Rustic Tomato Basil Mozzarella Galette with Puff Pastry

A rustic French-inspired galette featuring sweet cherry tomatoes, melted mozzarella, and fresh basil nestled in buttery puff pastry. The free-form tart offers all the flavors of a classic Margherita pizza in an elegant, rustic presentation. Perfect for brunch, light dinners, or entertaining guests. The golden, flaky pastry contrasts beautifully with the juicy tomatoes and creamy cheese, while fresh basil adds aromatic brightness. This versatile dish works equally well as an appetizer cut into wedges or as a main course with a simple salad.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven and line baking sheet with parchment paper
- 2
Roll out puff pastry on floured surface to 12-inch circle and transfer to baking sheet
- 3
Arrange cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil on pastry, leaving 2-inch border
- 4
Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper
- 5
Fold pastry edges over filling, pleating to form rustic edge
- 6
Bake until pastry is golden and cheese is bubbly
- 7
Cool slightly before slicing and serving
Tips
Score the pastry border lightly with a knife before folding to create cleaner pleats and prevent tearing
Pat cherry tomatoes dry with paper towels before arranging to prevent soggy pastry
Brush the pastry edges with beaten egg for extra golden color and shine
Good to Know
Refrigerate covered for up to 3 days. Reheat in 350°F oven for 10 minutes to restore crispness.
Assemble galette up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate. Add 5 extra minutes to baking time if baking from cold.
Serve warm or at room temperature. Cut into wedges for appetizers or larger slices for main course portions.
Common Mistakes
Overfill the center to avoid soggy pastry and difficulty folding edges
Skip drying tomatoes to prevent excess moisture making pastry soggy
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I use frozen puff pastry?
Yes, thaw completely before using. Keep cold while working to maintain flakiness and prevent sticking to work surface.
What if I don't have fresh basil?
Use 1/4 cup dried basil or substitute fresh oregano, thyme, or parsley. Add dried herbs to the tomatoes before baking.
How long will leftovers keep?
Refrigerate covered for up to 3 days. Reheat in 350°F oven for 10 minutes to restore pastry crispness.