Finger Lakes Grape & Goat Cheese Tart

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A elegant tart featuring sweet Concord grapes and tangy goat cheese atop a flaky crust, perfect for a summer lunch or appetizer. This american-inspired vegetarian ready in about 70 minutes layers All-purpose flour, Cold unsalted butter, Ice 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 285 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.

Prep: 45 min Cook: 25 min Serves 8 American cuisine 285 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: For crust: Pulse 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour and 1/4 tsp salt in a food processor, then add 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter cubes and pulse until crumbly. Add 2 tbsp ice water and pulse until dough forms a ball. Flatten into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Roll chilled dough into a 12-inch circle on a floured surface. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet, trim edges, and prick all over with a fork. Bake at 375°F for 15 minutes until golden.
  3. Step 3: While crust bakes, toss 1 1/2 cups Concord grapes with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 cup white wine, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Sauté in a skillet over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until grapes burst and liquid reduces slightly.
  4. Step 4: Spread 4 oz crumbled goat cheese over warm crust. Top with grape mixture and sprinkle with 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves. Bake at 350°F for 5 minutes until cheese melts. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Finger Lakes Grape & Goat Cheese Tart take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (45 min prep + 25 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 Finger Lakes Grape & Goat Cheese 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 Finger Lakes Grape & Goat Cheese 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 Finger Lakes Grape & Goat Cheese 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 Finger Lakes Grape & Goat Cheese Tart?

American 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.

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