Description
These Tomato, Black Olive, and Ricotta Puff Tarts are a delicious Mediterranean-inspired appetizer featuring flaky puff pastry topped with a creamy ricotta mixture, fresh tomato slices, and briny black olives. With a hint of lemon zest and fresh basil, these tarts bake to golden perfection, making for a perfect light lunch or elegant starter.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
Ricotta Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil (chopped)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Toppings
- 2–3 medium tomatoes (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Finishing
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into 4 equal rectangles. Use a knife to score a 1/2-inch border around each rectangle without cutting all the way through; this helps the edges puff up distinctly.
- Mix Ricotta Filling: In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, lemon zest, chopped fresh basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and evenly mixed.
- Assemble the Tarts: Spoon the ricotta mixture into the center of each pastry rectangle, spreading it evenly but keeping it inside the scored border. Layer the thin tomato slices on top of the ricotta, slightly overlapping them, then sprinkle the sliced black olives over the tomatoes.
- Finish and Bake: Brush the pastry edges with the beaten egg wash to ensure a golden, shiny crust. Drizzle the olive oil over the tomato slices for added flavor and moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed up, golden brown, and the tomatoes are tender.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow the tarts to cool slightly before serving. These can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use heirloom or cherry tomatoes for extra color and flavor variety.
- Substitute goat cheese or feta for a tangier flavor if preferred.
- Serve these tarts warm as an appetizer or as a light lunch option.
