TOMATO PESTO AND GOAT CHEESE TART | HOLIDAY PUFF PASTRY APPETIZER | CHRISTMAS IN JULY COLAB

goat cheese

🥗Healthier: ricotta cheese

💰Cheaper: cream cheese

Ricotta provides a similar texture with fewer calories.

basil pesto

🥗Healthier: spinach pesto

💰Cheaper: store-bought pesto

Spinach pesto is lighter and often cheaper.

pine nuts

🥗Healthier: sunflower seeds

💰Cheaper: walnuts

Sunflower seeds are nut-free and more affordable.

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated pecorino

Nutritional yeast is a dairy-free alternative.

Make homemade pesto by blending 3 cloves of garlic and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.

Add 3 tablespoons of toasted walnuts, 2 ounces of freshly grated parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice, and 4 ounces of basil leaves to the blender.

Pour in 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil and process until smooth to make the pesto.

Slice 2 cups of cherry or grape tomatoes in half lengthwise and place them in a bowl.

Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano to the tomatoes and toss to coat.

Thaw 1 sheet of puff pastry on the counter for about 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator.

Unroll the puff pastry and flatten out the creases with a rolling pin, shaping it into a rectangle.

Score a 1/2 inch border around the edges of the pastry without cutting all the way through.

Dock the middle of the pastry with a fork to allow steam to escape while baking.

Transfer the pastry onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Spread the pesto sauce evenly over the puff pastry, avoiding the edges.

Lay the halved tomatoes cut side up on top of the pesto in a nice pattern.

Crumble 3 ounces of soft goat cheese over the tomatoes, filling in the gaps.

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Bake the tart for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing.

Garnish with chiffonade basil before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens