Denver's Heirloom Tomato & Herb Tart
A vibrant spring tart showcasing Denver's favorite tomato varieties, layered with fresh garden herbs and a crisp crust. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian ready in about 67 minutes layers All-purpose flour, Cold unsalted butter, Cold water 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 325 calories and feeds 8, 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 1/4 cups All-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup Cold unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp Cold water
- 2 cups, thinly sliced Mixed heirloom tomatoes
- 2 tbsp Fresh thyme leaves
- 1/4 cup, chopped Fresh basil leaves
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 1, finely minced Shallot
- 1 tbsp Balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup, crumbled Feta cheese
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a food processor, pulse 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour with 1/2 teaspoon salt until combined. Add 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter cut into cubes and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add 3 tablespoons cold water and pulse until the dough comes together. Form into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
- Step 2: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll chilled dough into a 12-inch circle and transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Dock the crust with a fork. Bake for 15 minutes until golden at the edges.
- Step 3: While crust bakes, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 minced shallot and cook for 3 minutes until translucent. Add 2 cups thinly sliced heirloom tomatoes, 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, 1/4 cup chopped basil, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Sauté for 8 minutes until tomatoes soften and release juices, stirring occasionally until the liquid reduces by half.
- Step 4: Remove baked crust from oven. Spread tomato mixture evenly over the crust. Top with 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese. Return to oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until cheese is golden and edges are crisp.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Denver's Heirloom Tomato & Herb Tart take to make?
Total time is about 67 minutes (40 min prep + 27 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 Denver's Heirloom Tomato & Herb Tart?
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 Denver's Heirloom Tomato & Herb Tart?
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 Denver's Heirloom Tomato & Herb Tart for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 Denver's Heirloom Tomato & Herb Tart?
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
- ★★★★★
The flavors in this denver's are incredible.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.