Tomato Goat Cheese Tart

This tomato goat cheese tart transforms simple ingredients into an impressive dish that's perfect for everything from casual lunches to elegant dinner parties. The combination of flaky puff pastry, creamy farmer cheese, and juicy tomatoes creates a beautiful harmony of flavors that's enhanced by fragrant basil pesto.

I first made this tart for an impromptu weekend lunch when friends dropped by unexpectedly. They were so impressed they thought I'd spent hours in the kitchen, and now it's become my go to recipe whenever I need something that looks fancy but requires minimal effort.

Ingredients

• Puff pastry sheet: Makes the perfect flaky base that puffs beautifully. Look for all butter varieties for the best flavor.
• Egg: Creates that gorgeous golden crust when brushed along the edges.
• Basil pesto: Adds incredible depth of flavor. Homemade is wonderful but store bought works perfectly too.
• Lifeway Farmer Cheese: Provides a creamy, tangy base that balances the sweet tomatoes perfectly. Look for a quality brand with good texture.
• Variety of tomatoes: The star ingredient brings color and juicy flavor. Use a mix of heirloom varieties for the most beautiful presentation.
• Olive oil: A light drizzle enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes.
• Kosher salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors. Flaky sea salt works beautifully as a finishing touch.
• Fresh cracked pepper: Adds just the right amount of spice to complement the other ingredients.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the oven:

Set your oven to preheat at 400 degrees. This higher temperature ensures your puff pastry gets that perfect golden crispness while still cooking through completely. Position your rack in the middle of the oven for even heat distribution.

Prepare the pastry:

Unfold your thawed puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pinch together any seams you see to create a smooth surface. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough just slightly thinner to create a nice rectangle shape. This helps achieve the perfect ratio of pastry to toppings.

Create the crust border:

Using a sharp knife, score a border approximately one inch from the edge all around your pastry sheet. Be careful not to cut all the way through the dough just score it lightly. This creates that beautiful raised edge that frames your tart perfectly.

Add the egg wash:

Take your beaten egg and brush it only on the border you've created. This will give your crust that beautiful golden color and slight shine that makes the tart look professionally made.

Layer the cheese:

Spoon the farmer cheese evenly across the inner rectangle of your pastry, staying within the scored border. Use the back of a spoon to create a smooth, even layer that will become the creamy foundation for your toppings.

Add first pesto layer:

Drizzle half of your basil pesto over the farmer cheese layer. Use the back of a spoon to gently swirl it slightly into the cheese without fully mixing the two together. This creates beautiful flavor pockets throughout the tart.

Arrange the tomatoes:

Place your sliced tomatoes in an attractive pattern across the cheese and pesto layer. Slightly overlap them for the most beautiful presentation. Gently press them into the cheese layer to help them stay in place during baking.

Season the top:

Drizzle the arranged tomatoes with olive oil, using a light hand to enhance their flavor without making the tart soggy. Sprinkle with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste, being mindful that the pesto already contains some seasoning.

Bake to perfection:

Place your prepared tart in the preheated oven and bake for 25 30 minutes. Look for a deeply golden brown bottom crust and edges that have puffed beautifully. The cheese should be melted and the tomatoes softened with slightly caramelized edges.

Finish with pesto:

Once your tart is out of the oven, drizzle the remaining basil pesto over the top. The heat from the tart will release the fragrant oils in the pesto, creating an amazing aroma and fresh flavor boost.

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The first time I served this tart at a garden party, my aunt who claims to dislike goat cheese couldn't stop eating it. She insisted I share the recipe with her immediately, proof that even cheese skeptics can be converted with the right combination of flavors. The way the tomatoes slightly caramelize in the oven brings out their natural sweetness which perfectly balances the tangy cheese.

Choosing the Perfect Tomatoes

The variety of tomatoes you choose can dramatically impact both the flavor and appearance of your tart. For the most stunning presentation, opt for a mix of colors and sizes like ruby red beefsteaks, yellow pear tomatoes, and purple Cherokee varieties. During peak tomato season, farmers markets offer the best selection of heirloom varieties with superior flavor. Look for tomatoes that feel heavy for their size and have a slight give when gently squeezed this indicates perfect ripeness. For off season preparation, Roma or cocktail tomatoes on the vine tend to offer better flavor than standard grocery store varieties.

Make it Your Own

This versatile tart welcomes numerous variations to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Instead of farmer cheese, try crumbled feta or small balls of fresh mozzarella for a different flavor profile. The pesto can be swapped for sundried tomato spread, olive tapenade, or even a thin layer of caramelized onions. For added protein, consider adding thin slices of prosciutto after baking or scatter with crispy pancetta before serving. Vegetable variations are endless try adding thin slices of zucchini, caramelized fennel, or roasted red peppers alongside the tomatoes. Each variation creates a completely different tart while maintaining the same simple preparation method.

Serving Suggestions

This tart shines as the centerpiece of a light lunch when paired with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. The peppery greens complement the sweet tomatoes perfectly. For dinner, serve smaller slices as a starter before a simple pasta dish or grilled meat. When entertaining, cut the tart into small squares and serve at room temperature as part of an appetizer spread. It pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light rosé. For brunch, add a few quartered soft boiled eggs to the top after baking for an elegant twist on breakfast pizza.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use store-bought pesto instead of homemade?

Yes, store-bought pesto works perfectly as a time-saving alternative. Choose a high-quality variety for best results, preferably one without preservatives for the freshest flavor.

→ What types of tomatoes work best for this tart?

A mix of tomato varieties creates the most interesting flavor and appearance. Try combining heirloom tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, and Roma tomatoes for different colors, sizes, and sweetness levels.

→ Can I substitute the farmer cheese with another cheese?

Absolutely! Traditional goat cheese, ricotta, or even a combination of mozzarella and parmesan would work wonderfully. Each cheese will provide a slightly different flavor profile and texture.

→ How do I prevent a soggy bottom on my tart?

For crispy results, bake the tart on the lower rack of your oven, make sure to properly score the edge crust, and consider blind baking the puff pastry for 5-7 minutes before adding toppings if using particularly juicy tomatoes.

→ Can I prepare this tart in advance?

You can prepare the components ahead of time (slice tomatoes, make pesto), but it's best to assemble and bake just before serving. If needed, bake up to 4 hours ahead and serve at room temperature.

→ What can I serve with this tart?

This tart pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette, a chilled soup like gazpacho in summer, or a warm vegetable soup in cooler months. It also makes an excellent starter before a main course.