If you adore the charm of rustic French fare with a fresh, vibrant twist, then this Goat Cheese & Cherry Tomato Tart Recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. Imagine a crisp, buttery crust hugging a creamy, tangy goat cheese filling, punctuated by the juicy burst of cherry tomatoes and fragrant herbs. This tart is as stunning to look at as it is delightful to eat, making it a perfect centerpiece for casual lunches, elegant brunches, or cozy dinners with friends. Every bite brings a balance of textures and flavors that feels both comforting and exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Goat Cheese & Cherry Tomato Tart Recipe are wonderfully simple but play vital roles in creating its special character. Each item adds a unique texture, flavor, or color, combining into a dish that’s more than the sum of its parts.
- 250g all-purpose flour: The base for your flaky tart crust, providing structure and that inviting golden hue.
- 125g butter, cubed: Essential for richness and a crisp, tender pastry; cold butter makes all the difference.
- 80ml water: Just enough to bring the dough together without making it tough.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances every flavor and balances the creaminess of the goat cheese.
- 1 log of goat cheese: The star of the dish, creamy and tangy, it melts beautifully and contrasts with the tomatoes.
- Cherry tomatoes (about a handful): Their juicy sweetness and vibrant color make the tart pop.
- 100ml heavy cream: Adds lusciousness to the filling, making every bite silky smooth.
- 1 egg: Binds the filling together while adding richness.
- 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard: A subtle punch of flavor that deepens the filling’s complexity.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: For perfect seasoning that highlights the key ingredients.
- Herbes de Provence, to taste: This fragrant blend gives the tart an herby, aromatic finish.
How to Make Goat Cheese & Cherry Tomato Tart Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pastry
Start by combining the flour and cubed butter in a mixing bowl. Use your fingers to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse sand—this is the secret to a wonderfully flaky crust. Make a well in the center, add the water gradually, and gently mix until the dough comes together. Wrap it up tightly and pop it in the fridge to rest for 30 minutes. This chilling step is crucial because it helps the dough relax and prevents shrinkage during baking, ensuring a perfect tart base.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
While your dough chills, set the oven to 180°C (350°F). Preheating at this stage ensures a steady, even heat that helps the tart cook beautifully without sogginess or overbrowning.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
After the dough has chilled, dust your work surface with flour and roll it out into a circle large enough to fit your greased tart pan. Transfer it carefully to the pan, pressing gently to fit all crevices without stretching the dough. This step lays down the perfect crust foundation for your tart.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
In a bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and whole-grain mustard until smooth and combined. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. This creamy mixture is what will set into a luscious custard, binding the tart together with flavorful richness.
Step 5: Assemble the Tart
Pour the cream mixture evenly over your tart base. Next, slice the goat cheese log into rounds — this will ensure every bite has that deliciously tangy goat cheese. Halve the cherry tomatoes and arrange them alongside the cheese slices, creating a beautiful, colorful pattern. Lastly, sprinkle the whole shebang with Herbes de Provence for that signature fragrant finish that ties all the flavors together.
Step 6: Bake
Pop your tart into the preheated oven and bake for around 30 minutes. Look for a golden crust and a set filling – this means it’s perfectly cooked through, with the cheese softened and tomatoes roasted to sweet perfection.
Step 7: Serve
Once baked, the Goat Cheese & Cherry Tomato Tart Recipe can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. It’s wonderfully versatile and sure to impress, whether served as a light meal or a charming appetizer at your next gathering.
How to Serve Goat Cheese & Cherry Tomato Tart Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a simple garnish can elevate your tart to the next level. Fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of finely chopped chives complement the tart’s creamy tang and bring fresh green notes. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil or balsamic glaze just before serving can also add a glossy touch of indulgence and a hint of sweetness.
Side Dishes
This tart pairs beautifully with crisp green salads dressed in light vinaigrettes. Think peppery arugula with a citrus dressing or frisée with lemon and olive oil. For heartier meals, roasted vegetables or a simple soup make excellent companions, balancing richness with fresh, light textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t be afraid to get playful with presentation. Serve the tart sliced into small squares for a stylish appetizer platter, or use mini tart pans to create individual servings perfect for entertaining. You can even add caramelized onions or roasted peppers next time for a personalized twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover tart can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep it covered to maintain the crust’s texture and prevent the tart from drying out. It’s perfect for enjoying the next day as a quick lunch or light dinner.
Freezing
While the tart is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it if needed. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It will keep well for up to one month. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth and crispness, reheat your tart in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy and the filling rubbery. A slow, steady oven heat preserves the integrity of this delightful Goat Cheese & Cherry Tomato Tart Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pastry instead of making my own?
Absolutely! Using pre-made puff or shortcrust pastry is a time-saving alternative. Just be sure to adjust baking time accordingly and pierce the dough before adding the filling to avoid puffing up too much.
What can I substitute for Herbes de Provence?
If you don’t have Herbes de Provence on hand, a mix of dried thyme, rosemary, oregano, and basil makes a great substitute. Fresh herbs can work too, but add them sparingly as they can be more potent.
Is this tart suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! Since the recipe contains no meat and focuses on vegetables and cheese, it’s perfectly vegetarian-friendly. Just make sure your goat cheese is made with vegetarian rennet if that’s a concern for you.
Can I make this tart ahead and serve it cold?
Definitely. This Goat Cheese & Cherry Tomato Tart Recipe tastes fantastic both warm and cold. Making it ahead of time is convenient for entertaining or meal prep, and the flavors often develop even more after resting.
How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?
Blind baking the crust for a few minutes before adding the filling can help, but in this recipe, the chilling of the dough and proper baking time usually prevent sogginess. Also, avoid overloading with juicy tomatoes; halving them and draining excess juice helps keep the crust crisp.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a cozy yet elegant recipe to share and savor, this Goat Cheese & Cherry Tomato Tart Recipe is a delicious answer. It captures that perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and fresh that everyone loves. Give it a try – once you do, it might just become a staple in your kitchen as it has in mine!
Print
Goat Cheese & Cherry Tomato Tart Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Description
A delightful Goat Cheese & Cherry Tomato Tart featuring a buttery homemade pastry base topped with creamy goat cheese, fresh cherry tomatoes, and a savory custard filling. Perfect as a light meal or appetizer, this tart combines tangy and herbaceous flavors baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 250g all-purpose flour
- 125g butter, cubed
- 80ml (8cl) water
- 1 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 1 log of goat cheese
- About a handful of cherry tomatoes
- 100ml (10cl) heavy cream
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Herbes de Provence, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Pastry: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and cubed butter. Rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse sand. Create a well in the center, gradually add the water, and mix until the dough just comes together. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow it to rest and firm up.
- Preheat the Oven: While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to ensure it is ready for baking the tart.
- Roll Out the Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the chilled dough into a circle large enough to fit your greased tart pan. Carefully transfer the rolled dough into the pan, pressing gently to fit and trimming any excess from the edges.
- Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and whole-grain mustard until smooth. Season the mixture with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Assemble the Tart: Pour the cream mixture evenly over the tart base. Slice the goat cheese log into rounds and halve the cherry tomatoes. Arrange the cheese slices and tomato halves attractively on top of the tart. Sprinkle Herbes de Provence evenly over the surface for added aroma and flavor.
- Bake the Tart: Place the tart on the middle rack of the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is set and slightly puffed.
- Serve: Remove the tart from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Serve warm or cold as a light meal or appetizer to enjoy the rich, creamy, and fresh flavors.
Notes
- For a flakier crust, use cold butter and avoid overworking the dough.
- You can substitute goat cheese with feta or ricotta for a different flavor.
- Adjust the Herbes de Provence amount to your preference; rosemary or thyme can be used instead.
- This tart can be served warm or cold, making it versatile for any occasion.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated or eaten cold.
