Tomato tartlets with puff pastry are a beautiful, flavorful creation that brings together the freshness of tomatoes, the creaminess of ricotta, and the buttery flakiness of puff pastry. This dish transports you to a charming Italian villa, where meals are crafted from the freshest garden ingredients and savored with laughter and love. Perfect as an appetizer, a light brunch dish, or a snack to impress your guests, these tartlets are as versatile as they are delicious.
This recipe celebrates the simplicity of ingredients while delivering bold flavors and textures. The tomatoes, bursting with natural sweetness, become slightly caramelized during baking, balancing the creamy richness of the ricotta. Each tartlet is finished with a touch of flaky sea salt and fresh basil, offering a symphony of flavors in every bite. Whether you’re planning a family gathering or simply treating yourself to a gourmet-style dish, these tomato tartlets are sure to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Elegance: These tartlets come together in just 30 minutes, but they look and taste like a dish you’d order at a fine-dining restaurant.
- Seasonal Goodness: Highlighting fresh tomatoes and herbs, this recipe is perfect for showcasing summer or early autumn produce.
- Customizable: While this recipe is perfection as is, you can experiment with other toppings, herbs, or cheeses to suit your preferences.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving a group or just enjoying a quiet meal, these tartlets are guaranteed to impress.
- Light Yet Satisfying: The balance of the flaky pastry, creamy ricotta, and juicy tomatoes is filling without being heavy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 sheet puff pastry (about 8.5 oz), thawed
- 1 egg
- ¾ cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons fresh basil, minced (plus extra leaves for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ lb mini heirloom tomatoes, halved (or cherry, grape, or regular heirloom tomatoes, sliced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Flaky sea salt, for finishing
How to Make Tomato Tartlets with Puff Pastry
Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to ensure the tartlets don’t stick. Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a clean surface and cut it into 9 equal squares. Place the squares on the prepared baking sheet.
Using a knife, gently score a smaller rectangle inside each square, leaving a ¼-inch border around the edges. Be careful not to cut all the way through. This step creates a frame that allows the edges to puff up beautifully during baking, forming a crisp, golden crust.
Step 2: Create the Ricotta Mixture
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, minced basil, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until smooth and creamy. The herbs and spices infuse the cheese mixture with aromatic notes that perfectly complement the tomatoes.
Step 3: Assemble the Tartlets
Place about 1½ tablespoons of the ricotta mixture in the center of each puff pastry square. Spread it evenly, staying within the scored border to ensure the edges puff up properly. Next, arrange the halved tomatoes on top of the ricotta, cut-side up. Take a moment to create an artful arrangement—the presentation makes these tartlets even more enticing.
Step 4: Apply the Egg Wash
Whisk the egg in a small bowl to create a simple egg wash. Using a pastry brush, lightly coat the edges of the puff pastry with the egg wash. This step gives the tartlets their signature golden, glossy finish.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the tartlets in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them as they bake—the pastry should puff up and turn a rich golden brown, while the tomatoes soften and release their juices. The aroma of buttery pastry and herby cheese will fill your kitchen, creating a tantalizing preview of what’s to come.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, remove the tartlets from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Top each tartlet with a fresh basil leaf and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for an extra burst of flavor and a touch of elegance.
Helpful Tips for Success
- Keep the Puff Pastry Cold: Work quickly with the puff pastry and keep it chilled until you’re ready to assemble the tartlets. This ensures the pastry puffs up beautifully.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: High-quality tomatoes, fresh basil, and good ricotta make a world of difference in the final flavor.
- Experiment with Toppings: While this recipe focuses on tomatoes and ricotta, you can try adding roasted red peppers, sautéed onions, or even crumbled feta for a unique twist.
- Plan for Freshness: These tartlets taste best when served immediately after baking. If you’re preparing them for a party, you can assemble them ahead and bake just before serving.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 9 tartlets
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Notes
- Storage: Store leftover tartlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to regain crispness.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the ricotta mixture and slice the tomatoes in advance. Keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to assemble and bake.
- Serving Ideas: Pair these tartlets with a fresh green salad, a bowl of soup, or a refreshing iced tea for a light, satisfying meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Tartlet)
- Calories: 235
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! While ricotta and Parmigiano-Reggiano are classic choices, you can experiment with goat cheese, cream cheese, or even a shredded mozzarella blend for a different flavor profile.
What’s the best way to prevent soggy pastry?
Make sure your tomatoes are dry before adding them to the tartlets. Pat them gently with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Additionally, avoid overloading the tartlets with toppings.
Can I freeze these tartlets?
It’s best to bake them fresh, but you can freeze unbaked assembled tartlets. Bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Related Recipes
If you loved these tomato tartlets, you might also enjoy:
Conclusion
These tomato tartlets with puff pastry are an irresistible treat that will transport you to a world of Mediterranean flavors. They’re perfect for impressing guests, celebrating seasonal produce, or indulging in a little everyday luxury. Give them a try, and savor the joy of homemade elegance!
Print
Tomato Tartlets with Puff Pastry
Description
Tomato tartlets with puff pastry are a beautiful, flavorful creation that brings together the freshness of tomatoes, the creaminess of ricotta, and the buttery flakiness of puff pastry. This dish transports you to a charming Italian villa, where meals are crafted from the freshest garden ingredients and savored with laughter and love. Perfect as an appetizer, a light brunch dish, or a snack to impress your guests, these tartlets are as versatile as they are delicious.
This recipe celebrates the simplicity of ingredients while delivering bold flavors and textures. The tomatoes, bursting with natural sweetness, become slightly caramelized during baking, balancing the creamy richness of the ricotta. Each tartlet is finished with a touch of flaky sea salt and fresh basil, offering a symphony of flavors in every bite. Whether you’re planning a family gathering or simply treating yourself to a gourmet-style dish, these tomato tartlets are sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry (about 8.5 oz), thawed
- 1 egg
- ¾ cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons fresh basil, minced (plus extra leaves for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ lb mini heirloom tomatoes, halved (or cherry, grape, or regular heirloom tomatoes, sliced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Flaky sea salt, for finishing
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to ensure the tartlets don’t stick. Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a clean surface and cut it into 9 equal squares. Place the squares on the prepared baking sheet.
Using a knife, gently score a smaller rectangle inside each square, leaving a ¼-inch border around the edges. Be careful not to cut all the way through. This step creates a frame that allows the edges to puff up beautifully during baking, forming a crisp, golden crust.
Step 2: Create the Ricotta Mixture
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, minced basil, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until smooth and creamy. The herbs and spices infuse the cheese mixture with aromatic notes that perfectly complement the tomatoes.
Step 3: Assemble the Tartlets
Place about 1½ tablespoons of the ricotta mixture in the center of each puff pastry square. Spread it evenly, staying within the scored border to ensure the edges puff up properly. Next, arrange the halved tomatoes on top of the ricotta, cut-side up. Take a moment to create an artful arrangement—the presentation makes these tartlets even more enticing.
Step 4: Apply the Egg Wash
Whisk the egg in a small bowl to create a simple egg wash. Using a pastry brush, lightly coat the edges of the puff pastry with the egg wash. This step gives the tartlets their signature golden, glossy finish.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the tartlets in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them as they bake—the pastry should puff up and turn a rich golden brown, while the tomatoes soften and release their juices. The aroma of buttery pastry and herby cheese will fill your kitchen, creating a tantalizing preview of what’s to come.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, remove the tartlets from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Top each tartlet with a fresh basil leaf and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for an extra burst of flavor and a touch of elegance.
Helpful Tips for Success
- Keep the Puff Pastry Cold: Work quickly with the puff pastry and keep it chilled until you’re ready to assemble the tartlets. This ensures the pastry puffs up beautifully.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: High-quality tomatoes, fresh basil, and good ricotta make a world of difference in the final flavor.
- Experiment with Toppings: While this recipe focuses on tomatoes and ricotta, you can try adding roasted red peppers, sautéed onions, or even crumbled feta for a unique twist.
- Plan for Freshness: These tartlets taste best when served immediately after baking. If you’re preparing them for a party, you can assemble them ahead and bake just before serving.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftover tartlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to regain crispness.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the ricotta mixture and slice the tomatoes in advance. Keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to assemble and bake.
- Serving Ideas: Pair these tartlets with a fresh green salad, a bowl of soup, or a refreshing iced tea for a light, satisfying meal.
