it in the refrigerator for a few hours. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if it’s chilled!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain that crispy texture.
