Description
These Pizza Puff Pastry Tarts are a quick and delicious appetizer featuring flaky puff pastry topped with spicy cheddar cheese, heirloom tomato slices, and fresh thyme. The tomatoes are salted and drained to prevent sogginess, and the edges are brushed with egg wash for a golden crust. Perfect for serving warm as an elegant snack or party starter.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry & Cheese
- 1 (9×13-inch) sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed in the refrigerator
- 6 ounces shredded spicy cheddar cheese (or regular cheddar)
Tomato & Seasoning
- 1 very large heirloom tomato, cut into 6 ¼-inch slices
- Kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Egg Wash
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the thawed sheet of puff pastry on a cutting board and cut into 6 equal rectangles. Arrange the pieces on the parchment-lined sheet, leaving ½-inch gaps. Use a fork to poke each piece several times to prevent puffing during baking.
- Add Cheese and Chill: Sprinkle about 1 ounce of shredded cheese onto each puff pastry rectangle, keeping a ¾-inch border around the edges clear. Refrigerate the baking sheet while preparing the tomatoes to keep the pastry cold.
- Prepare Tomatoes: Generously salt both sides of the tomato slices and layer them between two large paper towels on a plate. Let them sit for 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture, which helps avoid soggy tarts. While tomatoes rest, preheat the oven to 400ºF.
- Assemble Tarts: Remove the baking sheet from the refrigerator and lay the drained tomato slices evenly over the cheese on each pastry piece. Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves on top of the tomatoes.
- Apply Egg Wash: In a small bowl, beat the egg with a fork and use a pastry brush to coat the exposed edges of each puff pastry piece. This wash ensures a golden, crispy crust after baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the puff pastry is deeply golden and crisp.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the tarts from the oven and season with freshly ground black pepper to taste. If serving as appetizers, cut each tart diagonally in half. Serve warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Salting tomatoes and draining on paper towels is crucial to prevent sogginess in the tarts.
- Using spicy cheddar adds a nice kick, but regular cheddar works well if preferred.
- Keep the puff pastry cold before baking to help it puff up properly and achieve a flaky crust.
- If desired, herbs like basil or oregano can be added instead of thyme for a different flavor profile.
- These tarts are best served warm but can be reheated in the oven to restore crispiness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
