If you’re looking to impress friends or simply treat yourself to a vibrant, delightful dish, this Goat Cheese & Cherry Tomato Tart Recipe will quickly become a go-to. Combining the creamy tang of goat cheese with juicy cherry tomatoes on a flaky homemade pastry, this tart bursts with freshness and savory depth in every bite. It’s a stunning balance of textures and flavors that’s as perfect for a casual lunch as it is for a charming dinner party centerpiece.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Goat Cheese & Cherry Tomato Tart Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each one is essential, from the buttery all-purpose flour pastry that forms a crisp base to the luscious goat cheese that adds creaminess. The sweet cherry tomatoes bring vibrant color and a fresh pop, while the fragrant Herbes de Provence tie everything together with a subtle earthiness.
- 250g all-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy yet tender base for the tart crust.
- 125g butter, cubed: Adds richness and creates a flaky texture when combined with flour.
- 80ml water: Helps bind the dough without making it tough.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the pastry.
- 1 log of goat cheese: Offers a tangy, creamy contrast to the bright tomatoes.
- A handful of cherry tomatoes: Brings a juicy burst of sweetness and a beautiful pop of red.
- 100ml heavy cream: Enriches the filling with a silky texture.
- 1 egg: Binds the filling, giving it a delicate set.
- 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard: Adds an intriguing, tangy sharpness to the custard base.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to balance all flavors.
- Herbes de Provence, to taste: Provides aromatic, savory notes reminiscent of the South of France.
How to Make Goat Cheese & Cherry Tomato Tart Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pastry
Begin by combining the flour and cold cubed butter in a mixing bowl. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse sand — this technique ensures your tart crust will be wonderfully flaky. Make a well in the center and gradually add the water, mixing until it just comes together into a dough. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to chill. This rest period helps develop the texture and makes rolling the pastry much easier.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). A properly heated oven is key to achieving that perfect golden crust that’s crisp on the outside yet tender inside.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Take your chilled dough and lightly flour your work surface to prevent sticking. Roll it out evenly and transfer it carefully to a greased tart pan, ensuring it fits snugly against the sides and bottom with no air pockets. This step sets the foundation for a beautifully structured tart capable of holding the delicious filling without sogginess.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and the mustard until smooth. Season this custard-like mixture with salt and pepper to elevate the flavors. The mustard doesn’t overpower but instead adds a subtle depth that balances perfectly with the tanginess of the goat cheese.
Step 5: Assemble the Tart
Pour the creamy filling evenly over the raw pastry base. Slice the goat cheese log into rounds and halve the cherry tomatoes. Arrange them artfully on top of the filling, alternating or clustering as you like to create visual appeal and draw out harmony in every bite. Finally, sprinkle generously with Herbes de Provence for that signature aromatic finish.
Step 6: Bake
Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the crust is a lovely golden brown and the filling is set but still slightly wobbly in the center. Resist the urge to overbake to keep the filling luxuriously creamy.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Give the tart a few minutes to cool before slicing. Enjoy it warm for maximum gooeyness or at room temperature for a more mellow flavor. This tart is effortlessly satisfying and perfect on its own or as part of a larger spread.
How to Serve Goat Cheese & Cherry Tomato Tart Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley finely chopped add a lovely brightness on top just before serving. A light drizzle of good quality olive oil can enhance the silkiness of the goat cheese. For a little extra zing, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt will heighten all the flavors and add enticing texture.
Side Dishes
This Goat Cheese & Cherry Tomato Tart Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides such as a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a handful of olives. You could also serve it alongside a bowl of light soup or roasted vegetables to round out a wholesome meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual slices on rustic wooden boards accompanied by small bowls of complementary dips like pesto or tapenade. For a party, cut the tart into smaller squares and offer toothpicks for easy finger food. Presentation is part of the charm of this dish, so have fun arranging vibrant tomatoes and herbs for a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your tart, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 2 days. The flavors often mellow and deepen, making the next day’s serving just as delicious.
Freezing
If you want to prepare the tart in advance, you can freeze it once fully baked and cooled. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil for protection. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Keep in mind the fresh tomatoes are best when not frozen, so consider freezing the tart without tomatoes and adding fresh ones after reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place the tart on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for about 10–15 minutes until heated through. This method preserves the flaky crust better than microwaving, which can make pastry soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen pastry for this tart?
Absolutely! Frozen shortcrust pastry can save time and still yield great results. Just thaw it properly and roll it out as you would with homemade dough. Fresh dough, however, gives that extra flaky texture that’s delightful.
What can I substitute for whole-grain mustard?
If you don’t have whole-grain mustard, Dijon or yellow mustard works well too. The key is to maintain that subtle tanginess to balance the cream and goat cheese.
Can I add other vegetables to the tart?
Definitely. Thinly sliced zucchini, caramelized onions, or roasted red peppers can add extra layers of flavor. Just be mindful of moisture content to avoid a soggy crust.
Is this tart suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Goat Cheese & Cherry Tomato Tart Recipe is naturally vegetarian. Just ensure your mustard and any accompanying sides are free from animal-derived ingredients if serving to strict vegetarians.
How do I make the crust extra crispy?
Blind baking the crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling can help keep it crisp. Also, chilling the dough well before rolling and avoiding over-handling maintains flakiness and prevents shrinkage.
Final Thoughts
This Goat Cheese & Cherry Tomato Tart Recipe combines simple, fresh ingredients into something truly special and comforting. Whether you’re looking for a quick yet impressive meal or a dish to share with loved ones, this tart will not disappoint. Give it a go — I promise it’ll bring joy to your table and plenty of compliments!
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Goat Cheese & Cherry Tomato Tart Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful Goat Cheese & Cherry Tomato Tart featuring a buttery homemade crust filled with a creamy mustard-infused custard, topped with tangy goat cheese rounds and sweet cherry tomatoes, seasoned with Herbes de Provence. Perfect as a light meal or appetizer, served warm or cold.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 250g all-purpose flour
- 125g butter, cubed
- 80ml (8cl) water
- 1 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 1 log of goat cheese
- Cherry tomatoes (about a handful)
- 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 and gradually add the water, mixing until the dough forms a cohesive ball. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to rest and firm up.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature by the time the tart is assembled.
- Roll Out the Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the chilled dough to an even thickness that fits your tart pan. Transfer the dough carefully into a greased tart pan, ensuring it is evenly spread and fits the edges well.
- 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 to taste, blending the flavors thoroughly.
- Assemble the Tart: Pour the cream mixture over the prepared tart base evenly. Slice the goat cheese log into rounds and halve the cherry tomatoes. Distribute the goat cheese slices and tomato halves on top of the cream mixture. Sprinkle with Herbes de Provence to add a fragrant herbal note.
- Bake the Tart: Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown 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 delicious light meal or appetizer, perfect for sharing.
Notes
- To ensure a flaky crust, handle the dough as little as possible and keep ingredients cold.
- You can substitute cherry tomatoes with grape tomatoes or small plum tomatoes if preferred.
- Herbes de Provence can be adjusted according to taste, or fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary can be used.
- For a vegetarian option, check that the goat cheese is suitable (some cheeses may contain animal rennet).
- Make sure the tart is fully cooled if serving cold to allow flavors to meld.
