Puff Pastry French Tomato Tart

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Simple, elegant, and bursting with flavor, this Puff Pastry French Tomato Tart is the perfect way to bring a touch of France to your table. With flaky pastry, sweet summer tomatoes, and a hint of herby goodness, you’ll have this recipe on repeat.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This is a tart recipe anyone would fall in love with because it checks all the boxes for flavor, elegance, and simplicity. Here’s why it’s so special:

• A perfect Balance of Flavors: The tangy Dijon mustard creates a flavorful base that complements the natural sweetness and acidity of the roasted tomatoes. Gruyère cheese adds a rich, nutty finish, while the fresh thyme and basil elevate the dish with herbaceous notes.
• Light Yet Satisfying: The puff pastry is buttery and flaky, creating a light base that doesn’t overpower the fresh and creamy toppings. It’s indulgent without being too heavy.
• Visually Stunning: The overlapping tomato slices create a vibrant, colorful pattern that’s as appealing to the eyes as it is to the palate. This tart is perfect for impressing guests or brightening a table.
• Simple to Make: Using store-bought puff pastry keeps things easy while still delivering gourmet results. The recipe doesn’t require complex techniques, making it approachable for cooks of all skill levels.
• Versatile for any Occasion: This tart works as an appetizer, a side dish, or even a light lunch paired with a salad. It’s perfect for brunch or a casual dinner.
• Customizable: You can tweak the toppings to suit your preferences. Try goat cheese for tanginess, mozzarella for creaminess, or even add caramelized onions for a touch of sweetness. Each variation brings a new flavor dimension.
• Highlights Seasonal Ingredients: It’s a wonderful way to showcase ripe, fresh tomatoes, especially in summer when they’re at their peak. The simple preparation lets the quality of the ingredients shine.

Ingredients:

• Puff Pastry: The base of the tart, flaky puff pastry, provides a buttery crust that supports the toppings without overpowering them. Its light and crisp texture contrasts beautifully with the creamy and juicy toppings, adding structure and richness to the dish.
• Tomatoes: The star ingredient, tomatoes bring a natural sweetness, tanginess, and juiciness to the tart. Their vibrant color and fresh flavor make this tart visually appealing and delicious. Choosing ripe tomatoes ensures the best results. 
• Dijon Mustard: Dijon mustard adds a tangy, slightly sharp layer of flavor beneath the cheese and tomatoes. It enhances the savory depth of the tart and provides a uniquely French touch, tying the ingredients together.
• Gruyère Cheese: Gruyère is sprinkled over the tomatoes for a nutty, slightly salty flavor that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes. As it melts, it binds the toppings together, adds richness, and creates a satisfying golden layer. Parmesan can be mixed in for extra sharpness.
• Olive Oil: Drizzled over the tomatoes and cheese, olive oil enhances the flavor of the tart and helps the tomatoes caramelize slightly. It brings out the natural flavors of the tomatoes while adding a silky finish to the dish.
• Fresh Herbs: Thyme and basil adds a delicate, earthy aroma and enhances the savory flavors of the tart. These classic herbs pair beautifully with tomatoes, mustard, and cheese, giving the tart a hint of elegance and depth.
• Salt and Pepper: These seasonings enhance and balance the flavors of all the ingredients. A sprinkle of salt draws out the sweetness in the tomatoes, while black pepper adds a touch of heat and complexity.

Equipment Needed:

• Tart Pan or Pie Dish: Today I used a tart pan, but you can easily use a pie dish instead if you don’t have a tart pan.
• Parchment Paper and Flour: The puff pastry dough will be rolled out between to sheets of parchment that is lightly floured to prevent the dough from sticking to surfaces or the rolling pin.
• Rolling Pin: Used to roll out the puff pastry dough.
• Fork: Used to poke the puff pastry dough.
• Pastry Brush: Used to spread the Dijon mustard onto the puff pastry dough.

How To Make A Puff Pastry French Tomato Tart:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Lightly grease a round tart baking pan (approximately 9–10 inches in diameter).
• Lightly flour the top and bottom pastry dough. Roll out the puff pastry in between two sheets of parchment paper to fit your round tart pan.
• Gently press the pastry into the tart pan, trimming any excess around the edges. Ensure the pastry fits snugly against the sides of the pan.
• Prick the bottom of the pastry all over with a fork to prevent it from puffing too much during baking.

• Spread the Dijon mustard evenly over the base of the pastry.

• Arrange the tomato slices in an overlapping circular pattern over the cheese layer, starting from the outer edge and working toward the center for a decorative look.
• Sprinkle the grated Gruyère cheese evenly over the tomatoes.
• Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with thyme, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.

• Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp, and the tomatoes are slightly caramelized.
• Let the tart cool slightly before garnishing with fresh basil leaves.
• Slice into wedges and serve warm or at room temperature. It’s perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or light lunch.

Cooking Tips:

• Tomato Prep: If your tomatoes are very juicy, lightly salt the slices and let them sit on paper towels for 10–15 minutes to remove excess moisture. This prevents a soggy tart.
• Cheese Variations: Goat cheese or mozzarella can be used instead of Gruyère for a different flavor.
• Add Extra Flavor: A drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of herbs de Provence can elevate the tart further.

How To Store Leftovers:

I think this recipe is best to enjoy the same day it’s made. If you happen to have leftovers, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven for the best texture and flavor.

What To Pair with a Tomato Tart:

A French Tomato Tart pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, drinks, and accompaniments to create a complete meal. Here are some excellent options:

• Wine: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light rosé enhances the tart’s flavors without overpowering them. A light red wine, like Pinot Noir, also pairs well.
• Sparkling Water with Lemon: For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a twist of lemon or lime cleanses the palate between bites.
• Mixed Greens Salad: A light salad with arugula, spinach, or mixed greens tossed in a simple vinaigrette (olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper) adds freshness and balances the richness of the tart.
• Ratatouille: A side of warm, stewed vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers complements the tart’s Mediterranean flavors.
• Herbed Potatoes: Roasted baby potatoes with rosemary and garlic provide a hearty, comforting side.
• Cheese Platter: Serve the tart alongside a cheese board with soft cheeses (like brie or Camembert) and fresh fruit.
• Crusty Bread: A warm baguette or rustic bread with butter pairs beautifully with the tart and makes the meal feel more complete.

This recipe is an elegant way to enjoy simple ingredients combined into something truly special. It’s a slice of France on your plate, perfect for savoring any time!

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! For more delicious recipes, visit the recipes tab. Please comment below with any feedback or questions you may have, and don’t forget to share your creations with me on social media – I’d love to see how you make your homemade praline pecans turn out!

Cheers!