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Heirloom Tomato & Herb Goat Cheese Tart Puff Pastry Appetizer

Want an elegant summer tart that lets peak-season tomatoes and tangy herbed cheese take center stage? This Heirloom Tomato & Herb Goat Cheese Tart delivers a crispy puff pastry shell filled with garlicky, herbed plant-based goat cheese and topped with vibrant heirloom tomato slices.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Stand Time- 1 hour (thawing the puff pastry) Bake Time- 15 minutes 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Appetizer, Appetizer recipe, Gluten-free
Cuisine: American
Calories: 410
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • This recipe comes together in three parts: the puff pastry shells a tangy herbed goat cheese filling, and fresh heirloom tomatoes. Here's exactly what you need.
  • 1 17.3 oz package frozen puff pastry (2 sheets)
  • 1 tablespoon aquafaba or plant milk mixed with 1 teaspoon water (for the wash)
  • 1 cup finely shredded vegan parmesan
  • 2 4 to 4.5 oz tubs plant-based goat cheese, softened
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
  • 2 lbs assorted heirloom tomatoes cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil or flat-leaf parsley snipped
  • Coarse salt optional
  • Plant-based goat cheese has genuinely gotten impressively tangy in recent years. Look for brands specifically labeled "goat cheese style" in the dairy-free section for the closest flavor match.

Equipment

  • This recipe uses a bit of pastry technique to create those signature raised edges. Here's what to have ready:
  • Two baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Rolling pin (for flattening the pastry creases)
  • Sharp knife or pastry wheel (for cutting the edge strips)
  • Pastry brush (for the wash)
  • Fork (for pricking the pastry)
  • Wire racks (for cooling)
  • Small mixing bowl (for the herbed cheese filling)
  • No stand mixer, no food processor required. A rolling pin and a sharp knife handle nearly the entire pastry process.

Method
 

  1. Step 1- Thaw the Pastry
  2. Thaw the puff pastry sheets at room temperature for 1 hour.
  3. Step 2- Prep the Wash
  4. In a small bowl, mix the aquafaba or plant milk with water. Set aside.
  5. Step 3- Shape the Tart Shells
  6. Unfold the pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface and roll gently to flatten the creases, aiming for a 10-inch square. Cut 1/2-inch strips from all 4 sides of each sheet.
  7. Step 4- Build the Raised Edges
  8. Brush the edges of the pastry sheets with the wash. Place the cut strips on top of and along the edges, gently pressing to form a raised border. Trim the ends as needed.
  9. Step 5- Prep for Baking
  10. Place the pastries on 2 parchment-lined baking sheets. Brush with more wash and prick the centers with a fork. Sprinkle with vegan parmesan.
  11. Step 6- Bake
  12. Bake one sheet at a time in a 425°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown. Cool on the baking sheets set on wire racks.
  13. Step 7- Make the Herbed Cheese Filling
  14. In a small bowl, stir together the plant-based goat cheese, garlic, and thyme. Spread this mixture over the bottom of the cooled tart shells.
  15. Step 8- Top with Tomatoes
  16. Arrange the tomato slices on top of the cheese layer, overlapping slightly. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with basil and coarse salt if desired.
  17. Step 9- Slice and Serve
  18. Slide onto a cutting board or serving platter and cut each tart into serving-size pieces.

Notes

Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)

Here's an estimated nutrition breakdown per serving, based on 8 total servings from this recipe:
  • Calories- approximately 410 kcal
  • Carbohydrates- 27g
  • Protein- 8g
  • Fat- 29g
  • Saturated Fat- 5g
  • Sodium- 620mg
  • Calcium- 130mg
  • Iron- 1mg
  • Vitamin C- 22mg