Imagine a golden, buttery puff pastry canvas adorned with vibrant cherry tomatoes and creamy Taleggio cheese, creating a culinary masterpiece that transports you straight to the heart of Italy. This Tomato and Taleggio Tart is not just a recipe; it's an experience that combines rustic elegance with mouthwatering flavors that will have your guests begging for seconds. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a passionate food lover looking to impress, this tart promises to elevate your cooking game and bring a touch of Mediterranean magic to your table.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup Taleggio cheese, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Remove the puff pastry from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to become pliable. Carefully unfold the pastry sheet on the prepared baking sheet.
- Using a sharp knife, gently score a 1-inch border around the edge of the pastry, creating a frame. This will help the edges rise and create a beautiful golden border.
- Brush the entire surface of the pastry with olive oil, paying special attention to the scored border. This will help achieve a golden, crispy texture.
- Arrange the halved cherry tomatoes evenly across the pastry, leaving the border clear. Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Distribute the sliced Taleggio cheese between the tomatoes, ensuring even coverage. The cheese will melt beautifully and create a creamy texture.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown and the cheese is melted and slightly bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let the tart cool for 5-10 minutes to allow the cheese to set slightly.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped, just before serving to add a fresh, aromatic touch.
- Slice the tart into portions and serve warm as an appetizer, light lunch, or side dish.
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Allow your puff pastry to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before working with it. This ensures easy handling and prevents cracking.
- Scoring Technique: Create a border around your pastry to achieve a beautiful, professionally risen edge that looks stunning and adds texture.
- Cheese Selection: If Taleggio is hard to find, you can substitute with other soft, creamy cheeses like Brie or Camembert.
- Tomato Tip: Use ripe, sweet cherry tomatoes for the best flavor. If possible, choose a mix of red and yellow varieties for visual appeal.
- Fresh Herb Boost: While basil is traditional, try experimenting with fresh thyme or oregano for a different flavor profile.
- Serving Suggestion: This tart is best served warm, within 15-20 minutes of coming out of the oven when the cheese is still soft and the pastry crisp.
- Make-Ahead Hack: You can prepare the tart up to the point of baking and refrigerate for a few hours, then bake just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 30mg
