Delicious Heirloom Tomato Tart Recipe for a Budget-Friendly French Feast

This delicious Heirloom Tomato Tart is budget-friendly French cuisine at its finest, featuring flaky puff pastry, sweet heirloom tomatoes, rich Gruyère cheese, and Herbs de Provence.

Easy and delicious French Heirloom Tomato Tart

As summer slips into fall, farmers' markets and gardens are filled to the brim with vibrant heirloom tomatoes. These unique gems, renowned for their distinctive shapes and rich flavors, are ideal for crafting an impressive dish that feels indulgent yet remains budget-friendly. Enter the heirloom tomato tart—a French-inspired recipe that is easy to make and sure to please both the eyes and the taste buds.

In this post, we’ll guide you through creating this delightful heirloom tomato tart using simple ingredients, perfect for a cozy dinner or a fun gathering with friends. Let’s savor French cuisine together without breaking the bank!

The Allure of Heirloom Tomatoes

Heirloom tomatoes are a gem in the culinary world, bursting with flavor and color. Unlike their store-bought counterparts, heirloom tomatoes come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, each offering a distinct taste. Some popular varieties include Cherokee Purple, Brandywine, and Green Zebra, which can have sugar content levels ranging from 5 to 10 percent. They are often grown from seeds passed down through generations, making them delicious and rich in agricultural history.

Using heirloom tomatoes in your cooking can elevate any dish. For the tart, their juicy flesh and sweet, tangy flavor balance beautifully with creamy cheese and flaky pastry. Interestingly, heirloom tomatoes are typically in season from late summer to early fall, so you can find them fresh and affordable in your local markets.

Various Heirloom Tomato Types

Heirloom Tomato Tart

Ingredients You’ll Need (Cost Around $11.50)

Ingredients for French Heirloom Tomato Tart

To create this mouthwatering heirloom tomato tart, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 puff pastry shell (frozen or refrigerated) (Walmart, $3.85)

• 2-3 tablespoons Dijon mustard (Aldi, $0.10)

• 1 ½ cups grated Gruyère or similar cheese (Aldi, $4.25)

• 1 to 1 ½ pounds heirloom tomatoes (2 large or 3 medium) ($3, Farmer's Market)

• 1-2 very thinly sliced shallots (Farmer's Market, $0.25)

• 2 very thinly sliced garlic cloves (Aldi, $0.10)

• Herb de Provence, for sprinkling over the tart

• Salt and pepper to taste

  
  

These ingredients are not only easy to find but also budget-friendly. Depending on the market, you can typically find heirloom tomatoes priced around $3 per pound.

Preparing the Puff Pastry

Start by preheating your oven to 360°F (182°C). While the oven heats, line a ¼ baking sheet with parchment paper.

Gently open the puff pastry and roll it out to fit your parchment-lined baking sheet. This creates a beautiful base for your tart, ensuring it bakes evenly and achieves that coveted flaky texture.

Preparing the Heirloom Tomatoes

Next, it's time to focus on the star: the heirloom tomatoes. Slice them horizontally, then place them on a baking rack lined with paper towels.

Sprinkle a generous amount of good-quality salt over the slices and let them rest for about 20 minutes. This crucial step draws out excess moisture, ensuring your tart won't end up soggy.

Sliced heirloom tomatoes salted to eliminate moisture.

Assembling the Heirloom Tomato Tart

With your tomatoes ready, it's time to assemble the tart. Spread a layer of Dijon mustard over the puff pastry. The tanginess from the mustard enhances the flavor profile.

Sprinkle the grated cheese over the mustard layer, reserving about ⅓ cup for later. Carefully arrange the tomato slices over the cheese, making sure to distribute them evenly. Spread the thinly sliced shallots and garlic over the tomato slices. Season with salt and pepper, then add the remaining cheese on top. Sprinkle dried Herbs de Provence over the tart.

To give your tart a beautiful look, fold the edges of the puff pastry over the filling to form a protective rim. This adds visual appeal and helps contain the delicious filling as it bakes.

Baking the Tart

Place the assembled tart in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You're looking for a golden-brown, crispy pastry. The heavenly aroma that fills your kitchen during this time is just the beginning of the delicious experience ahead!

Once it’s done baking, remove the tart from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Slice it into generous pieces and serve warm. This heirloom tomato tart pairs perfectly with a simple green salad, making a well-rounded meal.

Freshly baked Heirloom Tomato Tart

Savoring the Experience

Making a delicious heirloom tomato tart is a fantastic way to celebrate the bounty of late summer and early fall. This recipe not only showcases the vibrant flavors of heirloom tomatoes but also invites you to enjoy a taste of French cuisine without straining your budget.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or treating yourself to a special meal, this tart is sure to impress. Gather your ingredients, roll out that puff pastry, and indulge in the rich, savory goodness of this heirloom tomato tart. Bon appétit!