Tomato Tartlets

These Tomato Tartlets with Puff Pastry are a gorgeous blend of simplicity and sophistication. Buttery, golden puff pastry acts as the perfect base for a creamy herbed ricotta filling, topped with sweet, juicy tomato slices and fresh herbs. Every bite is a mix of crispiness, creaminess, and refreshing tomato brightness that makes it hard to eat just one.

Whether you’re serving these at brunch, as a starter at dinner, or at a casual weekend gathering, they are guaranteed to impress. The beauty lies not only in their presentation but also in their versatility and speed ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish. These tartlets are a delicious way to enjoy seasonal tomatoes with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed

• 1 egg, beaten

• ½ cup whole milk ricotta

• 1 tbsp parmesan cheese, finely grated

• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1 garlic clove, grated

• 1 tsp lemon zest

• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves

• 1 tsp fresh basil, chopped

• ½ tsp kosher salt, divided

• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper, divided

• 4 small tomatoes (e.g. Campari), sliced into ¼-inch rounds

• Maldon sea salt, for finishing (optional)

• Additional fresh basil, for garnish

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to smooth the folds. Cut into 4 even rectangles and place on the prepared baking sheet.

3. Using a paring knife, score a border about ½ inch from the edge of each rectangle. Prick the center with a fork to prevent puffing.

4. In a bowl, combine ricotta, parmesan, olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, thyme, basil, ¼ tsp salt, and ⅛ tsp pepper. Mix until creamy.

5. Spread about 1½ tablespoons of the ricotta mixture inside each rectangle, avoiding the border.

6. Top each tartlet with tomato slices, slightly overlapping. Season with the remaining salt and pepper.

7. Brush the borders of the pastry with the beaten egg.

8. Bake for 20–23 minutes, until golden brown and puffed.

9. Remove from the oven and cool slightly. Garnish with Maldon sea salt and more fresh basil if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 23 minutes | Total Time: 33 minutes

Kcal: 210 kcal | Servings: 4 tartlets

Tomato Tartlets with Puff Pastry: A Sophisticated, Simple Delight for Any Occasion

Tomato Tartlets with Puff Pastry are a culinary masterpiece that blends rustic elegance with modern convenience. These tartlets, while simple to make, offer a gourmet experience that can elevate any meal, whether it’s brunch with friends, a romantic lunch, or the appetizer course at a dinner party. With flaky, golden pastry as the foundation and a creamy, herbed ricotta filling topped with sweet, juicy tomatoes, each bite is layered with texture and nuanced flavor.

The popularity of puff pastry-based dishes has surged in recent years, especially among home cooks looking for quick yet impressive recipes. The tomato tartlet perfectly embodies this trend, taking humble ingredients and transforming them into something eye-catching and delicious. The dish is also remarkably flexible. Whether you’re showcasing peak-season tomatoes from a local farmer’s market or using sturdy store-bought Campari tomatoes, the tartlet allows for personalization while maintaining a cohesive culinary identity.

The Charm of Simplicity: Why Tomato Tartlets Stand Out

One of the standout characteristics of this dish is its simplicity. At its core, it’s a celebration of basic ingredients puff pastry, ricotta cheese, herbs, and tomatoes. Yet, when combined thoughtfully, these elements create a dish that’s both visually stunning and irresistibly flavorful. The contrast between the creamy ricotta filling and the juicy tomatoes, all encased in crisp pastry, creates a sensory experience that’s hard to beat.

Unlike more labor-intensive bakes, these tartlets don’t require extensive preparation or specialized equipment. With just a baking sheet, a knife, and a mixing bowl, you’re ready to create something that looks like it belongs in a boutique café. This accessibility makes the recipe ideal for beginner cooks as well as seasoned home chefs who want to craft something elegant in a short amount of time.

A Celebration of Fresh Ingredients

At the heart of this dish lies the tomato often underestimated but incredibly versatile. Tomatoes bring a burst of umami and natural sweetness that enhances the creamy base of ricotta. When baked, their natural juices release into the cheese layer, subtly infusing it with a rich, savory depth.

This recipe is especially delightful during the summer and early fall months when tomatoes are at their peak. Heirloom varieties, cherry tomatoes, or even sun-dried options can all be used to add visual interest and flavor complexity. You can also swap out fresh basil and thyme for other herbs like rosemary, oregano, or chives, depending on your flavor preferences and seasonal availability.

The Role of Puff Pastry

Puff pastry is the unsung hero of this recipe. Its layered, buttery texture provides a delicate crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, creamy filling and tender tomatoes. Store-bought puff pastry is not only a time-saver but also delivers consistently reliable results. It puffs into golden, flaky perfection with minimal effort, making it a favorite in many kitchens.

The technique of scoring a border around the pastry squares ensures a well-defined edge, which puffs up during baking to create a beautiful, raised frame around the filling. This small detail adds a level of sophistication to the final presentation and makes the tartlets look impressively professional.

Herbed Ricotta: The Flavor Base

Ricotta cheese serves as the creamy canvas for this dish. On its own, ricotta is mild and subtly sweet. However, when infused with grated garlic, lemon zest, Parmesan, and chopped fresh herbs, it transforms into a luxurious spread that anchors the tartlet with flavor. The herbs add brightness, while the garlic and lemon provide a zesty undertone that balances the richness of the cheese and the tomatoes’ acidity.

This herbed ricotta layer also acts as a moisture barrier, preventing the tomatoes from making the puff pastry soggy. It’s functional as well as flavorful, giving the tartlets a creamy richness without overpowering the other ingredients.

Customization and Creative Twists

One of the best things about tomato tartlets is how easily they lend themselves to customization. You can experiment with various cheeses such as goat cheese, feta, or mascarpone for a different flavor profile. You might also consider adding caramelized onions, roasted garlic, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze after baking to enhance the complexity of the dish.

For a Mediterranean twist, add black olives, artichoke hearts, or a few capers before baking. To make it heartier, top the tartlets with prosciutto or thin slices of smoked salmon after they come out of the oven.

Vegetarians will love the clean and vibrant flavors of the original version, but even meat-eaters won’t miss a thing this dish is satisfying enough on its own thanks to its contrast of textures and balanced ingredients.

Serving Suggestions: From Brunch to Appetizers

Tomato tartlets are versatile enough to serve across multiple meals. At brunch, pair them with a crisp arugula salad and a sparkling mimosa. For lunch, they work wonderfully alongside a chilled gazpacho or a warm bowl of tomato bisque. As an appetizer, they can be cut into smaller portions and served on a platter with other small bites, such as olives, cheeses, and charcuterie.

Their elegant presentation also makes them ideal for bridal showers, baby showers, or holiday gatherings. A tray of tartlets, garnished with microgreens or edible flowers, can steal the spotlight on any buffet table.

You can serve them warm or at room temperature, which makes them especially convenient for hosting. They also hold up well for a few hours, so you don’t have to worry about them falling flat after being out of the oven for a while.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These tartlets can be prepped in advance, which is another point in their favor. The ricotta mixture can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. You can also cut the puff pastry into squares and refrigerate them between parchment sheets until ready to assemble.

After baking, they store well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–10 minutes to crisp the pastry back up before serving. While they are at their absolute best fresh from the oven, these tartlets are surprisingly resilient when it comes to reheating.

Conclusion: 

Tomato Tartlets with Puff Pastry are more than just a pretty dish they’re an example of how a few well-chosen ingredients, treated with care, can result in something extraordinary. They highlight the natural beauty and flavor of tomatoes, enhanced by creamy cheese and a flaky, golden base. Their visual appeal, ease of preparation, and customization options make them a staple that every home cook should try at least once.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests, upgrade your weekday lunch, or bring something special to a gathering, these tartlets rise to the occasion. Elegant without being fussy, flavorful without being overwhelming, and customizable for any season this dish is a testament to the magic that can happen when simplicity meets intention in the kitchen.