This Easy Yellow Tomato and Goat Cheese Tart is a treat for your taste buds! With a flaky crust, juicy yellow tomatoes, and creamy goat cheese, every bite is full of flavor.
You won’t believe how simple it is to make! I love serving it fresh out of the oven, and it makes my kitchen smell amazing. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a sunny picnic! 🌼
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the base of your tart. You can use store-bought puff pastry for ease. If you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free puff pastry, or you could use a pie crust or shortcrust pastry as an alternative.
Yellow Tomatoes: Heirloom yellow tomatoes are fantastic for this recipe due to their sweetness. If they’re not in season, regular tomatoes or mixed colored tomatoes work great, too. Just aim for ripe, juicy ones!
Goat Cheese: Creamy goat cheese adds a wonderful tang. If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, you could substitute it with cream cheese, ricotta, or feta for a different flavor profile.
Fresh Herbs: Thyme is lovely here, but feel free to use oregano or even rosemary if you prefer. Dried herbs can work in a pinch, but fresh tastes best!
How Do I Get My Puff Pastry to Rise Perfectly?
To ensure your puff pastry puffs up beautifully, follow these steps:
- Thaw the pastry correctly in the fridge to prevent sticking.
- Roll out the pastry evenly and score a border about an inch in to create a rise when baking.
- Keep the edges clear of toppings to allow them to puff fully.
- Baking at a high temp (400°F or 200°C) is key for that nice lift!
Trust me, following these tips will lead to a golden, flaky crust that’s sure to impress.
Easy Yellow Tomato and Goat Cheese Tart
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tart:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
- 4-5 medium heirloom or yellow tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 8 oz goat cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil or chives, chopped (for garnish)
Optional Ingredients:
- 1 clove garlic, minced (to mix with goat cheese)
- 1 teaspoon honey (to drizzle)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 20-25 minutes to bake, for a total time of around 40-45 minutes. It’s easy and quick, perfect for a delightful meal or fancy gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
Roll out the thawed puff pastry on the prepared baking sheet to the size you want your tart to be. Use a knife to lightly score a 1-inch border around the edges, making sure not to cut all the way through. This border will help the edges puff up nicely while baking.
3. Mix the Goat Cheese:
In a medium bowl, combine the softened goat cheese with minced garlic (if using), salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix it well until the ingredients are nicely blended together.
4. Assemble the Tart:
Spread the goat cheese mixture evenly inside the scored border on the puff pastry. Then, place the sliced yellow tomatoes and any other colorful tomato slices on top of the goat cheese in an overlapping pattern, making it look pretty!
5. Season and Prepare for Baking:
Drizzle olive oil over the top of the tomatoes. Add a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and any additional thyme to your taste.
6. Bake the Tart:
Bake the tart in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the pastry is golden and puffed, and the tomatoes are tender.
7. Cool and Garnish:
Once baked, remove the tart from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. If you like, drizzle a little honey on top for sweetness, and then garnish with fresh chopped basil or chives.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the tart and serve it warm or at room temperature. It’s perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even a light main course. Enjoy the vibrant flavors of creamy goat cheese and fresh yellow tomatoes!
Bon appétit!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Tomatoes?
Absolutely! While yellow heirloom tomatoes are delicious, you can use any ripe tomatoes you have on hand, including regular red tomatoes or a mix of colorful varieties for an attractive presentation.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Puff Pastry?
If you can’t find puff pastry, you can use a pre-made pie crust or shortcrust dough. Just roll it out to fit your baking sheet and follow the same assembly instructions.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover tart in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, to maintain the pastry’s crispiness.
Can I Make This Tart Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the tart up to the baking stage a few hours in advance. Just cover and refrigerate it, then bake just before serving for the best results. If needed, you can also bake the tart the day before and simply reheat it.
