Tomato Tart Recipe by Michael Symon with a Crispy Base

Michael Symon’s tomato tart transforms summer’s bounty into a culinary masterpiece that sings with fresh flavors.

Ripe tomatoes nestle on a golden, buttery crust, creating a canvas of pure deliciousness.

Herbs and cheese weave their magic, turning simple ingredients into an extraordinary dish.

Crisp pastry crackles beneath a colorful medley of garden-fresh produce.

Each slice promises a burst of sunshine and seasonal richness.

Professional techniques blend with rustic charm, making this tart a celebration of summer’s edible gifts.

You’ll fall in love with every mouthwatering bite of this irresistible creation.

Serving Options for Tomato Tart

• Elevate with Wine Pairing: Match the tomato tart with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Provence rosé to complement the tangy goat cheese and bright tomato flavors.
• Create Delightful Side Companions: Serve alongside a fresh mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette or pair with a chilled gazpacho soup to enhance the Mediterranean-inspired profile of the dish.
• Transform into Elegant Starter: Cut the tart into smaller bite-sized squares for a sophisticated appetizer during summer gatherings, perfect for cocktail parties or casual outdoor dinners with friends.
• Boost Presentation Appeal: Garnish with additional fresh herb sprigs, drizzle extra virgin olive oil in an artistic pattern, and serve on a rustic wooden board to elevate the visual and sensory experience of the tart.

Storage Solutions for Tomato Tart

• Preserve Peak Freshness: Store leftover tomato tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Recommend placing a paper towel underneath to absorb excess moisture and maintain the crust's texture.
• Revive Delicious Slices: Reheat individual portions in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes to restore the crispy crust and warm the cheese. Avoid using a microwave, which can make the pastry soggy.
• Smart Prep Strategy: Prepare the pastry dough up to two days in advance and store wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. This helps develop deeper flavor and saves time on cooking day.
• Freezing for Future Enjoyment: Wrap the unbaked tart tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake directly from the refrigerated state, adding 5-10 minutes to the original baking time.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 370 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredients for Michael Symon’s Tomato Tart

• All-Purpose Flour: Select unbleached flour for richer flavor and better texture.
• Salt: Use fine sea salt for even distribution and balanced seasoning.
• Unsalted Butter: Choose high-quality, cold butter from grass-fed cows for superior flakiness.
• Egg: Pick fresh, room-temperature eggs for smooth dough consistency.
• Cold Water: Use filtered water for cleaner taste and better dough formation.

• Fresh Tomatoes, Heirloom Tomatoes: Select ripe, firm tomatoes with vibrant color and no blemishes.
• Goat Cheese: Look for creamy, artisanal goat cheese with smooth texture.
• Fresh Herbs (Basil, Thyme): Choose bright green, fragrant herbs without wilting.

• Dijon Mustard: Select smooth, tangy French-style mustard for authentic flavor.
• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil with fruity, peppery notes.
• Honey (Optional): Choose raw, local honey for complex sweetness.

Tools for Baking Tomato Tart

• Mixing bowl: large, sturdy container for combining dry ingredients and dough.
• Pastry cutter: handy tool for blending butter into flour for flaky texture.
• Rolling pin: essential for smoothly rolling out pastry dough.
• Baking sheet or pie pan: perfect for shaping and baking the tart.
• Sharp knife: needed for slicing tomatoes with precision.
• Measuring spoons: crucial for accurate ingredient amounts.
• Oven: must be preheated to achieve golden, crispy crust.
• Spatula or brush: helpful for spreading mustard evenly.
• Cheese knife or small spoon: ideal for crumbling goat cheese.
• Cutting board: provides clean surface for slicing ingredients.

How to Assemble Michael Symon’s Tomato Tart

• Craft Delightful Pastry (Create Smooth Dough)

Grab flour and blend with cold butter until crumbly. Mix in a beaten egg and splash of chilled water, kneading until a silky dough forms. Work gently to keep the texture light and tender.

• Shape and Prepare Base (Mold with Care)

Roll out dough on a floured surface and transfer to baking sheet. Softly poke tiny holes across the surface to prevent unwanted puffing during cooking. Spread a whisper-thin layer of Dijon mustard for an unexpected tangy kick.

• Create Colorful Topping (Layer with Creativity)

Select ripe, juicy tomatoes and slice them artfully across the mustard-kissed base. Scatter crumbled goat cheese generously. Sprinkle fresh chopped herbs like basil or thyme to add vibrant flavor and color. Drizzle golden olive oil and optional honey for a touch of sweetness.

• Bake Until Golden (Transform in Oven)

Crank oven to blazing 425°F. Slide tart inside and watch magic happen. Bake 25-30 minutes until crust turns gorgeous golden brown, tomatoes soften seductively, and cheese bubbles beautifully.

• Serve and Savor (Enjoy Immediately)

Pull from oven and let rest briefly. Slice into tempting wedges. Serve warm as a stunning appetizer or light meal. Best enjoyed right away when crust remains crisp and flavors sing.

Cooking Tips for Tomato Tart

• Elevate Your Tomato Tart: Expert Tips and Twists
• -Customize Cheese Selection: Swap goat cheese with creamy feta, tangy blue cheese, or soft ricotta for unique flavor profiles. Each cheese brings a different texture and taste dimension to your tart.
• -Master Dough Techniques: Chill the pastry dough for 30 minutes before rolling to ensure a flakier, more tender crust. Work quickly and keep butter cold to maintain perfect pastry consistency.
• -Seasonal Tomato Magic: Experiment with various tomato varieties like roma, cherry, or heirloom types. Mix different colors and sizes to create a visually stunning and flavorful tart presentation.
• -Herb and Spice Exploration: Enhance the tart with fresh or dried herbs like oregano, rosemary, or za'atar. Sprinkle smoked paprika or red pepper flakes for an unexpected kick of warmth and complexity.

Crispy Michael Symon Tomato Tart Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Michael Symon’s tomato tart celebrates summer’s freshest produce with a crisp, buttery crust and juicy heirloom tomatoes. Mediterranean flavors blend effortlessly, inviting you to savor each delightful bite of this rustic Italian-inspired dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2–3 large ripe tomatoes
• 8 oz (250g) goat cheese, fresh or slightly aged, sliced into rounds
• 1 unbaked tart dough
• 1 ½ cups (210g) flour
• 4 ½ oz (125g) unsalted butter, chilled, cut into cubes
• 1 large egg
• 2–3 tbsps cold water
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tbsps dijon or whole-grain mustard
• 2 tbsps chopped fresh herbs (thyme, chives, chervil, or tarragon)
• 1 ½ tbsps honey (optional)
• Salt
• Freshly ground pepper

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Instructions

1. Dough Preparation: Mix flour and salt in a large bowl, then cut cold butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Liquid Integration: Whisk egg with ice water and create a well in the flour mixture, gently combining to form a cohesive dough, adding extra water if needed.
3. Crust Formation: Roll out dough on a floured surface and carefully transfer to a baking sheet, pricking the bottom to prevent bubbling.
4. Base Layer: Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard across the dough and allow to dry briefly.
5. Tomato Arrangement: Layer thinly sliced tomatoes over the mustard, drizzling extra virgin olive oil and strategically placing goat cheese slices.
6. Herb and Sweet Accents: Sprinkle fresh thyme or basil over the tart and lightly drizzle honey for complexity.
7. Baking Process: Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C) and bake for 25-35 minutes until the crust turns golden and tomatoes soften.
8. Final Touches: If desired, broil for 1-2 minutes to achieve additional caramelization, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Notes

• Butter Temperature Matters: Keep butter extremely cold to achieve a flaky, tender crust that crumbles perfectly with each bite.
• Dough Hydration Technique: Add ice water gradually to prevent over-moistening, ensuring the perfect dough consistency that’s neither too dry nor sticky.
• Mustard Magic Layer: The Dijon mustard base creates a protective barrier, preventing the crust from becoming soggy and adding a subtle tangy depth to the tart.
• Herb and Cheese Balancing: Distribute goat cheese and fresh herbs evenly to guarantee a harmonious flavor profile in every single slice.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 60mg