Easy & Elegant Tomato Puff Pastry Tarts: Your Go-To Summer Appetizer

Tomato Puff Pastry Tarts are a delightful culinary creation that masterfully balances the rich, buttery flakiness of puff pastry with the vibrant, juicy sweetness of fresh tomatoes. These stunning tarts are generously topped with a creamy, herb-infused cream cheese mixture and a colorful array of plump, ripe tomatoes. Effortlessly impressive, these tarts are perfect for any gathering, from casual brunches to sophisticated dinner parties, and are guaranteed to captivate your guests and leave them longing for more.

About These Tomato Puff Pastry Tarts

These savory tomato puff pastry tarts offer an exquisite way to savor the peak flavors of summer. While puff pastry is often associated with sweet treats like Nutella puff pastry pies, it truly shines in savory applications, providing an unparalleled light and crisp base.

You’ll absolutely adore these individual savory tarts for many reasons. Here’s why they’re a must-try:

1. Exquisite Flaky Crust: Each tomato tart begins with a foundation of buttery, flaky puff pastry. When baked, it transforms into a delicate, airy crust that provides a satisfying contrast to the creamy filling and juicy tomatoes.
2. Bursting with Fresh Tomato Flavor: The star of these tarts is, undoubtedly, the fresh, ripe tomatoes. Technically a fruit, tomatoes boast a natural sweetness that is perfectly complemented by the aromatic fresh herbs. As they bake, their juices intensify, resulting in an explosion of concentrated flavor in every bite.
3. Incredible Versatility: This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. You have the freedom to customize the blend of fresh herbs in the creamy cheese base, as well as the types of tomatoes you choose to crown your tarts. This makes them perfect for showcasing seasonal produce.
4. Visually Stunning Presentation: With their vibrant red tomatoes, golden-brown crust, and fresh green basil garnish, these tarts are a feast for the eyes. They make an ideal appetizer for summer parties, offering a pop of color and gourmet appeal. Pair them with a refreshing side salad, and they can easily serve as a light yet satisfying lunch.

Taking a bite into a puff pastry tomato tart is like experiencing the very best of summer. I particularly enjoy using a variety of tomatoes, as it beautifully highlights the diverse flavors, textures, and colors that tomatoes can offer. In this recipe, I’ve combined tomatoes on the vine, hothouse tomatoes, and sweet cherry tomatoes. However, feel free to use any of your favorite varieties, whether it’s a single type or a delightful mix!

Ingredients You’ll Need for These Savory Tarts

Crafting these delectable tomato puff pastry tarts requires a few simple yet high-quality ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures.

Puff Pastry: The foundation of our tarts! Puff pastry dough is a marvel of culinary engineering, created by layering butter into dough through a meticulous folding process. This results in an incredibly light, airy, and crispy texture once baked. For convenience, I typically use pre-packaged puff pastry, which often comes in packs of two sheets from the freezer section of most grocery stores (usually found near frozen desserts or bread). This quantity is perfect for this recipe. However, if you’re feeling adventurous and have the time, homemade puff pastry can elevate these tarts to an even more artisanal level.

Egg: You’ll need just one large egg, beaten with a little water, to create an egg wash. This egg wash is brushed generously around the edges of your tarts. Its purpose is twofold: it gives the pastry a beautiful golden-brown color and a lovely sheen, and it also helps the edges puff up wonderfully, creating a defined border.

Cream Cheese: Choose your favorite brand of cream cheese for the smooth, herby base. I prefer full-fat cream cheese for its richness and creamy texture, but a light cream cheese can be used if you’re looking for a slightly lighter option. Ensure it’s at room temperature for easy blending.

Fresh Herbs: A fragrant combination of fresh thyme and basil leaves forms the heart of the herb cream cheese mixture. These herbs impart a wonderful aroma and fresh flavor that complements the tomatoes beautifully. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility; you can easily customize the herbs. Consider adding fresh rosemary (use sparingly as it’s potent), tarragon, oregano, or parsley for different flavor profiles. You’ll also want a little extra fresh basil for a vibrant garnish after baking.

Garlic: Minced garlic adds a subtle savory depth to the cream cheese mixture. For a convenient shortcut, I always keep a jar of minced garlic in my fridge – it saves time and keeps my hands free of garlic odor! Of course, freshly minced garlic cloves work just as well and offer a slightly more pungent flavor.

Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings are crucial for enhancing all the other flavors. Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper are always recommended for their superior taste and ability to season evenly.

Tomatoes: This is where you can truly have fun! The type of tomatoes you use can dramatically change the look and subtle flavor nuances of your tarts. For the pictures, I used a vibrant mix of hothouse tomatoes, tomatoes on the vine, and small, sweet cherry tomatoes. Don’t hesitate to experiment with heirloom tomatoes for stunning colors, green tomatoes for a tangier bite, yellow tomatoes for sweetness, grape tomatoes for convenience, or beefsteak tomatoes for substantial slices. The key is ripeness!

Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is the perfect finishing touch, adding a salty, umami kick and a delicate texture to the warm tarts. Grating it fresh makes a significant difference in flavor compared to pre-grated varieties.

Essential Tools for This Recipe

While this recipe is quite straightforward, having the right kitchen tools can make the process even smoother and more enjoyable:

• Rolling Pin: You’ll need a rolling pin to lightly expand your thawed puff pastry sheets. I find a marble rolling pin particularly effective, as its weight helps with even rolling and its coolness can help prevent the pastry from sticking.
• Mixing Bowls: A set of mixing bowls will be indispensable for preparing the herb cream cheese mixture. A large bowl provides ample space for beating the ingredients together without spills.
• Electric Hand Mixer: To achieve that perfectly smooth and creamy herb cream cheese, an electric hand mixer is your best friend. It ensures all ingredients are thoroughly combined and airy.
• Silicone Brush: For applying the egg wash evenly around the edges of your tarts, a silicone brush is the ideal tool. It provides smooth coverage and is easy to clean.
• Silicone Baking Mat or Parchment Paper: To prevent your tarts from sticking and for easy cleanup, always line your baking sheet with either a silicone baking mat or parchment paper.
• Rimmed Half Sheet Baking Pan: A sturdy half sheet baking pan provides a flat, even surface for baking and helps contain any potential drips.

Here’s How to Make Tomato Puff Pastry Tarts

Creating these delightful tomato tarts is simpler than you might think. Follow these step-by-step instructions for perfect results every time.

Prepare Puff Pastry

First, ensure your puff pastry is properly thawed. This usually takes about 40 minutes at room temperature. Carefully unroll the pastry sheets onto a lightly floured surface or parchment paper. Using a rolling pin, gently roll out each sheet just enough to smooth any creases and make it slightly larger, creating a more even surface. Cut each sheet into four equal rectangles, resulting in a total of eight tart bases.

Next, take a sharp knife and gently score a 1/2-inch border around the edge of each pastry rectangle. Be careful not to cut all the way through the dough; you’re just creating an outline that will allow the edges to puff up beautifully while keeping the center relatively flat. To prevent the center from puffing up too much and creating a soggy bottom, lightly prick the center of each pastry piece several times with a fork. This allows steam to escape during baking. Place these prepared pastry pieces onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, and set them aside while you prepare the filling.

Make Herb Cream Cheese

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the room temperature cream cheese, chopped fresh thyme, chopped fresh basil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Using an electric hand mixer, beat these ingredients together until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Ensure there are no lumps of cream cheese, and the herbs and seasonings are evenly distributed. This fragrant and savory cream cheese will be the delicious base for your tomatoes.

Assemble the Tarts

Now it’s time to bring everything together! Take a spoonful of the herb cream cheese mixture and spread it evenly over the center of each puff pastry rectangle, making sure to stay within the scored border. This ensures that the edges remain free to puff up during baking. Next, arrange your sliced tomatoes or halved cherry/grape tomatoes attractively on top of the cream cheese. Overlapping them slightly can create a beautiful visual effect. Remember to choose tomatoes of similar size for even cooking.

In a small bowl, lightly beat the remaining egg with water to create an egg wash. Using a silicone brush, gently brush this mixture onto the exposed puff pastry edges of each tart. This will give them a gorgeous golden-brown finish and add to their overall crispness.

Bake to Perfection

Once assembled, transfer the baking sheet to your preheated oven. Bake the tarts for approximately 18 to 20 minutes, or until the puff pastry edges are beautifully golden brown, visibly puffed up, and the tomatoes appear slightly softened and caramelized. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time, as oven temperatures can vary. Once baked, carefully remove the tarts from the oven. For a final flourish and added flavor, garnish them generously with freshly chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese before serving. These tarts are best enjoyed warm!

Pro Tip: Always give your frozen puff pastry enough time to thaw completely! It typically requires about 40 minutes at room temperature, or overnight in the refrigerator, to become pliable and easy to work with without cracking.

Tips for Perfect Tomato Puff Pastry Tarts

Achieving outstanding tomato puff pastry tarts is all about a few key details. Here are some extra tips to ensure your tarts are a resounding success:

• Slice Tomatoes Evenly: Precision in slicing is important! Aim for tomatoes sliced to a uniform 1/4-inch thickness. This ensures that all the tomato pieces cook evenly, becoming perfectly tender and slightly caramelized without some parts being undercooked or overcooked. For smaller tomatoes like cherry or grape varieties, simply cut them in half.
• Drain Excess Moisture from Tomatoes: Tomatoes contain a lot of water, which can make your pastry soggy. After slicing, you might consider placing the tomato slices on a paper towel for 10-15 minutes to absorb some of the excess moisture before arranging them on the tarts. This step helps ensure a crispier crust.
• Proper Puff Pastry Thawing is Key: As mentioned in our pro tip, ensure your frozen puff pastry is fully thawed before you begin. If it’s still frozen, it will crack when you try to unroll or cut it. If it’s too warm, the butter layers can melt, leading to less flakiness. Aim for pliable but still cool dough.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Give your tarts space to breathe! Arrange the pastry pieces on your lined baking sheet with enough room between them (at least an inch or two). This allows for proper air circulation, which is essential for even baking and for the pastry to puff up beautifully. Overcrowding can lead to steaming, rather than baking, resulting in a less crispy crust.
• Line the Pan for Non-Stick Perfection: To guarantee your tarts don’t stick and for effortless cleanup, always line your baking sheet. Silicone baking mats or parchment paper are your best friends here. If you happen to be out of both, you can lightly grease a baking sheet by spraying it with cooking spray.

More tasty tomato recipes to explore: Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Salad | Tomato Peach Bruschetta | Quick Cherry Tomato Confit | Instant Pot Tomato Soup

Can I Turn This into a Large Tomato Tart?

Absolutely! If you prefer to create one show-stopping large tomato tart rather than individual ones, it’s a simple modification. Instead of cutting the sheets of puff pastry into rectangles, leave them whole. You can even gently press the two sheets together to form a larger single base if you wish. Then, proceed to create the 1/2-inch border around the entire perimeter of the larger pastry, as instructed for the smaller tarts, taking care not to cut all the way through. Lightly pierce the center with a fork to prevent excessive puffing.

Follow the remaining instructions for preparing the herb cream cheese and assembling the tart. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the center, then artfully arrange your tomato slices or halves across the surface. You might need to add a couple of additional minutes to the baking time, as a larger tart will require more time to cook through and become golden. Keep an eye on the edges to ensure they don’t over-brown. Garnish as desired with fresh basil and Parmesan, and serve this impressive centerpiece!

Should These Tarts Be Served Hot or Cold?

While these tomato puff pastry tarts are delicious at room temperature, they truly shine when served fresh out of the oven, still warm. The warmth enhances the buttery flakiness of the pastry, making it extra crisp, and the heat brings out the concentrated sweetness and juiciness of the baked tomatoes. The herb cream cheese also has a more pleasant, slightly melted texture when warm. If you find yourself with leftovers, don’t worry – they’re still enjoyable at room temperature, but a quick rewarming in the oven will revive them to their optimal state.

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can certainly prepare these delicious tomato tarts ahead of time, which makes them a fantastic option for entertaining. Once baked, the tarts will remain fresh and flavorful in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To store them, allow the tarts to cool completely to room temperature, then place them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. When you’re ready to serve, I highly recommend warming them through in the oven to restore their crispness and bring out their best flavors. For the freshest appearance and taste, wait to add any fresh garnish like chopped basil or grated Parmesan until just before serving.

Can I Use Other Fresh Herbs?

Absolutely! One of the joys of this recipe is how easily you can customize the herb profile to suit your taste or what you have on hand. While the recipe below features the classic combination of fresh thyme and basil for a summery Mediterranean flavor, don’t hesitate to get creative. Other fantastic fresh herbs that work wonderfully include:

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, clean, slightly peppery note.
• Oregano: Offers a robust, earthy, and slightly pungent flavor, great for a more rustic feel.
• Tarragon: Brings a distinct anise-like flavor that pairs beautifully with tomatoes and creamy cheese.
• Rosemary: Use this one sparingly, as it has a very strong, piney flavor. A little goes a long way, but it can add a lovely depth if used carefully.

Feel free to mix and match or use a single favorite herb. Always use fresh herbs for the best flavor; dried herbs, while convenient, won’t provide the same vibrant essence.

Need more inspiration for appetizers? Check out my appetizer recipes page!

What to Serve with Tomato Puff Pastry Tarts

These juicy, buttery, and summery tomato tarts are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with a wide array of dishes. Their light yet satisfying nature makes them suitable for various occasions.

• For a Light Lunch: One of my favorite ways to enjoy these tarts is to bake a half batch at the beginning of the week and reheat one daily for lunch. They’re particularly delightful when served alongside a crisp, refreshing green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette.
• Elegant Appetizer Pairings: If you’re hosting a dinner party or a backyard summer gathering, these tarts make an excellent appetizer. To complement their fresh flavors without overpowering them, consider serving a light and effervescent cocktail. A bright limoncello spritz or a classic aperol spritz are wonderfully refreshing choices that enhance the summery vibe.
• For Special Occasions: These tarts also make a charming addition to events like bridal showers or baby showers. Pair them with celebratory drinks such as sparkling wine or elegant champagne floats to truly get the party started!
• Complementary Appetizers: For a more substantial appetizer spread, combine this recipe with a few other fresh and summery small bites. Consider serving them alongside savory air fryer scallops with chive lemon butter or flavorful cacio e pepe grilled chicken wings for a diverse and appealing spread.
• Following the Appetizer: To maintain the light and flavorful theme, follow these tarts with a main course that complements their fresh profile. A hearty yet delicate salmon sandwich with creamy dill sauce is always a crowd-pleaser. Alternatively, grilled chicken or steak would be fantastic served with a vibrant side like summer corn tomato risotto.
• For a Sweet Ending: If you’re looking for a dessert that follows the puff pastry theme, explore one of these delicious puff pastry dessert recipes!

How to Store and Reheat

Proper storage and reheating ensure your tomato puff pastry tarts remain as delicious as possible:

• Storing: After baking, allow the tarts to cool completely to room temperature. This is crucial to prevent condensation, which can make the pastry soggy. Once cooled, transfer them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: For the best results, reheat the tomato tarts in an oven. Preheat your oven to 350˚F (175˚C). Place the tarts on a baking sheet (ideally lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat) and bake for about 5 to 10 minutes, or until they are warmed through and the pastry has regained some of its crispness. Avoid microwaving, as this tends to make puff pastry soft and chewy rather than flaky.
• Freezing: I do not recommend freezing this recipe. Tomatoes have a high water content, and freezing and then thawing them can significantly alter their texture, making them mushy. This process also causes a loss of that vibrant, concentrated tomato flavor that makes these tarts so special. It’s best to enjoy them fresh or within the recommended refrigeration period.

Finally, if you make this tomato puff pastry tarts recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a rating or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment. Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!

Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!

Tomato Puff Pastry Tarts

The easiest tomato tarts, perfect for appetizers or as a light lunch!

Prep Time:

10 minutes
mins

Cook Time:

20 minutes
mins

Total Time:

30 minutes
mins

Servings:

8
tarts

4.9 from 39 votes

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Equipment

• Shun 8-Inch Chef’s Knife
• Utility Cutting Board
• 7-Speed Hand Mixer
• mixing bowls
• Silicone Baking Mat Sheets
• Half Sheet Pan

Ingredients

• 2
  sheets puff pastry
• 4
  oz
  cream cheese
  room temperature
• 1
  tsp
  chopped fresh thyme leaves
• 1
  tsp
  chopped fresh basil leaves
• 2
  cloves
  garlic
  minced
• 1/4
  tsp
  salt
• 1/4
  tsp
  black pepper
• Variety of tomatoes
  sliced in 1/4-inch thickness (if using cherry or grape tomatoes, cut them in half)
• 1
  egg
  beaten
• 1
  Tbsp
  water
• Garnish: Freshly grated parmesan cheese
  freshly chopped basil

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400˚F (200˚C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
• Lightly roll out the thawed sheets of puff pastry. Cut each sheet into 4 rectangles, for a total of 8 tarts.
• Using a sharp knife, carefully score a 1/2-inch border around the edge of each tart, taking care not to cut completely through the pastry. Lightly pierce the center of each piece of pastry several times with a fork.
• Place the prepared pastry pieces on the lined baking sheet. Set aside.
• In a bowl, beat together the room temperature cream cheese, fresh thyme, fresh basil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
• Spread the herb cream cheese mixture evenly over the center of each tart, ensuring it stays within the scored border. Top with the sliced or halved tomatoes.
• In a separate small bowl, lightly beat the egg and water together to create an egg wash. Brush this mixture onto the exposed edges of each tart.
• Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the edges are puffed up and beautifully golden brown.
• Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil, as desired. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Video

Notes

*If you would like to turn these small tarts into a large tomato tart, leave the pastry sheets whole and create the 1/2-inch border as instructed on both. Follow the remaining instructions as indicated in the recipe below. The cream cheese mixture will be spread in the center of each, followed by tomato slices/halves. Note that you might have to add a couple of additional minutes to the baking time. Garnish as desired and serve!

*Be sure to slice your tomatoes into even slices to ensure that they cook evenly.

*Line your baking sheet with either parchment paper or a silicone mat so the tarts do not stick to the baking sheet. You can also grease a baking sheet by lightly spraying it with cooking spray if you don’t have a mat or parchment paper.

Nutrition

Calories:
410
kcal

|

Carbohydrates:
32
g

|

Protein:
7
g

|

Fat:
29
g

|

Saturated Fat:
9
g

|

Polyunsaturated Fat:
3
g

|

Monounsaturated Fat:
15
g

|

Trans Fat:
0.003
g

|

Cholesterol:
35
mg

|

Sodium:
282
mg

|

Potassium:
251
mg

|

Fiber:
2
g

|

Sugar:
3
g

|

Vitamin A:
874
IU

|

Vitamin C:
11
mg

|

Calcium:
33
mg

|

Iron:
2
mg

Calories:

410
kcal

Cuisine:
Summer

Category:
Appetizer