Rustic Gex-Style Herb and Gruyère Cheese Tart
A flaky pastry tart filled with a rich custard of Gruyère cheese and fresh herbs, inspired by the hearty flavors of the Ain region near Gex. This French-inspired vegetarian recipe, ready in about 80 minutes, layers all-purpose flour, unsalted butter, chilled and diced, 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 390 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 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 3 tbsp ice water
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups Gruyère cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh tarragon, chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/8 tsp nutmeg, freshly grated
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: To make the crust, combine 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour and 6 tbsp chilled diced unsalted butter in a bowl. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add 3 tbsp ice water, stirring until the dough just comes together. Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
- Step 2: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch tart pan. Press the dough evenly into the pan and trim the edges.
- Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 large eggs, 3/4 cup heavy cream, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/8 tsp freshly grated nutmeg until smooth. Stir in 1 1/2 cups grated Gruyère cheese, 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh tarragon.
- Step 4: Pour the custard mixture into the tart shell and bake for 35-40 minutes until the filling is set and the top is golden brown. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving warm.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Rustic Gex-Style Herb and Gruyère Cheese Tart take to make?
Total time is about 80 minutes (40 min prep + 40 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 Rustic Gex-Style Herb and Gruyère 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 Rustic Gex-Style Herb and Gruyère 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 Rustic Gex-Style Herb and Gruyère Cheese Tart 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 Rustic Gex-Style Herb and Gruyère Cheese Tart?
French 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.
