This elegant Cherry Tomato Tart with Herbed Ricotta combines buttery puff pastry with creamy herb-infused ricotta and burst roasted cherry tomatoes. The contrast between the flaky crust, cool herbed cheese, and warm, juicy tomatoes creates a Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s perfect as an appetizer or light main course when paired with a salad.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect balance of flavors with creamy ricotta, sweet roasted tomatoes, and fresh herbs
• Makes an impressive presentation with minimal effort—ideal for entertaining
• Can be served as an appetizer, light lunch, or dinner with a side salad
• Uses simple, seasonal ingredients that shine with little manipulation
• Ready in under 45 minutes from start to finish

Ingredients

• Puff Pastry: Use frozen puff pastry that’s been properly thawed according to package directions. All-butter varieties offer the best flavor and flakiest texture.
• Egg: This creates a golden, shiny crust and helps seal the pastry to prevent sogginess.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Look for a mix of colors if available—red, yellow, and orange varieties add visual appeal. Choose tomatoes that are ripe but still firm.
• Olive Oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for roasting the tomatoes to enhance their natural sweetness.
• Salt and Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper makes a noticeable difference in flavor complexity.
• Ricotta Cheese: Whole milk ricotta provides the creamiest texture and richest flavor, but part-skim works in a pinch.
• Scallions: These add a mild onion flavor without overpowering the delicate herbs.
• Fresh Herbs: Parsley adds brightness while basil brings classic Mediterranean flavor. Always use fresh herbs for this recipe, not dried.
• Lemon Zest: Adds a subtle citrus note that brightens the entire dish and complements the creamy ricotta.
• Balsamic Vinegar: A final drizzle adds welcome acidity and depth. Look for a thicker, aged variety for the best flavor and presentation.

Variations

Mediterranean Version

Transform this tart with Mediterranean flavors by adding chopped kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and a sprinkle of oregano to the ricotta mixture. Finish with a drizzle of honey instead of balsamic for a sweet-savory contrast.

Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese

Replace half the ricotta with soft goat cheese and top with caramelized onions along with the cherry tomatoes. Add a sprinkle of fresh thyme for an earthy, French-inspired variation.

Breakfast Tart

Turn this into a morning delight by adding scrambled eggs on top of the ricotta mixture before baking. Sprinkle with crispy bacon pieces and chives after baking for a brunch-worthy dish.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Pastry

Roll out the thawed puff pastry on parchment paper, extending it about an inch in each direction. Create a border by scoring a line ½-inch to 1-inch from the edge, being careful not to cut all the way through. This creates the crust that will puff up during baking. Brush the entire surface with beaten egg to achieve a golden, shiny finish. Bake in a preheated 425°F oven for 18-22 minutes until golden brown, then allow it to cool slightly.

Step 2: Roast the Tomatoes

While the pastry bakes, place the cherry tomatoes on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Roast for 12-15 minutes until they begin to soften and burst, releasing their sweet juices. The slight charring adds depth of flavor to the finished tart.

Step 3: Prepare the Herbed Ricotta and Assemble

Combine the ricotta cheese with chopped scallions, parsley, basil, and fresh lemon zest in a bowl, stirring well to incorporate all the flavors. Gently spread this mixture over the cooled pastry base, staying within the border. Top with the roasted cherry tomatoes, distributing them evenly. Finish by sprinkling the chiffonade of fresh basil over the top and drizzling with good quality balsamic vinegar just before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Allow puff pastry to thaw completely (about 40 minutes at room temperature) but keep it cold until ready to use for the best rise
• If your ricotta seems watery, drain it in a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth for 30 minutes before mixing with herbs
• Score the pastry border carefully—cutting too deeply will prevent proper puffing
• For a make-ahead option, bake the pastry and prepare the ricotta mixture separately, then assemble just before serving
• Use a microplane for the lemon zest to get just the flavorful oils without the bitter white pith
• Let the tart cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow the cheese to set slightly

How to Serve

Serve this tart while still slightly warm or at room temperature for the best flavor. Cut into quarters for a main dish, or into smaller squares for an elegant appetizer. Pair with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a complete meal, or serve as part of a brunch spread. For wine pairing, try a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light Pinot Grigio to complement the fresh flavors.

Make Ahead

The puff pastry shell can be baked up to 8 hours ahead and stored at room temperature, lightly covered. The herbed ricotta mixture can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated in an airtight container. The cherry tomatoes can be roasted several hours ahead and kept at room temperature. For the freshest presentation, assemble the components just before serving. If needed, you can assemble the entire tart up to 2 hours before serving and keep at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I use regular tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?

Yes, but slice them thinly and remove excess seeds and juice to prevent the tart from becoming soggy. You may need to roast them a bit longer to concentrate their flavor.

How do I prevent my puff pastry from getting soggy?

Make sure to fully bake the pastry shell until golden brown, which creates a barrier against moisture. Also, allow the pastry to cool slightly before adding the ricotta mixture, and don’t assemble the tart too far in advance of serving.

Can I make this tart dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the ricotta with a dairy-free alternative like almond-based ricotta or a cashew cream. The egg wash can be replaced with a plant-based milk or olive oil brushed on the crust.

How long will leftovers keep?

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, though the pastry will soften over time. Gently reheat in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes to crisp up the crust before serving.

Conclusion

This Cherry Tomato Tart with Herbed Ricotta brings together simple ingredients to create a dish that’s both visually stunning and bursting with fresh flavors. The combination of flaky pastry, creamy herbed ricotta, and sweet roasted tomatoes makes for a versatile dish that’s equally at home as an elegant appetizer or satisfying main course. With its minimal prep time and maximum flavor impact, this tart is sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation for everything from casual weeknight dinners to special gatherings.

Print