Baked Heirloom Tomato Tart with Fresh Basil
A vibrant tart featuring caramelized heirloom tomatoes and fragrant basil on a herb-kissed crust, perfect for summer evenings. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian ready in about 80 minutes layers all-purpose flour, ice water, teaspoon salt into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup, cold, cut into 1/2-inch cubes unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup ice water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large (about 1 pound), sliced 1/4 inch thick heirloom tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Step 1: Make crust: Pulse 1 cup all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a food processor until combined. Add 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter (cut into 1/2-inch cubes) and pulse until crumbly. Gradually add 1/4 cup ice water, pulsing until dough forms a ball. Press into a 9-inch tart pan, trim edges, and refrigerate 1 hour.
- Step 2: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake chilled crust for 15 minutes until golden. Reduce heat to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 3: Arrange 2 large sliced heirloom tomatoes (about 1 pound) in the crust. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil, then sprinkle with 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Bake 20 minutes until tomatoes are tender and edges golden.
- Step 4: Remove from oven, immediately top with 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, and let rest 10 minutes before slicing.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Heirloom Tomato Tart with Fresh Basil take to make?
Total time is about 80 minutes (45 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Baked Heirloom Tomato Tart with Fresh Basil?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Heirloom Tomato Tart with Fresh Basil?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Baked Heirloom Tomato Tart with Fresh Basil for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Baked Heirloom Tomato Tart with Fresh Basil?
Mediterranean vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made this for my family and everyone asked for the recipe.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
