Say hello to your new favorite summer showstopper: the Goat Cheese & Cherry Tomato Tart. Flaky, buttery puff pastry cradles a creamy, garlicky goat cheese filling, all topped with sweet, juicy cherry tomatoes that roast to perfection in the oven. Every bite manages to be both indulgent and refreshingly light. Whether you’re planning a brunch with friends, a quick lunch, or a stunning appetizer for a dinner party, this tart’s vibrant colors and bold flavors will always draw an enthusiastic crowd.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simplicity is at the heart of this Goat Cheese & Cherry Tomato Tart recipe, yet every ingredient packs a big punch. These carefully chosen staples create that signature contrast of tangy, creamy, flaky, and juicy—all in one unforgettable bite.
- Puff Pastry: Your secret to a golden, crispy base that looks effortless but tastes bakery-fresh.
- Goat Cheese: Adds tangy creaminess and a touch of luxury—make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Cream Cheese or Sour Cream: Just a spoonful makes the filling extra spreadable and ultra-smooth.
- Olive Oil: Brings a subtle richness and helps the filling blend together.
- Garlic: Freshly minced, it infuses the cheese with gentle, aromatic warmth.
- Fresh Thyme (or Dried): Unexpectedly bright, it lifts the whole tart with herby freshness.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet, juicy, and absolutely gorgeous once roasted on top of the tart.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and amplifying every other flavor.
- Egg (for Egg Wash): A quick brush gives your crust that bakery-style shine and golden hue.
- Fresh Basil or Arugula (Optional Garnish): Sliced basil or peppery arugula takes the tart from delicious to dazzling.
How to Make Goat Cheese & Cherry Tomato Tart
Step 1: Prep and Roll the Pastry
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C)—getting it nice and hot ensures that legendary puff. Lightly flour your countertop, then roll out your thawed puff pastry to fit either your baking sheet or favorite tart pan. Don’t skip the fun part: score a 1/2-inch border around the edge using a knife, making sure not to cut all the way through. This creates a raised border that will hold in all that creamy filling.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Filling
In a medium bowl, combine goat cheese, cream cheese (or sour cream), olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir or smash—it should come together smoothly and feel like a spreadable cloud. If the goat cheese is a bit stiff, let it sit out for a few extra minutes or add an extra drizzle of olive oil.
Step 3: Spread and Arrange
Carefully spread the goat cheese mixture inside the scored border of your pastry. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to get an even, generous layer—the creaminess will protect the pastry from the juiciness of the tomatoes. Next, arrange your halved cherry tomatoes, cut side up, snugly over the cheese mixture. Not only does this look gorgeous, but it also captures all those sweet tomato juices as they roast.
Step 4: Add an Egg Wash
Beat an egg and brush it along the outer border of the tart. Just a light coat is all you need for a perfectly crisp, shiny crust. This step gives you that irresistible golden color that signals a homemade tart made with love.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Slide the tart into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the pastry has puffed and turned beautifully golden, and the tomatoes are just starting to blister. The aroma of garlicky goat cheese wafting through your kitchen will let you know you’re close to greatness.
Step 6: Cool & Garnish
Let the Goat Cheese & Cherry Tomato Tart cool for a few minutes before transferring it to a cutting board. Finish with a flourish of fresh basil or a handful of arugula for a burst of color and a bright, peppery finish right before serving.
How to Serve Goat Cheese & Cherry Tomato Tart
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil ribbons or a scatter of tender arugula leaves adds color, freshness, and a finishing touch. If you want to get extra fancy, try a drizzle of good-quality balsamic glaze or even a few pine nuts for crunch.
Side Dishes
Pair your tart with a light, lemony salad, chilled cucumber soup, or even a bowl of marinated olives. It also works well as part of a picnic spread alongside roasted vegetables or a crisp, fruity white wine.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the tart in neat slices as an appetizer, or cut it into rustic squares for a buffet. For brunch, top each slice with a poached egg or pair smaller wedges with a bright spring salad. If you’re feeling bold, bake the tart as individual mini-tarts for an impressively elegant presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Goat Cheese & Cherry Tomato Tart slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The pastry may soften slightly, but the flavors continue to meld beautifully.
Freezing
You can freeze this tart either whole or in individual slices. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.
Reheating
To bring your tart back to life, reheat slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8-10 minutes. This method helps crisp up the base again while keeping the filling creamy inside.
FAQs
Can I use different cheeses in the Goat Cheese & Cherry Tomato Tart?
Absolutely! While goat cheese offers unbeatable tang, you can swap in ricotta or cream cheese for a subtler flavor, or mix in a little feta for saltiness. Let your taste buds guide you.
Do I have to use cherry tomatoes?
Not at all. Try sliced heirloom tomatoes or even grape tomatoes for a slightly different texture. Just make sure to pat them dry to avoid a soggy filling.
How can I make this tart gluten-free?
Look for gluten-free puff pastry in the freezer section, which works beautifully as a simple substitute. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I make Goat Cheese & Cherry Tomato Tart in advance?
Yes! Assemble everything except the tomatoes and refrigerate. Add tomatoes and bake fresh when you’re ready for the best texture, or bake completely and reheat for convenience.
Is this tart good for brunch parties?
It’s perfect for brunch! The flavors pair well with everything from mimosas to breakfast potatoes, and it’s easy to transport or slice ahead for serving.
Final Thoughts
This Goat Cheese & Cherry Tomato Tart truly transforms simple ingredients into something special—the kind of dish people talk about long after the last slice is gone. Whether you make it for a crowd or just to treat yourself, I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with every flaky, tangy, tomato-packed bite!
