The epitome of summer on a plate, this delectable Summer Tomato Tart blends the vibrant flavors of ripe tomatoes, fragrant fresh basil, and creamy Fontina cheese within a golden, flaky crust. It’s a culinary masterpiece that brightens any meal, any time of day!
There’s nothing quite like the bounty of summer, and when garden-fresh tomatoes reach their peak, it’s a call to action in the kitchen. This easy Savory Tomato Pie is a testament to simple ingredients shining bright. Whether you’re planning a light dinner, an elegant appetizer for guests, or a flavorful side dish, this tart fits the bill. Honestly, it’s so good, you might even find yourself enjoying a slice for breakfast!
Why This Summer Tomato Tart Will Be Your New Favorite
When the sun is high and tomatoes are at their absolute best, this tart becomes a non-negotiable addition to your summer menu. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:
- Celebrates Peak Summer Produce: This recipe is designed to let the unparalleled sweetness and acidity of ripe summer tomatoes take center stage. It’s a delicious way to honor the season’s finest harvest.
- Incredibly Versatile: Enjoy a slice warm from the oven, at comfortable room temperature, or even chilled from the refrigerator. Each temperature offers a slightly different, yet equally delightful, experience as the flavors meld and the cheese sets.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve a generous wedge of this vibrant heirloom tomato tart as a satisfying lunch or a light dinner entrée. It also makes an exquisite side dish alongside grilled meats or fish, or an elegant appetizer for entertaining. Its beautiful presentation and irresistible taste make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Simple Ingredients, Extraordinary Flavor: You don’t need a lengthy list of exotic components to create something truly spectacular. With just a handful of fresh, quality ingredients, this tart delivers a complexity of flavor that belies its simplicity.
- Easy to Prepare: Despite its gourmet appearance, this tomato tart is surprisingly straightforward to assemble, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.
I confess, as soon as July arrives and my garden (or local farmer’s market) overflows with juicy heirloom tomatoes, I can’t resist the urge to bake a fresh tart. Yes, even in the sweltering summer heat, I gladly fire up the oven for the reward of a freshly baked summer tomato tart. One look at its vibrant colors and golden crust, and I believe you’ll understand completely.
If you’re as passionate about fresh tomatoes as I am, you might also enjoy exploring my recipe for a Cheese and Tomato Galette, which offers another delightful and easy approach to a savory tomato pastry. Be sure to browse all my favorite Fresh Tomato Recipes for more inspiration!
The Art of the Savory Tomato Pie: Expert Tips for Perfection
When you hear “pie,” you might automatically picture a sweet, fruit-filled dessert with a flaky crust. But don’t let the name fool you! This summer tomato pie is a savory delight, showcasing the natural sweetness of tomatoes, which are botanically a fruit, in a uniquely delicious way. It’s an absolute must-make if you have access to the finest garden-grown or vine-ripened tomatoes.
- Choose Your Crust Wisely: The foundation of any great tart is its crust. Feel free to use your tried-and-true homemade pie crust recipe for that extra touch of love. Alternatively, save time and effort by opting for quality store-bought puff pastry or pie dough from your local market. Rolling out dough in the summer heat isn’t everyone’s favorite task, so don’t hesitate to take a shortcut!
- The Perfect Layering Technique: Once your chosen crust is perfectly fitted into your tart pan (preferably one with a removable bottom for easy serving), the layering begins. Start with a generous layer of shredded cheese, then scatter fresh basil over it. Finally, arrange your beautiful, ripe tomato slices on top. A finishing sprinkle of salt and pepper and a drizzle of quality olive oil prepare it for its transformation in the oven.
- Embrace Tomato Variety: For a visually stunning tart, I love to use a vibrant mix of red, yellow, and orange tomatoes. This creates a beautiful kaleidoscope of colors that’s as appealing to the eye as it is to the palate. However, using all tomatoes of a single color will taste just as wonderful. The key is to ensure they are peak-of-the-season, intensely flavorful tomatoes for the absolute best results. Heirloom varieties are especially fantastic here for their unique tastes and striking appearances.
- PRO-Tip: Prevent a Soggy Bottom: This is crucial for a perfectly crisp crust! Laying a generous bed of cheese directly onto the tart crust before adding the tomatoes acts as a protective barrier. This ingenious trick prevents the tomato juices from seeping into the pastry and making it soggy, ensuring a delightful crunch with every bite.
- Cheese Alternatives: While Fontina cheese offers a wonderfully nutty flavor and a fantastic melt, it’s not the only option. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses that pair well with tomatoes. Excellent choices include sharp cheddar, creamy mozzarella, rich Gouda, tangy goat cheese, or even a blend of your favorites. Choose what you love!
- Patience is a Virtue (for a few minutes): It’s incredibly tempting to dive into this savory pie immediately after it emerges, golden and bubbly, from the oven. However, give it a few minutes to cool down before slicing. This allows the cheese to set and solidify slightly, ensuring cleaner slices and preventing a gooey mess.
- Highlighting Freshness: The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. When your produce is at its prime, a straightforward preparation truly allows the sweet, flavorful essence of those summer tomatoes to shine through unobstructed.
- Seasoning is Key: Don’t underestimate the power of a good sprinkle of flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. These simple seasonings enhance the natural flavors of the tomatoes and cheese. A final drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil before baking adds richness and helps the crust achieve a beautiful golden hue.
Frequently Asked Questions About Summer Tomato Tart
A versatile dish, a tomato tart can be served in many ways! It makes a fantastic main course when paired with a simple crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette, or alongside a piece of grilled chicken or fish for a more substantial meal. It also shines as a elegant appetizer at gatherings, cut into smaller squares, or as a flavorful side dish for almost any summer BBQ or potluck. It is equally delicious served warm right out of the oven, at room temperature (perfect for picnics or buffets), or even chilled, where the flavors have had a chance to fully meld.
To maintain its freshness and flavor, any leftover tomato tart should be stored in the refrigerator. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other refrigerator odors. When properly stored, it will keep well for 3-4 days. To reheat, you can warm slices gently in an oven or toaster oven until heated through and the crust regains some crispness, or enjoy it cold!
The beauty of a fresh tomato tart is its adaptability! Beyond the classic basil and Fontina, you can easily customize it to your taste. Consider adding savory elements like crispy fried and chopped bacon bits or diced ham for a heartier tart. Enhance the aromatic profile with different fresh herbs such as thyme, oregano, chives, or rosemary. As for cheese, feel free to experiment with Mozzarella for a classic Italian feel, nutty Gouda, sharp Cheddar, or even crumbled goat cheese for a tangy twist. For an extra layer of flavor, some enthusiasts love to spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on the crust before adding the cheese, which provides a subtle, sophisticated tang.
Preventing a soggy crust is key to a perfect tomato tart. There are several effective strategies you can employ:
- Cheese Barrier: As a primary defense, adding a generous layer of shredded cheese directly onto the crust before introducing the other tart ingredients creates an excellent barrier, preventing moisture from the tomatoes from soaking into the pastry.
- Drain Your Tomatoes: This is arguably the most crucial step. After slicing your tomatoes, arrange them in a single layer on several sheets of paper towels. Sprinkle them lightly with salt, which helps draw out excess moisture. Let them drain for at least 20-30 minutes, flipping them once and replacing the paper towels if they become saturated. This significantly reduces the amount of liquid released during baking.
- Breadcrumb Layer: Some recipes suggest sprinkling a thin layer of fine breadcrumbs (or even grated Parmesan cheese) over the crust before adding the other fillings. These crumbs act as a sponge, soaking up any residual moisture from the tomatoes.
- Pre-bake (Blind Bake) the Crust: For an extra crisp crust, you can partially blind bake your tart crust before adding the filling. This creates a stronger, more resilient base that stands up better to the moisture.
More Fresh & Delicious Recipes to Try:
- Fresh Tomato Tart with Pesto and Mozzarella: Another delightful take on a summer classic.
- Vibrant Corn, Basil, and Tomato Salad: A refreshing side dish bursting with seasonal flavors.
- Authentic Tabouli Salad: A light and zesty grain salad, perfect for warm weather.
- Hearty Sun-dried Tomato and Spinach Quiche: A rich and savory option for brunch or dinner.
- Explore more of the Best Side Dish Recipes for endless meal inspiration!
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Summer Tomato Tart
20 minutes
30 minutes
50 minutes
8 servings
A delightful savory pastry featuring a golden crust generously filled with gooey Fontina cheese, vibrant fresh tomatoes, and fragrant basil – the taste of summer in every bite!
Ingredients
For the Flaky Crust:
- 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 stick (4 ounces) cold butter, cut into small cubes
- 2 or more tablespoons ice water
For the Savory Tart Filling:
- 8 ounces Fontina cheese, freshly shredded (or a cheese of your choice)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, plus extra for garnish
- 4 medium garden or farmers’ market tomatoes, thinly sliced and carefully drained on paper toweling
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3-4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Additional fresh basil, finely chopped, for garnishing
Instructions
- Prepare Oven: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC).
- Make the Crust (if homemade): In a food processor, pulse the flour and salt together until combined. Add the cold, diced butter and pulse a few times until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Form the Dough: Continue pulsing while gradually sprinkling in ice water, adding just enough until the dough comes together when pinched between two fingers. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Roll and Chill Crust: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully fit it into a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom, pressing it gently into the fluted edges. Trim any excess dough. Place the tart shell back in the refrigerator to chill for about 30 minutes while you prepare the filling ingredients.
- Assemble the Tart: Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheese over the bottom of the chilled crust, creating a protective layer. Next, scatter the chopped fresh basil over the cheese. Arrange the drained tomato slices in an overlapping pattern over the basil, ensuring you cover as much surface area as possible. Season the tomatoes with salt and pepper, and then drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil.
- Bake and Serve: Place the tart pan on a baking sheet (to catch any potential drips) and bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted. Remove the tart from the oven. Garnish with additional fresh basil before slicing. Allow it to cool for a few minutes to let the cheese set before serving warm.
Notes
For best results and to prevent a soggy bottom, ensure your sliced tomatoes are well-drained. Placing them on several layers of paper towels, perhaps with a light sprinkle of salt to draw out moisture, will make a significant difference to the crispness of your tart crust.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
- OXO Cutting Board
- Wustof Tomato Knife
- 9-inch Tart Pan
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8
Serving Size:
1 slice
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 271
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 32mg
Sodium: 465mg
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 9g
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Skinny Tip for Healthy Living
I often receive questions about how I maintain a healthy lifestyle and stay trim. To share some insights, I’m offering a series of “Skinny Tips” in my blog posts. You can find all my previous tips by clicking on the #SkinnyTip tag at the end of this article.
Skinny Tip #37: Maximize Your Fruit and Vegetable Intake! Aim to include your daily recommended servings of fruits and vegetables in your diet. A smart way to do this is to utilize some of your 5+ servings for your between-meal snacks. Not only do they help you feel full and satisfied, but they also provide an abundance of vital nutrients that support overall health. This excellent tip comes from my friend, Sophia, and it’s a practice I wholeheartedly endorse!