Welcome to the heart of summer, where the sun shines bright, and ripe, juicy tomatoes steal the show! If there’s one dish that perfectly encapsulates the essence of this vibrant season, it’s a glorious **Summer Tomato Tart**. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a celebration of peak-season produce, combining the incredible sweetness of garden-fresh tomatoes with fragrant basil and creamy Fontina cheese, all nestled in a flaky, golden crust. Whether you call it a tomato tart or a savory tomato pie, its charm and versatility make it an absolute must-try. Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm slice, the flavors bursting in your mouth – it’s pure culinary bliss! Perfect for a light dinner, a sophisticated appetizer, a delightful brunch, or a memorable side dish, this tomato tart effortlessly elevates any meal. Honestly, it’s so good, I’d happily enjoy a slice for breakfast!
There’s a special kind of magic that happens when July and August roll around, and gardens overflow with plump, sun-kissed heirloom tomatoes. The sheer abundance inspires a creative culinary impulse, a compelling urge to turn on the oven even on the warmest days to bake something truly spectacular. And what could be more spectacular than a freshly baked savory tart that showcases these seasonal gems? Just take a look at the vibrant colors and enticing texture – it’s almost impossible to resist. This recipe truly captures the essence of summer on a plate, delivering an experience that’s both comforting and exquisitely fresh.
Why This Summer Tomato Tart Will Be Your New Favorite
If you’re looking for compelling reasons to whip up this incredible **Tomato and Cheese Tart**, let me offer a few that are sure to win you over:
- **Showcases Peak Season Tomatoes:** This recipe is designed to let the natural, sweet-tart flavor of ripe summer tomatoes shine. It’s the ultimate way to enjoy the bounty of your garden or local farmers’ market. When tomatoes are at their prime, their flavor is unparalleled, and this tart allows them to be the star.
- **Incredibly Versatile Serving:** One of the best qualities of this savory pie is its adaptability. It can be enjoyed warm straight from the oven, at comfortable room temperature, or even chilled. This flexibility makes it perfect for various occasions – a relaxing weeknight dinner, a casual potluck, a sophisticated brunch spread, or even packed for a delightful picnic.
- **Perfect for Any Meal:** A generous wedge of this **Heirloom Tomato Tart** can easily serve as a satisfying main course for lunch or dinner. Pair it with a crisp green salad for a complete and light meal. It also makes an exquisite appetizer, sliced into smaller portions, or a vibrant side dish alongside grilled meats or vegetables. Its rich flavors and beautiful presentation make it suitable for both casual gatherings and more formal occasions.
- **A True Crowd-Pleaser:** With its appealing colors and comforting flavors, this tomato tart is almost guaranteed to be a hit with everyone. The combination of flaky pastry, gooey cheese, and fresh tomatoes is universally loved, making it an excellent choice when entertaining guests.
Beyond its sheer deliciousness, there’s a certain satisfaction that comes from transforming simple, fresh ingredients into something truly extraordinary. While you’re exploring delightful tomato creations, don’t forget to check out my Cheese and Tomato Galette, another fantastic and easy tomato tart variation. And for more ways to celebrate this glorious fruit, dive into all my favorite Fresh Tomato Recipes.
Crafting Your Perfect Summer Tomato Tart: Expert Advice
When you hear the word “pie,” your mind might first jump to sweet, fruit-filled desserts with a buttery, flaky crust. But let’s remember, botanically speaking, tomatoes are indeed a fruit! And while this **Savory Tomato Pie** offers a distinctly savory profile, it embraces that same beautiful concept of a delectable filling encased in a perfect pastry. To ensure your tomato tart is nothing short of perfection, here are some invaluable tips gathered from years of baking experience:
- **The Foundation: Your Crust:** A great tart begins with a great crust. Feel free to use your absolute favorite homemade pie crust recipe – the effort is always worth it for that unparalleled flakiness. However, during the scorching days of summer, rolling out dough might not be your favorite activity! Don’t hesitate to opt for high-quality premade pie dough or puff pastry from your local market. It’s a fantastic time-saver that doesn’t compromise on taste, especially when you’re craving fresh tomato flavors without the fuss. Remember to prick the bottom of the crust with a fork before filling to prevent bubbling, or even blind bake it for a crispier base, especially if your tomatoes are particularly juicy.
- **Layering for Success:** Once your chosen crust is perfectly fitted into your tart pan (a tart pan with a removable bottom is ideal for easy serving!), the layering begins. Start with an even blanket of shredded cheese, followed by a generous scattering of fresh basil. Then, artfully arrange your gorgeous, ripe tomato slices on top. A final sprinkling of salt and pepper, along with a drizzle of quality extra virgin olive oil, will enhance the flavors beautifully before it goes into the oven.
- **Visual Appeal and Flavor:** While taste is paramount, presentation matters too! I adore using a mix of red, yellow, and orange tomatoes to create a stunning, vibrant mosaic that’s almost too pretty to eat. However, if you only have one color available, that’s perfectly fine; the taste will still be exceptional. The key takeaway here is to always use peak-of-the-season, intensely flavorful tomatoes. They are the star ingredient, and their quality directly impacts the final deliciousness of your tart. Avoid pale, watery tomatoes; seek out those that are heavy for their size and have a rich aroma.
- **PRO-Tip: Preventing a Soggy Bottom:** This is arguably the most crucial tip for any savory tart with a juicy filling! Laying down a generous layer of shredded cheese directly onto the tart crust before adding the tomatoes acts as a protective barrier. The cheese creates a seal, preventing the moisture from the tomatoes from seeping into and softening the bottom crust, ensuring it remains wonderfully crisp and golden. This simple step makes a huge difference in the texture of your finished tart.
- **Cheese Choices:** While Fontina cheese offers a beautiful melt and a slightly nutty, mild flavor that pairs wonderfully with tomatoes and basil, don’t feel limited. This recipe is incredibly adaptable! Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor, creamy mozzarella for a classic pairing, or even Gouda for a touch of sweetness. A blend of cheeses can also create a complex flavor profile. Use whatever cheese you love to pair with fresh tomatoes!
- **Patience is a Virtue (for Cooling):** I know, the aroma wafting from your kitchen will make you want to dive in immediately. However, resisting the urge to slice into your freshly baked tart for just a few minutes is crucial. Allowing it to cool slightly, typically 5-10 minutes, gives the cheese a chance to solidify and the flavors to settle. This ensures clean slices and prevents the filling from spilling out, giving you that picture-perfect presentation and an even more enjoyable eating experience.
- **Embrace Simplicity:** When produce is at its absolute prime, the most straightforward recipes often allow the ingredients to shine brightest. This tomato tart is a testament to that philosophy. With minimal fuss, you create a dish where the sweet, flavorful tomatoes are the undisputed highlight, complemented by the delicate herbs and creamy cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions About Summer Tomato Tart
A **Tomato Tart** is incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways! For a light and satisfying meal, a generous wedge is perfect as a main course, perhaps accompanied by a crisp mixed green salad with a simple vinaigrette, or alongside a piece of grilled chicken or fish for added protein. Its ability to be delicious warm, cold, or at room temperature makes it an ideal candidate for picnics, summer potlucks, or even as a standout item on a brunch buffet. For appetizers, simply cut it into smaller squares or triangles.
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 odors. Properly stored, it will keep well for 3-4 days. While delicious cold, you can also gently reheat slices in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F or 150°C) until warmed through, or even in a toaster oven for a crispier crust.
The beauty of a **Fresh Tomato Tart** lies in its adaptability! While the classic combination of tomatoes, basil, and cheese is divine, you can easily customize it to your taste. Consider adding savory elements like crispy fried and crumbled bacon, diced ham, or even prosciutto for a salty, umami kick. For additional herbaceous notes, experiment with fresh thyme, oregano, or a touch of rosemary. Beyond the recommended Fontina, other cheeses like sharp Mozzarella, rich Gouda, or robust Cheddar work wonderfully. For a subtle depth of flavor, spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on the crust before adding the cheese – it adds a delightful tang that complements the tomatoes beautifully. Caramelized onions or a layer of pesto can also provide an incredible burst of flavor.
Preventing a soggy crust is key to a perfect **Tomato Tart**, and there are a few effective strategies. As mentioned in our pro-tip, adding a generous layer of shredded cheese directly onto the crust before the tomatoes provides an excellent barrier, preventing moisture from seeping into the pastry. Some recipes also suggest sprinkling a thin layer of breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, or even cornmeal over the crust before baking; these ingredients help absorb any excess moisture released by the tomatoes. Another critical step is to drain your sliced tomatoes thoroughly. After slicing, arrange them in a single layer on a couple of sheets of paper towels, sprinkle lightly with salt, and let them sit for at least 30 minutes. The salt will draw out moisture. Gently blot them dry, flipping them at least once and replacing the paper towels if they become saturated. This pre-draining significantly reduces the liquid introduced to the tart, ensuring a wonderfully crisp bottom crust.
Explore More Delicious Recipes:
If you loved this **Summer Tomato Pie**, you’ll certainly enjoy these other fresh and flavorful dishes:
- Fresh Tomato Tart with Pesto and Mozzarella
- Vibrant Corn, Basil, and Tomato Salad
- Classic Tabouli Salad
- Hearty Sun-dried Tomato and Spinach Quiche
- Discover more of the Best Side Dish Recipes for every occasion!
Stay in touch and share your culinary creations with me! Find me on social media @ Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Don’t forget to tag me when you try one of my recipes! If you love the results, please consider giving it a 5-star rating in the recipe card below. Your feedback helps other home cooks discover these delicious recipes!
Summer Tomato Tart
20 minutes
30 minutes
50 minutes
8 servings
A perfect summer pastry shell generously filled with gooey Fontina cheese, vibrant fresh tomatoes, and aromatic basil.
Ingredients
For the Tart Crust:
- 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 stick (4 ounces) unsalted cold butter, diced into small cubes
- 2 to 4 tablespoons ice water (as needed)
For the Tomato Tart Filling:
- 8 ounces Fontina cheese, freshly shredded
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, plus extra for garnish
- 4 medium garden or farmers’ market tomatoes, sliced thin and thoroughly drained on paper toweling
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3-4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Additional fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC).
- Make the Crust: In a food processor, pulse together the flour and salt to combine. Add the cold, diced butter and pulse a few times until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Form the Dough: While pulsing, gradually sprinkle in the cold water, adding just enough until the dough begins to come together and holds its shape when pinched between two fingers. Do not overmix. Gather the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Prepare the Tart Shell: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully fit the dough into a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom, pressing it gently into the edges. Trim any excess dough. Chill the tart shell in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes while you prepare the filling ingredients.
- Assemble the Tart: Evenly sprinkle the shredded Fontina cheese over the bottom of the chilled crust. Next, scatter the 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil over the cheese layer. Arrange the drained tomato slices decoratively over the basil and cheese, fitting them as tightly as possible to cover the entire surface. Season the tomatoes with ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, then generously drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the top.
- Bake and Serve: Place the tart pan on a baking sheet (to catch any potential drips) and bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes. The tart is ready when the crust is beautifully golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned. Carefully remove it from the oven. Let the tart cool on a wire rack for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with additional fresh chopped basil before serving warm. Enjoy!
Chef’s Notes
For the best results and to ensure a perfectly crisp crust, always take the time to place your sliced tomatoes on several layers of paper towels. Lightly sprinkle them with salt and let them sit for at least 30 minutes, then gently blot away any excess moisture before assembling your tart. This simple step will significantly help in preventing a soggy bottom and ensure every bite is delightful.
Recommended Kitchen Essentials
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- OXO Good Grips Carving & Cutting Board
- Chicago Metallic Professional 9-inch Tart Pan
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8
Serving Size:
1 slice
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 271Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 32mgSodium: 465mgCarbohydrates: 18gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 9g
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Skinny Tip of the Day
I frequently receive inquiries about how I manage to stay slim, which is why I’m excited to share a series of “Skinny Tips.” You can find more of these insights in upcoming blog posts, or by clicking on the #SkinnyTip tag at the end of this article to explore all my previous advice.
Tip #37: Make sure to diligently count your daily servings of fruit and vegetables. Integrate some of your recommended 5+ servings into your between-meal snacks. Not only will they help you feel fuller and more satisfied, but they also provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber vital for your overall health. This excellent tip comes from my dear friend, Sophia. Incorporating more fresh produce is a simple yet powerful step towards a healthier lifestyle!