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+ servings

California Puff Pastry Tomato Tart with Herbed Ricotta

A stunning puff pastry tomato tart topped with creamy herbed ricotta, juicy tomatoes, and fresh basil. Ready in under 40 minutes, it's perfect for brunch or a light dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Appetizers, Breakfast, Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Crust
  • 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed from a 17.3-ounce package
  • 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water for egg wash
For the Herbed Ricotta Filling
  • 8 ounces full-fat ricotta cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese freshly grated preferred
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley leaves finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Meyer lemon zest from a California Meyer lemon
  • 2 teaspoons Meyer lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Topping
  • 1 pound ripe tomatoes sliced 1/4-inch thick, blotted dry with paper towels

Method
 

Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet (half-sheet size) with parchment paper.
Make the Herbed Ricotta Filling
  1. In a food processor, combine the ricotta, Parmesan, minced garlic, parsley, basil, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Process until smooth and well blended. Set aside.
Prepare the Puff Pastry
  1. On a lightly floured surface, unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet. Roll it out into a 10x14-inch rectangle. Transfer the pastry to the prepared baking sheet.
  2. Using a sharp knife, score a border 1 inch from the edges, being careful not to cut all the way through. Prick the pastry inside the border all over with a fork to prevent it from puffing up too much.
Assemble the Tart
  1. Spread the herbed ricotta mixture evenly over the pastry, staying within the scored border. Arrange the tomato slices in a single layer on top of the ricotta.
  2. Brush the exposed border of the pastry with the egg wash. This will give the crust a beautiful golden sheen.
Bake the Tart
  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until the puff pastry is puffed and golden brown, and the tomatoes are tender.
Finish and Serve
  1. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly on the baking sheet. Cut into 6 to 8 squares. Serve warm or at room temperature. Garnish with extra fresh basil or a dollop of ricotta if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 12gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 520mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4g

Notes

Blot the tomato slices with paper towels to remove excess moisture; this prevents a soggy crust. If your puff pastry is not thawed, let it sit in the fridge overnight. For a vegan version, use plant-based puff pastry and substitute the ricotta and Parmesan with your favorite vegan alternatives. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat in a 350°F oven until crispy. Feel free to add shredded mozzarella or crumbled goat cheese to the ricotta mixture for extra richness. This tart is best enjoyed the day it's made but can be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw and reheat in the oven.

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