Description
Delight in these easy-to-make Tomato, Black Olive, and Ricotta Puff Tarts featuring flaky puff pastry topped with creamy ricotta cheese, juicy cherry tomatoes, and briny black olives. Perfect as a savory appetizer or light brunch option with a Mediterranean flair.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry Base
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
Cheese Mixture
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Finishing
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pastry: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry slightly and cut it into 4 equal rectangles. Place the rectangles spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Score Pastry Borders: Using a sharp knife, lightly score a 1/2-inch border around each rectangle, being careful not to cut all the way through. This allows the edges to puff up beautifully while holding the filling inside.
- Mix Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Assemble Tarts: Spread the ricotta cheese mixture evenly within the scored borders of each pastry rectangle. Top the filling with halved cherry tomatoes and sliced black olives.
- Apply Egg Wash and Olive Oil: Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg to promote a golden brown crust. Drizzle the cherry tomatoes and olives lightly with olive oil to enhance flavor and prevent drying.
- Bake: Bake the assembled tarts in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes or until the pastry is golden, puffed, and cooked through.
- Cool and Garnish: Allow the tarts to cool slightly on the baking sheet. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, then serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Best served warm or at room temperature for optimal texture and flavor.
- For variation, add roasted red peppers or substitute goat cheese for ricotta.
- These tarts are ideal as an appetizer, brunch dish, or a light lunch.
