Rustic Garden Tomato Tart with Basil Oil & Flaky Crust

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A buttery, golden crust layered with garden tomatoes, creamy cheese, and fresh basil — a rustic, savory tart that celebrates everything we love about tomato season.

When the tomatoes are rolling in faster than I can slice them, this tart becomes my go-to garden showstopper. It’s crisp, rich, and full of flavor—ideal for brunches, light lunches, or summer dinners on the patio. The flaky crust and melty cheese pair perfectly with juicy tomatoes and aromatic basil. Bonus: it looks fancy, but it’s actually very doable with just a few simple ingredients.

📌 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• ✅ Showcases fresh summer tomatoes and herbs
• ✅ Great for brunch, lunch, or light dinner
• ✅ Can be made with store-bought or homemade crust
• ✅ Customizable with different cheeses or crusts
• ✅ Looks beautiful and rustic without much effort

📌 Quick Reference

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Dietary Info: Vegetarian

Key Ingredients at a Glance:
🍅 Heirloom or cherry tomatoes
🧀 Cheese (goat cheese, ricotta, or mozzarella)
🌿 Fresh basil
🥧 Puff pastry or pie crust

📌 Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed (or 1 pie crust, homemade or store-bought)
• 4–5 medium garden tomatoes, thinly sliced (or 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved)
• 1 cup cheese (goat cheese, ricotta, mozzarella, or a mix)
• 1 clove garlic, finely minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp sea salt
• Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped or torn
• 1 egg + 1 tbsp water (for egg wash, optional)

Optional Add-Ins:

• A sprinkle of parmesan or pecorino
• Chopped thyme or oregano
• Drizzle of balsamic glaze after baking

📌 Step-by-Step Instructions

🧑‍🍳 Prep the Crust

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out puff pastry or pie crust on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Score a 1-inch border around the edge with a knife (don’t cut all the way through). Prick inside the border with a fork to prevent puffing.

🍅 Assemble the Tart

1. Spread cheese evenly inside the border. If using ricotta or goat cheese, mix with garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper first.
2. Arrange sliced tomatoes on top of the cheese, slightly overlapping.
3. Brush crust edges with egg wash for a golden finish (optional).

🔥 Bake

1. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the crust is golden and crisp and tomatoes are lightly roasted.
2. Let cool for 5–10 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh basil before serving.

📌 Serving & Pairing Ideas

• Serve with a fresh green salad and herbal iced tea
• Pair with chilled rosé or sparkling lemonade
• Delicious warm or at room temp—great for picnics or potlucks
• Slice into small squares for an appetizer tray

📌 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Best served fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days
• Reheat in a toaster oven or oven for best texture (avoid microwaving)
• You can prep the crust and cheese layer in advance and add tomatoes just before baking

📌 Final Thoughts & Call to Action

This tart is simple but striking—flaky crust, creamy cheese, juicy tomatoes, and that fresh basil aroma wafting through the kitchen. It’s everything we love about cooking from the garden: seasonal, satisfying, and just a little fancy.

🌿 Try it and tag @SouthernSoilSunshine on Instagram! I’d love to see your take.
For more summer favorites, check out:

• Heirloom Tomato Bruschetta with Basil Oil
• Sweet & Spicy Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta
• Lemon Balm & Blackberry Iced Tea