Name: Tomato Tart with Feta and Basil Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 lb. tomatoes, thinly sliced; Kosher salt, for seasoning; Cooking spray; 1 (8.7-oz.) sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed; 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced; 3/4 cup crumbled feta; Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 large egg, lightly beaten; Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling; Fresh basil, for serving

Jump to Recipe

Picture this: the warm, buttery aroma of golden puff pastry filling your kitchen as vibrant red tomatoes glisten atop a flaky crust, dotted with creamy, tangy feta and fragrant basil leaves. The subtle hint of crushed red pepper flakes teases your senses, making your mouth water in anticipation. This Tomato Tart with Feta and Basil Recipe is the perfect blend of rustic charm and elegant flavor, designed to impress without the fuss. Whether you’re whipping it up for a cozy family dinner or sharing it at a sunny brunch, each bite offers a juicy, savory pop balanced by the freshness of herbs and smooth cheese.

Why You’ll Love This Tomato Tart with Feta and Basil Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 1 hour and 10 minutes, it’s a delightful way to enjoy fresh tomatoes without spending all day in the kitchen.
Simple Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples like puff pastry, feta, and fresh basil, making it incredibly approachable for every cook.
Perfect for Weeknights: Minimal prep and straightforward steps mean you’ll have a stunning homemade meal on the table with ease.
Impressive Presentation: The golden puff pastry and colorful tomato layering create a show-stopping main dish or appetizer that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.
Customizable: Easily adapt this recipe with different cheeses, herbs, or spice levels to suit your tastes or what’s in your fridge.

Why This Tomato Tart with Feta and Basil Recipe Works

This recipe shines because of three key elements. First, salting the tomatoes and letting them rest removes excess water, ensuring the puff pastry stays delightfully crisp rather than soggy. Next, the use of puff pastry lends a light, flaky texture that contrasts perfectly with juicy, tender tomatoes and creamy feta. Finally, seasoning with red pepper flakes and freshly ground black pepper adds just the right amount of subtle heat, elevating the dish without overpowering the fresh basil’s herbal brightness. Together, these techniques bring balance and harmony to every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Single white rectangular plate with one slice of tomato tart featuring a flaky, golden puff pastry crust, topped with layers of thinly sliced fresh tomatoes, scattered crumbles of white cheese, and delicate rings of red onion, garnished with fresh herbs and a light drizzle of olive oil, interior textures of the crisp crust and juicy tomatoes visible from a slight side angle, natural lighting on white marble surface, styled as a ready-to-eat individual serving, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This straightforward list pairs classic ingredients to produce a fresh, savory tart that’s bursting with Mediterranean flavors.

2 lb. tomatoes: Thinly sliced for juicy, vine-ripened flavor and eye-catching color.
Kosher salt: Essential for drawing moisture out of the tomatoes and deepening their flavor.
Cooking spray: Keeps the puff pastry from sticking to your baking sheet while allowing it to crisp up beautifully.
1 (8.7-oz.) sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed: The buttery, flaky base that makes this tart irresistibly light.
1/4 small red onion: Thinly sliced for a mild sharpness and a touch of crunch.
3/4 cup crumbled feta: Adds creamy saltiness that perfectly complements the sweet tomatoes.
Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes: Brings a gentle kick and complexity.
Freshly ground black pepper: Builds depth with subtle warmth.
1 large egg: Lightly beaten to brush around the tart edges for a glowing golden finish.
Extra-virgin olive oil: For drizzling, enriching the flavor with its fruity richness.
Fresh basil: Bright herbaceous notes for garnish that elevate every mouthful.

Ingredient Substitutions & Tips

Tomatoes: Heirloom or cherry tomatoes sliced thinly work beautifully if you want extra color and variety.
Puff pastry: You can substitute with homemade or store-bought pie dough for a sturdier crust, though the texture will differ.
Feta cheese: Try goat cheese or ricotta salata if you prefer a milder or creamier flavor profile.
Red onions: Shallots or sweet onions also offer a subtle sweetness to balance the tart.

👨‍🍳 Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Salt the tomatoes well: This step is crucial to prevent sogginess and concentrate their flavor.
Don’t skip the fork pricking: It allows steam to escape so the pastry stays flaky and doesn’t puff unevenly.
Use room temperature puff pastry: This helps with easier handling and better baking results.
Brush the crust edges with egg wash: It gives that gorgeous golden shine that screams homemade perfection.
Let the tart cool slightly before serving: This helps the filling settle and enhances the texture of every bite.

How to Make Tomato Tart with Feta and Basil Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the tomatoes

Place the thinly sliced tomatoes on a paper towel-lined baking sheet and sprinkle generously with kosher salt on both sides. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Then, carefully pat them dry with fresh paper towels to ensure no sogginess seeps into your puff pastry later.

💡 Pro Tip: Salting the tomatoes not only prevents watery pastry; it intensifies their rich, natural sweetness.

Step 2: Preheat and prep your baking sheet

Arrange an oven rack in the center position and preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly spray a large baking sheet with cooking spray to prevent your tart from sticking and to promote a crispy crust all around.

💡 Pro Tip: Using cooking spray instead of oil helps keep the pastry’s texture light and flaky.

Step 3: Assemble your tart

Unfold the thawed puff pastry carefully onto your prepared baking sheet. Prick the entire surface with a fork, leaving a ½-inch border all around to allow the edges to rise nicely and form a crust. Layer the tomatoes evenly over the center, overlapping slightly but avoiding the border. Scatter the thin red onion slices, crumbled feta, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes over the tart. Season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Finish by brushing the exposed pastry edges with the beaten egg for that beautiful golden hue when baked.

💡 Pro Tip: Keeping the border free from toppings creates a stunning puffed edge that contains all the delicious filling.

Step 4: Bake until golden perfection

Pop your assembled tart into the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes. You want the puff pastry to be deeply golden and crisp, with bubbling cheese and roasted tomato edges that promise mouthwatering flavor we all crave.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the tart around the 35-minute mark to avoid over-browning and rotate if necessary for even baking.

Step 5: Finish with oil and fresh basil

Once out of the oven, immediately drizzle extra-virgin olive oil over the hot tart to add a silky, fruity richness. Top with fresh basil leaves for a burst of herbaceous brightness that contrasts beautifully against the warm tomatoes and feta.

💡 Pro Tip: Tear basil leaves by hand rather than chopping to prevent bruising and preserve their vibrant flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from these common pitfalls:

Skipping the tomato salting step: Leads to watery puff pastry and a soggy tart base.
Overloading the tart with tomatoes: Can make it too wet, causing underbaked dough in the middle.
Not pricking the pastry: Results in uneven puffing and a dense crust.
Using cold puff pastry right from the fridge: Makes handling difficult and can affect rise.
Ignoring the egg wash: You’ll miss out on that shiny, appetizing golden crust everyone loves.
Overbaking: Can dry out the delicate topping and make the tart hard to cut cleanly.

Delicious Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered this Tomato Tart with Feta and Basil Recipe, why not explore some flavorful twists?

Goat Cheese and Thyme

Swap feta for creamy goat cheese and sprinkle fresh thyme over the tomatoes for an earthy depth with a creamy tang.

Caramelized Onion and Za’atar

Add sweet caramelized onions and a sprinkle of za’atar spice blend to the tart for a Middle Eastern flair that hits every savory note.

Roasted Garlic and Spinach

Mix roasted garlic with sautéed spinach underneath the tomatoes for a rich, hearty variation packed with extra nutrients.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Oregano

For an intense tomato punch, incorporate sun-dried tomatoes and a coating of dried oregano to bring bold Mediterranean character.

Zucchini and Lemon Zest

Add thinly sliced zucchini alongside tomatoes and a sprinkle of lemon zest for a refreshing, light summer tart.

How to Serve Tomato Tart with Feta and Basil Recipe

A large rectangular white serving platter showcasing the entire tomato and onion tart with a golden, flaky puff pastry crust, beautifully topped with evenly arranged fresh tomato slices, thinly sliced red onions, and crumbles of creamy white cheese, garnished with scattered fresh herbs and a light drizzle of olive oil, all captured in a professional 3/4 angle shot on a white marble background under natural lighting, like a hero shot from a food magazine, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves are a must, but you can also add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for added zing and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Pair with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil or a bowl of chilled cucumber soup for a beautifully balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the tart into rustic squares for casual sharing, or present as individual mini tarts in tartlet pans for elegant entertaining. Serve warm or at room temperature to best enjoy the flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crust may soften slightly but reheating helps restore crispness.

Freezing

Freeze the unbaked assembled tart wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen by adding extra baking time until golden and crisp.

Reheating

Warm leftovers in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to revive flakiness and meld flavors, avoiding the microwave which can make the crust soggy.

FAQs

Can I use fresh puff pastry instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh puff pastry works perfectly and can even offer a lighter texture, just make sure not to overwork it.

What type of tomatoes are best for this tart?

Firm, ripe tomatoes like Roma or vine-ripened slicer tomatoes hold their shape well, but heirlooms add beautiful color and flavor variations.

Can I prepare this tart vegan?

Yes! Use a plant-based puff pastry, replace feta with vegan cheese or tofu feta, and swap the egg wash with dairy-free milk.

How do I prevent the tart from becoming soggy?

Salting and patting the tomatoes dry is key, along with pricking the puff pastry so moisture doesn’t get trapped underneath.

Is this tart suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! It stores well and makes a great make-ahead lunch or dinner that reheats beautifully.

Can I add other herbs besides basil?

Yes, fresh thyme, oregano, or rosemary pairs wonderfully with tomatoes and feta for a different herbal twist.

Should I serve this tart hot or cold?

This tart is best enjoyed warm or at room temperature to fully appreciate the flaky crust and melted cheese.

Can I use other cheeses?

Feta’s tanginess is signature, but ricotta salata or halloumi can provide a different texture and mild salty flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Tomato Tart with Feta and Basil Recipe brings an irresistible blend of simplicity and sophistication to your table. With its flaky puff pastry, juicy tomatoes, and creamy feta crowned with fresh basil, it’s a celebration of vibrant flavors that’s both comforting and impressive. Whether it’s a weekend treat or a weeknight winner, this tart will quickly become a joyful staple in your kitchen.

Have you tried this Tomato Tart with Feta and Basil Recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below. If you loved this recipe, please share it with friends and family. Happy cooking! 😊