These easy cheese and tomato tarts are a delight on any table! With a flaky pastry base, they are topped with gooey cheese and juicy tomatoes—a perfect match!
Making these tarts is a breeze! Just roll out the dough, add the toppings, and bake until bubbly. They make a great snack or appetizer, and trust me, they disappear fast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shortcrust Pastry: Ready-rolled pastry saves time, but you can make your own if you prefer! If you’re gluten-free, use a gluten-free pastry available at stores.
Cheese: Mature cheddar adds a nice tang. You can use mozzarella for a milder flavor, or try a mix with goat cheese for something unique!
Tomatoes: Any tomatoes work, but mixing cherry and vine tomatoes brings a lovely taste. You can use sun-dried tomatoes for an intense flavor if fresh ones aren’t available.
Herbs: If you don’t have dried oregano, a mix of Italian herbs or fresh herbs like basil works beautifully. They’ll bring fresh aromas to the dish!
How Can I Make Sure the Pastry Is Perfectly Cooked?
Achieving that perfect crispy base can be tricky, but it’s all about prep and baking time. Start by preheating your oven properly; a hot oven is key! Roll out the pastry evenly and prick the base to ventilate, which prevents sogginess.
- After filling the tarts, consider blind baking them (baking without filling) for about 10 minutes for extra crunch.
- Watch the edges closely while baking; if they brown too fast, you can cover them with foil.
Following these tips will ensure you have a delightful texture and flavor in your cheese and tomato tarts!
How to Make Easy Cheese and Tomato Tarts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tarts:
- 1 sheet of ready-rolled shortcrust pastry (about 250g)
- 150g grated mature cheddar cheese
- 2 medium tomatoes (a mix of cherry or vine tomatoes works well), sliced
- 2 tbsp tomato puree or passata
- 1 garlic clove, finely minced (optional)
- 1 tsp dried oregano or mixed Italian herbs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme or basil leaves for garnish
- Olive oil for brushing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty recipe will take you about 30 minutes in total! You’ll spend around 10-15 minutes prepping the tarts, and then bake them for 15-20 minutes. Perfect for a quick and delicious snack or light meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Tins:
Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F) or 180°C (350°F) if you’re using a fan oven. While that’s heating up, lightly grease 4 small tartlet tins with a little olive oil or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Shape the Pastry:
Lay the ready-rolled shortcrust pastry on a floured surface and roll it out a bit more if you like. Using a round cutter or a glass, cut circles that are slightly larger than your tartlet tins. Fit each pastry circle into the tins and trim any excess. Don’t forget to prick the base of each tart lightly with a fork to help them bake evenly.
3. Add Flavor:
Spread a thin layer of tomato puree or passata on the base of each pastry case. If you’re using garlic, sprinkle that on along with the dried oregano or mixed Italian herbs. Add a sprinkle of salt and pepper for extra seasoning!
4. Layer the Tomatoes:
Now, layer your sliced tomatoes neatly on top. If you have a variety, mix and match those colors for a pretty look!
5. Cheesy Goodness:
Generously sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese over the tomatoes. This is where all that cheesy goodness comes into play!
6. Brush and Bake:
Gently brush the edges of the pastry with a little olive oil for a lovely golden color when they’re baked. Place the tarts in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the pastry is perfectly golden brown.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take the tarts out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Carefully remove them from the tins. Garnish with fresh thyme or basil leaves for a burst of freshness. Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy!
These easy cheese and tomato tarts are great for snacking, lunching, or serving at a gathering. Enjoy your delicious creation!
FAQ for Easy Cheese and Tomato Tarts
Can I Use Store-Bought Pastry?
Absolutely! Ready-rolled shortcrust pastry is perfect for this recipe and saves you time. If you want to make your own, you can use any standard shortcrust recipe as well.
What Other Toppings Can I Add?
Feel free to get creative! You can add ingredients like sautéed onions, spinach, olives, or even cooked bacon for additional flavor. Just be sure not to overload the tarts so they bake evenly!
Can I Make These Tarts in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the tarts up to a day in advance. Just store them assembled in the refrigerator, and bake them fresh just before serving. Alternatively, baked tarts can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge and reheated in the oven.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Any leftover tarts can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven for about 10 minutes at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through to maintain that crispy pastry texture.
