If you’re searching for a simple yet show-stopping appetizer or a light meal, you’ll absolutely fall in love with this Goat Cheese & Cherry Tomato Tart. With its flaky, golden crust, tangy goat cheese layer, and burstingly sweet cherry tomatoes, this tart offers a perfect balance of flavor and elegance in every bite. What makes this recipe even more irresistible is just how quick and easy it is to assemble, making it ideal for busy weeknights, brunch gatherings, or those moments you want to impress with minimal effort. Once you taste that creamy goat cheese mingling with juicy tomatoes and fresh herbs, you’ll see why Goat Cheese & Cherry Tomato Tart deserves a regular spot in your culinary repertoire!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about the simple ingredients that make this tart so magical—each one is essential and brings something special to the table, from bright colors to irresistible creaminess and fresh, herbaceous flavor.
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen): Buttery and flaky, puff pastry is the fast track to a crisp base that looks and tastes homemade.
- 4 oz goat cheese, softened: Goat cheese adds a creamy, tangy punch that pairs perfectly with sweet tomatoes.
- 1/4 cup cream cheese or sour cream: This softens the goat cheese and brings extra silkiness to the filling.
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried): Thyme infuses the tart with classic, aromatic herb flavor—use fresh for maximum brightness.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: A hint of garlic ties all the savory flavors together without overpowering the mix.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing every layer of flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved: These little jewels roast beautifully and burst with sweetness atop the tart.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Tossing tomatoes in olive oil helps them roast and caramelize to perfection.
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash): An egg wash gives that outer crust extra gloss and golden color.
- Fresh basil leaves or arugula for garnish (optional): These garnishes bring a touch of green and a pop of fresh, peppery flavor to finish the dish.
How to Make Goat Cheese & Cherry Tomato Tart
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Sheet and Puff Pastry
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking (and save yourself clean-up time). Roll out your puff pastry sheet slightly so it expands just a bit, then carefully lay it onto your prepared baking sheet. To create a crust, use a sharp knife to score a half-inch border around the edges—don’t cut all the way through. Prick the center portion inside the border with a fork; this helps stop the pastry from puffing up too much in the middle, so your filling sits nicely.
Step 2: Make and Spread the Cheese Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the softened goat cheese and your choice of cream cheese or sour cream. Add the fresh (or dried) thyme, garlic powder, and a pinch of both salt and black pepper. Mix until the blend is beautifully smooth and spreadable—you want it creamy but still thick enough to hold the tomatoes. Using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon, evenly spread the cheese mixture only within the scored border of your puff pastry. This creates a luscious, flavorful base for your Goat Cheese & Cherry Tomato Tart.
Step 3: Toss and Arrange the Tomatoes
In a separate bowl, toss the halved cherry tomatoes with olive oil and a little extra salt and pepper. This quick marinating step helps the tomatoes roast beautifully and enhances their natural sweetness. Arrange them, cut sides up, tightly across the creamy cheese layer. Don’t worry if it looks rustic—this is part of the charm!
Step 4: Add Egg Wash and Bake
With a pastry brush, paint the exposed border of the pastry with your beaten egg. This simple touch will give the tart an irresistibly glossy, golden finish once baked. Slide your tart into the hot oven, and let it bake for 20–25 minutes. You’re looking for a deeply golden, crisp edge, with the tomatoes bubbling and the cheese layer gently set. Trust your nose—it will smell incredible when it’s ready!
Step 5: Cool and Garnish
Allow the Goat Cheese & Cherry Tomato Tart to cool for about five minutes. This resting time makes it easier to slice, and the flavors settle just enough. Scatter fresh basil leaves or a handful of arugula on top if you love a peppery bite and vibrant finish. Now, slice and serve your masterpiece warm or at room temperature—it’s fabulous either way!
How to Serve Goat Cheese & Cherry Tomato Tart
Garnishes
For that finishing touch, garnishes make all the difference. A shower of fresh basil brings fragrance and color, while baby arugula adds a delightful peppery note. If you want to take it up a notch, a drizzle of high-quality balsamic glaze or a few twists of cracked black pepper will make your Goat Cheese & Cherry Tomato Tart pop with even more flavor.
Side Dishes
This tart is a superstar on its own, but it loves good company. Pair it with a light green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette, a bowl of marinated olives, or a simple chilled soup like gazpacho for a stunning lunch or elegant brunch spread. It also holds its own as part of a savory brunch buffet or alongside roasted vegetables for a heartier meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to dazzle your guests? Try making mini versions of the Goat Cheese & Cherry Tomato Tart by cutting the puff pastry into smaller pieces before adding toppings and baking. They’re perfect for cocktail parties or picnics! Or serve the tart topped with caramelized onions or even a sprinkle of feta for a twist. Layer it onto a rustic wooden board with colorful roasted peppers and crackers to create a French-inspired appetizer platter with true wow-factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they keep wonderfully in the refrigerator. Wrap pieces tightly or store them in an airtight container. The Goat Cheese & Cherry Tomato Tart stays fresh and flavorful for up to three days, making it a terrific make-ahead option for busy days.
Freezing
While freezing isn’t ideal for this tart due to the creamy cheese and juicy tomatoes, you can freeze the baked tart in a pinch. Let it cool completely first, then wrap well and freeze for up to one month. The texture may soften after thawing, but a quick reheat in the oven can refresh it.
Reheating
To enjoy your tart at its best, reheat slices in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8–10 minutes. This crisps up the pastry again and warms the filling without making it soggy. A few minutes in a toaster oven works great too. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust chewy.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought puff pastry for this tart?
Absolutely! Store-bought puff pastry delivers fantastic results and saves time—just make sure it’s fully thawed before rolling out. You’ll get all the flakiness and richness without extra effort.
What else can I use instead of goat cheese?
If you’re not a goat cheese fan, cream cheese, ricotta, or Boursin-style herbed cheese all work nicely as substitutes. Each brings its own character but still gives that lovely creamy base.
Can I make the tart ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the Goat Cheese & Cherry Tomato Tart up to a day ahead and refrigerate it unbaked, lightly covered. When you’re ready, bake it fresh for best results.
How do I keep the tart from getting soggy?
Scoring the border and pricking the center helps control puffing and prevents sogginess. Also, thoroughly draining or patting the tomatoes dry ensures the filling stays crisp, not watery.
Can I add extra toppings to the Goat Cheese & Cherry Tomato Tart?
Of course! Caramelized onions, roasted garlic cloves, a sprinkle of Parmesan, or a handful of olives all make delicious additions—feel free to get creative with your favorite flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Goat Cheese & Cherry Tomato Tart truly invites you to savor the magic of simple, quality ingredients—bursting tomatoes, tangy cheese, and flaky pastry. It’s a recipe that brings people together around the table and adds a special touch to any meal. I hope you give it a try, share it with friends, and make it your own. Happy baking!
Print
Goat Cheese & Cherry Tomato Tart Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the savory delight of this Goat Cheese & Cherry Tomato Tart with a flaky puff pastry base, creamy cheese filling, and vibrant tomatoes. Perfect for a light meal or impressive appetizer.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
Cheese Filling:
4 oz goat cheese, softened
1/4 cup cream cheese or sour cream
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried)
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Tomatoes:
1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 tablespoon olive oil
Others:
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Fresh basil leaves or arugula, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Prepare the Pastry:
- Make the Cheese Filling:
- Prepare the Tomatoes:
- Bake:
- Serve:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll out the puff pastry and place it on the baking sheet. Score a border, prick the center with a fork.
Mix goat cheese, cream cheese, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread within the pastry border.
Toss tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange over the cheese.
Brush pastry edges with egg. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden.
Let cool, garnish with basil or arugula. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can add caramelized onions or drizzle with balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
- For mini tarts, cut the puff pastry into smaller squares before topping and baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer or Light Meal
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 270 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
