Tomato Tartlets with Puff Pastry—oh, where do I begin? This recipe is like a warm embrace from the kitchen, perfect for any occasion. I first stumbled upon this gem during a potluck gathering a few summers ago where I had signed up to bring an appetizer. As I stood nervously by the snack table, I watched my friends swoon over these tartlets, devouring them in record time. The delightful combination of creamy cheese and sweet, juicy cherry tomatoes, all enveloped in flaky pastry, was a complete showstopper. Ever since, it’s been a staple in my kitchen, always met with “Wow, you made these?” from guests.
What I love most about these tartlets is their versatility. They can be an elegant starter for a dinner party or a fun snack for a movie night. Plus, the chefs in disguise will be thrilled at how easy they are to make. Let me take you through this mouthwatering journey of flavors!
What’s in Tomato Tartlets with Puff Pastry?
- Puff pastry: The star of our show! I usually go with Pepperidge Farm’s frozen puff pastry—super flaky and easy to work with. Make sure to thaw it beforehand for best results.
- Ricotta cheese: This creamy cheese adds a lovely richness. Opt for whole milk ricotta if you want extra creaminess.
- Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese brings an incredible tanginess that balances the whole tartlet.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor, rounding out the cheese mixture perfectly.
- Egg: One egg helps bind the cheese mixture and adds a beautiful color when baked.
- Salt and pepper: Simple yet essential for enhancing the flavors of the cheese and tomatoes.
- Cherry tomatoes: I like to use a mix of red, yellow, and orange for a vibrant presentation. The sweet burst of flavor from these beauties is simply irresistible!
- Olive oil: A drizzle of good-quality olive oil takes these tartlets to another level – don’t skimp on this!
- Fresh basil leaves: Chopped basil makes for a fragrant and colorful garnish that screams freshness.
- Optional: Dried oregano or Italian seasoning: A sprinkle of these herbs can elevate the flavor profile, making it feel even more Mediterranean.
Are Tomato Tartlets with Puff Pastry Good for You?
Let’s be real; while we can’t call these a health food, they do pack some nutrition! The ricotta and cream cheese offer some calcium and protein benefits, while those adorable cherry tomatoes are bursting with vitamins A and C, plus antioxidants that are great for your health. However, because of the puff pastry’s flaky nature, it’s best enjoyed in moderation. But hey, life is all about balance, right? Pair these tartlets with a side salad for a more nutritious meal, and you’ve got a winner!
Ingredients List
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup assorted cherry tomatoes, halved (red, yellow, and orange)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: A sprinkle of dried oregano or Italian seasoning
How to Make Tomato Tartlets with Puff Pastry?
- First things first: preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. The parchment paper is your best friend in this recipe—it keeps those beauties from sticking!
- Roll out your puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. We want it nice and smooth, so feel free to channel your inner baker and get rid of those creases. Then, cut the pastry into 4×4 inch rectangles (or squares, if you’re feeling adventurous!).
- Transfer the pastry rectangles to the baking sheet. Here comes the fun part: using a sharp knife, score a 1/2 inch border all around each rectangle. Just take care not to cut all the way through. This will create that cute little raised edge for our filling.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, cream cheese, grated Parmesan, and egg. Season with salt, pepper, and any optional herbs you’ve chosen. Mix it all up until the mixture is smooth and has that creamy consistency!
- Spread the cheese mixture evenly inside the borders of each pastry rectangle. Isn’t it starting to look good already?
- Now, arrange those colorful halved cherry tomatoes on top of the cheese filling like you’re putting together a beautiful edible mosaic. Drizzle some olive oil over the top, and sprinkle a little more salt and pepper for good measure.
- Pop the tartlets into your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed up, while your tomatoes become slightly blistered. The smell? Pure bliss!
- Once baked, let them cool slightly before garnishing with fresh chopped basil. Serve warm or at room temperature, and watch them disappear!
Serving Suggestions and Tips for Success
- Feel free to customize these tartlets with other toppings, like sautéed mushrooms, roasted peppers, or even caramelized onions!
- They make an excellent appetizer, but I love to serve them with a crisp side salad for a light lunch or dinner—perfect for the warmer months!
- If you’re having a gathering, consider preparing the cheese mixture ahead of time and assembling them right before baking for extra crunchiness.
So, there you have it! These Tomato Tartlets with Puff Pastry are not just delightful to eat but also ridiculously easy to make—truly a culinary hug for your taste buds. I encourage you to whip them up and see the joy on your family and friends’ faces as they indulge in these little pieces of happiness. Once you try them, come back and share your experiences; I’d love to hear about your tasty adventures in the kitchen!
