Herbed Cherry Tomato Tart is one of my favorite ways to showcase fresh tomatoes and herbs. I especially enjoy using different varieties from my greenhouse. The tart combines juicy cherry tomatoes, herbs, ricotta, and Parmesan on a flavorful potato-flour crust. It works perfectly as a starter, a brunch item, or as part of a savory coffee serving. Additionally, this tart is great in winter. Firm, slightly tart tomatoes roast beautifully in the oven, developing a subtle natural sweetness.
Fresh Tomatoes and Herbs Make the Difference
For this tart, I usually mix several cherry tomato varieties from my greenhouse. The colors and flavors add both visual appeal and taste variety. My favorite herbs to use in this recipe are parsley and basil. Sometimes, I also garnish with fresh oregano. If you use oregano, julienne it finely and use it sparingly, because it has a strong flavor.
The filling is creamy. Ricotta and cream cheese are combined with Parmesan, creating a rich base. This balances perfectly with the roasted tomatoes. The crust is crisp yet tender, enriched with instant potato flakes and a hint of thyme. You can also drizzle olive oil over the tomatoes before baking to enhance richness.
Serving Ideas and Occasions
I usually serve this tart as a starter, but it also works well as part of a savory brunch or coffee spread. You can make it ahead and serve it at room temperature, which is ideal for entertaining. Pair it with a simple green salad, a light soup, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
If served as a main course with a side salad, it will comfortably serve about 4 to 6 people with generous slices. For brunch or a coffee table spread, you can cut it into around 20 smaller pieces to share with a small crowd.
This tart shines whenever you make it. In season, greenhouse or garden tomatoes are naturally sweet and juicy. When local tomatoes aren’t available, it’s perfectly fine to use whatever cherry tomatoes you can find in stores; roasting them in the oven brings out their flavor beautifully. Just be sure to choose firm tomatoes for the best results.
For more tomato-inspired recipes, try my Tomato Basil Bruschetta or a comforting Roasted Tomato Soup.
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Savory Tomato and Herb Tart
Ingredients
Crust
- 4,5 dl (about 2 cups) all-purpose flour
- 1 dl (about 1/2 cup) instant mashed potato flakes
- 150 g (5 oz cold butter), cubed
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 0.75 dl (about 1/3 cup) Turkish yogurt
Filling
- 700 g (about 2 1/2 cups) firm cherry tomatoes
- 200 g (about 7 oz) ricotta or full fat cottage cheese drained
- 100 g (3,5 oz) cream cheese, preferably plain
- 2 dl (about 3/4 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2.5 dl (about 1 cup) chopped fresh herbs (thyme, basil, parsley)
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper
Egg wash
- 1 egg yolk
Garnish
- Fresh basil, parsley, or arugula parsley, or arugula
Instructions
Prepare the crust:
- In a bowl, mix the flour, mashed potato flakes, salt, and thyme. Add cold, cubed butter and rub it into the flour mixture until the mixture is crumbly. Stir in Turkish yogurt until the dough comes together. Chill in the fridge for 1 hour.
Prepare the filling:
- Mix the Parmesan with ricotta (or drained cottage cheese) and cream cheese. Add the chopped herbs, season with black pepper, and adjust salt to taste.
Prep the tomatoes:
- Wash and halve the cherry tomatoes.
Assemble the tart:
- Roll out the dough to fit a 29×37 cm (11½×14½ in) baking sheet; if your pan is slightly larger or smaller, adjust the dough thickness accordingly.
Add filling and tomatoes
- Dot the ricotta-herb mixture evenly over the crust and spread slightly with a spatula. Leave a 1.5 cm border around the edges. Arrange the cherry tomatoes cut side up on top. Fold the dough edges over the filling. Brush the edges of the crust with the egg yolk.
Bake:
- Bake at 200°C (390°F) for about 45 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool to room temperature.
Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil, parsley, or arugula. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Cherry Tomatoes: Use firm cherry tomatoes for the best texture and flavor. You can mix red, yellow, and orange varieties for a colorful presentation. If your tomatoes are very juicy, drain them slightly on paper towels to avoid a soggy tart.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs make the tart vibrant. Thyme, basil, and parsley work beautifully together, but feel free to adjust based on what you have on hand.
- Serving Suggestions: This tart is versatile. Serve it for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner. It’s also great for entertaining, as it can be made ahead and served at room temperature. Pair with a simple green salad for a complete meal.
- Variation: For a slightly richer flavor, you can add a drizzle of olive oil over the cherry tomatoes before baking or sprinkle a few pine nuts on top for texture.
