Alton Brown’s Zesty Tomato Tart Recipe: A Sizzling Summer Hit

Check out the world of a rustic tomato tart, where humble ingredients metamorphose into a culinary revelation that sparks pure gastronomic joy.

Fresh, sun-kissed tomatoes become an edible masterpiece under skilled hands, transforming an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

Flaky pastry cradles vibrant produce, creating a canvas of color and flavor that mesmerizes from first glance.

Each golden-edged slice whispers stories of summer gardens and passionate cooking.

Tangy tomatoes mingle with fragrant herbs, producing a symphony of taste that dances across your tongue.

The blend of crisp crust and succulent filling represents rustic elegance at its finest.

This tart isn’t just a dish, it’s an invitation to savor life’s delicious moments.

Equipment for Alton Brown Tomato Tart

• Large Skillet: Perfect for slow-cooking onions to golden perfection.
• Stovetop: Essential for caramelizing onions over medium-low heat.
• Rolling Pin: Helps roll pie crusts into a thin, even layer.
• Baking Pan: Quarter sheet pan or two pie pans work great for creating the tart base.
• Small Bowl: Used for whisking egg wash mixture.
• Whisk: Combines milk and egg for brushing the crust.
• Pastry Brush: Helps evenly coat crust with egg wash.
• Sharp Knife: Useful for slicing tomatoes and cutting the finished tart.
• Oven: Bakes the tart at high temperature for crispy, golden results.
• Cutting Board: Provides a surface for preparing ingredients.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.

Instructions to Bake Alton Brown Tomato Tart

• Craft Caramelized Onion Base (Slowly Transform)

Melt butter in a skillet over gentle heat. Drop sliced onions into the pan and let them dance and soften for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally, allowing them to turn a rich golden brown. Season with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, then set aside.

• Shape Rustic Pastry Canvas (Combine and Roll)

Merge two pie crusts by kneading them together into a smooth ball. Roll out the dough into a thin, elegant sheet that will cradle your delicious toppings.

• Build Savory Foundation (Layer and Spread)

Select a shallow baking pan and drape your pastry across its surface. Spread a generous layer of creamy cheese as your delectable base.

• Create Protective Coating (Brush and Glaze)

Whisk an egg with milk until smooth. Lovingly paint the entire crust with this golden mixture, ensuring every edge receives attention.

• Arrange Colorful Topping (Stack and Decorate)

Scatter caramelized onions across the cheese layer. Artfully place sliced tomatoes on top, creating a vibrant mosaic of flavors.

• Bake to Perfection (Transform and Watch)

Slide the tart into a blazing 450°F oven. Bake for 20-22 minutes, keeping an eye out for shriveling tomato skins and a golden-brown crust. If edges brown too quickly, dial down the temperature to 425°F.

• Finish and Serve (Garnish and Delight)

Pull the tart from the oven and let it rest for a moment. Sprinkle fresh basil across the top, then slice and serve while still warm and inviting.

Tips and Additions for Alton Brown Tomato Tart

• Slow-Cook Onions Perfectly: Use low, steady heat and resist rushing the caramelization process. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and develop rich, sweet flavor. Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for deeper complexity.
• Cheese Swap Strategy: Experiment with different cheese varieties like gruyère, fontina, or goat cheese. Each cheese brings unique texture and taste. Blend multiple cheeses for more interesting flavor profiles.
• Seasonal Tomato Twist: Select ripe, firm tomatoes for best results. During winter, roast cherry tomatoes or use sun-dried tomatoes for concentrated flavor. Mix different colored heirloom tomatoes for visual appeal.
• Crust Creativity Technique: Replace traditional pie crust with puff pastry or phyllo dough for lighter, flakier texture. Gluten-free bakers can use almond flour or cauliflower crust as alternative base options.

Serving Options for Alton Brown Tomato Tart

• Pair with Fresh Salad: Create a light, crisp green salad with mixed lettuce, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, savory tart.
• Wine Companion Suggestion: Select a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the tomato and onion flavors.
• Serve as Appetizer or Main: Cut into smaller squares for elegant party appetizers or enjoy larger slices as a satisfying vegetarian main course with a side of roasted vegetables.
• Garnish with Extra Herbs: Sprinkle additional fresh basil or add chopped chives for an extra burst of color and herbal freshness just before serving.

Storage Suggestions for Alton Brown Tomato Tart

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Caramelize onions and prepare crust up to 2 days in advance, storing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to save time during cooking.
• Quick Refrigeration Tips: Store leftover tart slices in sealed containers for 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
• Freezing Performance: Wrap individual tart slices in freezer-safe packaging, storing up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat at 350°F for 10-12 minutes to restore crispy crust texture.
• Serving Temperature Hack: Enjoy this tart best when served slightly warm or at room temperature. Reheating briefly in oven helps revive the crisp crust and enhances overall flavor profile, making each bite taste freshly baked.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredients for Alton Brown Tomato Tart

• Pie Crusts: Select all-butter pastry for rich, flaky texture with golden edges.

• Cheese: Choose creamy, meltable varieties like gouda or gruyère for smooth consistency.

• Onions: Pick sweet yellow onions with firm texture for deep caramelization.
• Tomatoes: Select ripe, firm vine-ripened tomatoes with vibrant color and minimal seeds.

• Butter: Use high-quality unsalted butter for controlled seasoning.
• Milk: Opt for whole milk to enhance golden sheen on crust.
• Egg: Select fresh, large eggs for perfect egg wash coverage.

• Basil: Choose fresh, bright green leaves with robust aroma for finishing touch.

• Salt: Use fine sea salt for balanced flavor distribution.
• Black Pepper: Select freshly ground for intense, aromatic taste.

Rustic Alton Brown Tomato Tart Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Alton Brown’s tomato tart celebrates summer’s ripest harvest with layers of fresh tomatoes nestled in a buttery, herbed crust. Herb-infused pastry and garden-fresh ingredients create an elegant Mediterranean-inspired dish you’ll crave throughout the season.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups (710 ml) cherry tomatoes (yellow or red), washed and dried
• 2 whole large onions, halved and sliced thin
• 1.5 cups (360 ml) grated fontina cheese (or Monterey Jack)
• 4 tbsps (60 ml) butter
• 2 whole store-bought pie crusts (or 1 good-sized homemade crust)
• 1 whole egg
• 0.25 cup (60 ml) milk
• 0.25 cup (60 ml) grated parmesan
• 0.25 cup (60 ml) grated gruyère (or swiss)
• 16 whole basil leaves, chiffonade
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Caramelize Onions: Gently sauté onions in butter over medium-low heat, stirring intermittently until they develop a deep amber hue, approximately 20-25 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then set aside.
2. Prepare Crust: Merge pie crusts by kneading, then roll into a thin, uniform sheet. Carefully transfer to a quarter sheet pan or pie dishes, creating a foundational cheese layer across the base.
3. Egg Wash Preparation: Whisk milk and egg together, then meticulously brush the entire crust surface, ensuring complete and even coverage.
4. Baking Process: Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C). Position tart in the oven and monitor closely for 20-22 minutes, watching for roasted tomato spots and golden-brown crust coloration. If crust browns too quickly, reduce temperature to 425°F (218°C).
5. Finishing Touches: Remove tart from oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes. Embellish with fresh basil leaves, slice into elegant portions, and serve immediately while warm and aromatic.

Notes

• Slow-Caramelize Onions: Take time to develop deep, rich flavor by cooking onions on medium-low heat for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
• Merge Pie Crusts Carefully: Gently knead and roll crusts together to create a seamless, thin base that ensures even baking and crisp texture.
• Watch Oven Temperature: Start at 450°F, but be prepared to lower to 425°F if crust browns too quickly to prevent burning while ensuring tomatoes roast perfectly.
• Rest Before Serving: Allow tart to rest for 5 minutes after baking to help set the filling and stabilize the crust, making slicing and serving easier.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 100mg