Flaky Goat Cheese Tomato Puff Pastry Tarts
Golden puff pastry boats filled with creamy goat cheese, fresh tomato slices, and aromatic thyme create an elegant appetizer or light lunch. The contrast between buttery, crisp pastry and tangy cheese makes these tarts perfect for entertaining or summer gatherings. Fresh herbs and flaky sea salt finish these restaurant-quality bites that showcase peak tomato season beautifully.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed but still very cold
- 1 ½ cup tomatoes, sliced
- 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large egg, beaten with splash of water
- 1 ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt
- fresh basil, for garnish(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 425F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper
- 2
Unfold puff pastry onto lightly floured surface and cut along folds to form 3 rectangles, then cut each in half for 6 pieces
- 3
Place pastry rectangles on parchment paper
- 4
Sprinkle goat cheese over each rectangle
- 5
Layer tomato slices on each pastry piece, covering center and leaving 1/4 inch border
- 6
Sprinkle fresh thyme evenly over tarts and drizzle with olive oil
- 7
Brush edges with beaten egg and fold up slightly to form boat shape around tomatoes
- 8
Brush edges again with egg wash and sprinkle with flaky sea salt
- 9
Bake for 12-15 minutes until crisp and golden brown
- 10
Serve warm or at room temperature with fresh basil garnish if desired
Tips
Use peak-season tomatoes and pat slices dry to prevent soggy pastry
Keep puff pastry cold while working to maintain flaky layers
Fold pastry edges up slightly to create barriers that prevent filling from sliding
Good to Know
refrigerate covered up to 2 days, reheat in 350F oven
assemble up to 4 hours ahead, refrigerate unbaked, add 2-3 minutes to baking time
warm or room temperature with fresh herbs
Common Mistakes
pat tomatoes dry to avoid soggy bottoms
keep pastry cold to prevent shrinking
brush edges twice with egg for golden color
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I make these with frozen puff pastry?
Yes, thaw according to package directions but keep cold while working. Frozen pastry works just as well as fresh for this recipe.
What if I don't have goat cheese?
Ricotta, feta, or cream cheese work well as substitutes. Adjust salt accordingly since some cheeses are saltier than goat cheese.
How long do these keep?
Store covered in refrigerator up to 2 days. Reheat in 350F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness before serving.