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Fresh Heirloom Tomato Mozzarella Tart

fresh heirloom tomato mozzarella tart - featured image

A simple and delicious summer tart featuring flaky puff pastry, creamy mozzarella and ricotta cheese, fresh heirloom tomatoes, and aromatic basil. Perfect for casual meals or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 sheet store-bought puff pastry (thawed) or homemade pie crust (about 9x9 inches)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
  • 4 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 34 medium heirloom tomatoes, thinly sliced
  • 1/3 cup packed fresh basil leaves, roughly torn or chiffonade
  • 12 teaspoons balsamic glaze or reduction (optional)
  • Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
  • Freshly cracked black pepper (optional)
  • Pinch of dried oregano or thyme (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. If using store-bought puff pastry, unfold it gently on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If homemade, roll out dough to about 9×9 inches and transfer to baking sheet.
  3. Prick the center area of the dough lightly with a fork, leaving about a 1-inch border all around.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly over the center of the dough inside the border.
  5. Layer fresh mozzarella slices evenly over the ricotta mixture.
  6. Arrange heirloom tomato slices over the cheese, overlapping slightly. Sprinkle flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper on top.
  7. Brush the exposed crust edges with olive oil.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese bubbles, crust edges are golden brown, and tomatoes have softened but hold shape. Tent with foil if crust edges brown too quickly.
  9. Remove from oven and let cool for about 5 minutes.
  10. Scatter fresh basil over the top and drizzle with balsamic glaze if using.
  11. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Slice tomatoes as thinly as possible but sturdy enough to avoid sogginess. Pat tomatoes dry if very juicy. Prick the center of the crust to prevent puffing. Add fresh basil after baking to preserve flavor and color. Tent crust edges with foil if browning too fast. Tart can be assembled ahead and refrigerated before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: heirloom tomato tart, mozzarella tart, summer tart, basil tart, easy tart recipe, puff pastry tart, fresh tomato recipe