🍅 Cheesy Tomato Puff Pastry Tarts
Crispy, golden puff pastry topped with gooey melted cheddar, sweet heirloom tomatoes, and fresh basil. A quick and elegant appetizer or brunch idea ready in under 30 minutes!
📋 Ingredients
Servings: 8 mini tarts
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1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
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1½–2 cups spicy cheddar cheese, grated (or your cheese of choice)
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2 heirloom tomatoes, thinly sliced
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¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
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Salt & freshly ground black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Tomatoes
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Lay tomato slices on a paper towel–lined plate.
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Sprinkle generously with salt and let sit for 5–10 minutes to draw out moisture.
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Pat both sides very dry with paper towels. This step keeps your tarts crisp!
2️⃣ Assemble the Tarts
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Slice the thawed puff pastry into 6–8 equal squares depending on the sheet size.
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Use a fork to dock (poke) the center of each square to prevent over-puffing in the middle.
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Evenly distribute the grated cheese across the pastry squares.
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Top with the dried tomato slices.
3️⃣ Bake
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Bake for 20–25 minutes, rotating the tray halfway through, until the pastry is puffed and deep golden brown.
4️⃣ Garnish & Serve
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Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh basil and a crack of black pepper.
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Serve warm or at room temperature.
💡 Pro Tips
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Don’t skip salting and drying the tomatoes — this prevents soggy pastry.
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Add a swipe of Dijon mustard under the cheese for extra flavor.
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Use a blend of cheeses like mozzarella, gruyère, or fontina for a twist.
🥂 Perfect Pairings
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Fresh arugula salad with balsamic vinaigrette
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Sparkling rosé or a light white wine
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Iced tea with lemon or mint
❓ FAQs
Can I use regular tomatoes instead of heirloom?
Yes! Just be sure to slice them thin and salt + dry them well to avoid excess moisture.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prep and assemble the tarts a few hours in advance, then bake just before serving for best results.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to crisp them up.
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