A rustic, savory tart layered with sweet roasted garlic, creamy cheese filling, and juicy ripe tomatoes—this Roasted Garlic Tomato Tart is baked in a flaky, golden crust and delivers incredible flavor in every bite. Ideal for brunch, a light lunch, or an elegant vegetarian dinner, it captures the best of seasonal ingredients in a simple yet sophisticated dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This tart is the perfect union of bold flavor and comforting texture. Roasted garlic adds a mellow, rich depth to the creamy cheese filling, while ripe tomatoes provide freshness and color. The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates a luscious base that sets beautifully in the oven. With its gorgeous presentation and versatile appeal, this tart is equally at home on a brunch table or at a summer picnic.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
4–5 ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced
1 head garlic
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
2 large eggs
1/4 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme or oregano
Fresh basil, for garnish
directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the top off a head of garlic, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 35–40 minutes until soft. Let cool, then squeeze the roasted garlic cloves into a bowl and mash.
- Reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the pie crust and press into a tart pan. Trim any excess and prick the bottom with a fork. Pre-bake the crust for 10 minutes and let cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, mashed roasted garlic, eggs, cream, salt, pepper, and herbs. Mix until smooth and well-blended.
- Spread the cheese filling evenly into the pre-baked crust.
- Arrange tomato slices on top in a circular pattern or overlapping rows.
- Bake the tart for 30–35 minutes until the filling is set and the top is golden with lightly roasted tomatoes.
- Let cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh basil. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Servings and timing
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 295 kcal per serving
Variations
- Herb Swap: Use basil, rosemary, or dill in place of thyme or oregano.
- Cheese Options: Try goat cheese or feta for a tangier flavor.
- Crust Alternatives: Use puff pastry or a gluten-free crust if preferred.
- Add Veggies: Layer in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or caramelized onions for extra flavor.
- Mini Tarts: Use muffin tins to make individual tartlets for parties or portion control.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 10–15 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to preserve the texture of the crust. This tart can also be served cold as a flavorful next-day lunch.
FAQs
Can I make this tart ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the tart a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat before serving or enjoy at room temperature.
What type of tomatoes work best?
Use ripe, firm tomatoes such as heirloom, vine-ripened, or Roma. Slice them thinly and pat dry to avoid excess moisture.
How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?
Pre-baking the crust (blind baking) and using well-drained tomatoes helps prevent sogginess.
Can I freeze this tart?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it once baked. Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
Yes, a high-quality store-bought crust works well and saves time.
What herbs complement this dish?
Fresh basil, thyme, oregano, chives, or tarragon all pair beautifully with the tart’s flavors.
Is this tart suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly recipe. Just ensure your cheeses are vegetarian (no animal rennet).
Can I use roasted cherry tomatoes?
Yes, roasted cherry tomatoes add concentrated flavor and visual appeal. They can be halved and arranged on top.
How should I serve this tart?
Serve it with a light green salad, chilled white wine, or as part of a brunch spread.
Can I replace ricotta with cottage cheese?
Yes, but for best texture, blend the cottage cheese until smooth before mixing.
Conclusion
Roasted Garlic Tomato Tart is a celebration of simple ingredients brought together in a comforting, elegant way. With its golden crust, creamy filling, and juicy tomato topping, it’s an easy yet impressive dish for any time of day. Perfect for casual gatherings, light meals, or savory brunch offerings, this tart is sure to become a seasonal favorite.
Roasted Garlic Tomato Tart
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rustic, savory tart layered with roasted garlic, creamy cheese filling, and juicy ripe tomatoes—baked to golden perfection in a buttery crust. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
- 4–5 ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 head garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme or oregano
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice off the top of a garlic head, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 35–40 minutes until soft. Let cool, then squeeze out the cloves and mash.
- Reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the pie crust into a tart pan and trim the edges. Prick the base with a fork and pre-bake for 10 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, mashed roasted garlic, eggs, cream, salt, pepper, and herbs until smooth.
- Spread the cheese mixture into the pre-baked crust. Arrange tomato slices evenly on top.
- Bake the tart for 30–35 minutes until the filling is set and the tomatoes are lightly roasted.
- Cool slightly before garnishing with fresh basil leaves. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use heirloom tomatoes for added color and flavor.
- Let the tart cool slightly before slicing to help it set.
- Great served with a green salad or soup.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 295
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 105mg