Go Back

Easy Fresh Heirloom Tomato & Basil Tart Appetizer

I started making this every summer once heirloom tomatoes hit the farmers market, mostly because they're too pretty not to showcase somewhere other than a basic salad. Laying them over a garlicky, herby cheese spread on puff pastry turns them into the actual star of the show. Now this is my go-to whenever tomato season peaks and I want something that celebrates it properly.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Appetizer, Appetizer recipe, Gluten-free, vegan Appetizr
Cuisine: American
Calories: 360
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • This recipe comes together from a garlicky cheese layer sweet pesto, and fresh heirloom tomatoes. Here's exactly what you need.
  • 1 sheet puff pastry thawed
  • Flour for rolling out the dough
  • 4 oz vegan cream cheese
  • 3 oz vegan feta
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil chopped, plus more for serving
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 3 tablespoons vegan pesto homemade or store-bought
  • 3 to 4 medium heirloom tomatoes sliced
  • 1 tablespoon Just Egg or substitute aquafaba or melted vegan butter
  • Everything but the bagel seasoning
  • Olive oil for serving
  • Heirloom tomatoes genuinely matter here their varied colors and richer more complex flavor compared to standard tomatoes make this tart genuinely special looking and tasting.

Equipment

  • This recipe keeps the tool list simple. Here's what to grab:
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Rolling pin (for smoothing out the puff pastry)
  • Mixing bowl (for the cheese mixture)
  • Fork (for scoring the dough)
  • Pastry brush (for the egg wash)
  • Sharp knife (for slicing the tomatoes and final tart)
  • No stand mixer, no food processor required. A baking sheet and a mixing bowl handle nearly the entire process.

Method
 

  1. Step 1- Preheat and Prep
  2. Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. Step 2- Make the Cheese Mixture
  4. Combine the vegan cream cheese, feta, garlic, basil, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl, making sure to break apart the feta as you mix. Set aside.
  5. Step 3- Roll Out the Pastry
  6. Place the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and gently roll it out so it's slightly larger than its original size. Transfer it to the prepared baking sheet.
  7. Step 4- Score the Border
  8. Use a knife to create a 1-inch border around the dough, being careful not to cut all the way through. Use a fork to score the inside rectangle of the dough.
  9. Step 5- Add the Cheese and Pesto
  10. Spread the cheese mixture over the center portion of the dough, all the way to the scored border. Add dollops of the vegan pesto on top.
  11. Step 6- Layer the Tomatoes
  12. Arrange the tomato slices on top, letting them overlap slightly if needed to fit everything in.
  13. Step 7- Finish and Bake
  14. Brush the border with the Just Egg (or your chosen substitute) and sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the dough turns browned and crispy.
  15. Step 8- Cool and Garnish
  16. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Drizzle a little olive oil over the tomatoes and top with more everything seasoning and fresh basil.
  17. Step 9 Slice and Serve
  18. Slice into squares and serve.

Notes

Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)

Here's exactly what you're getting per serving, based on 6 total servings from this recipe:
  • Calories- 360 kcal
  • Carbohydrates- 24g
  • Protein- 7g
  • Fat- 27g