Provençal Tomato & Herb Tart with Puff Pastry
A genuine French bistro-style tart where herbs are used sparingly to let tomatoes shine, avoiding the 'student canteen' trap of overpowered flavors. This french-inspired mediterranean (vegetarian) ready in about 43 minutes layers sheet (9x13 inches) puff pastry sheet, medium, thinly sliced ripe tomatoes, tablespoon, finely chopped fresh thyme 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 280 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 sheet (9x13 inches) puff pastry sheet
- 3 medium, thinly sliced ripe tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon, finely chopped fresh thyme
- 2 tablespoons, finely chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup, finely minced shallot
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: Roll out puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface to 1/8-inch thickness, then transfer to the baking sheet; prick all over with a fork to prevent bubbling.
- Step 3: Brush the pastry with 1 tablespoon olive oil, then sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon sea salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper evenly over the surface.
- Step 4: Arrange 3 medium thinly sliced tomatoes in a single layer over the pastry, pressing gently to secure them.
- Step 5: Scatter 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme and 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil over the tomatoes, ensuring herbs are distributed evenly but sparingly.
- Step 6: Bake for 25-28 minutes until pastry is golden brown and edges are crisp, then let rest for 5 minutes before slicing to allow flavors to meld.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Provençal Tomato & Herb Tart with Puff Pastry take to make?
Total time is about 43 minutes (15 min prep + 28 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 Provençal Tomato & Herb Tart with Puff Pastry?
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 Provençal Tomato & Herb Tart with Puff Pastry?
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 Provençal Tomato & Herb Tart with Puff Pastry 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.
Is Provençal Tomato & Herb Tart with Puff Pastry vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
So much better than takeout. We'll never order french delivery again.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
