Tomato, Black Olive, And Ricotta Puff Tarts Recipe

Irresistible Tomato, Black Olive, And Ricotta Puff Tarts Recipe

Crispy, flaky pastry embraces a delightful tomato black olive and ricotta puff tarts combination that promises pure culinary magic.

Mediterranean flavors dance across delicate layers of golden puff pastry.

Vibrant red tomatoes nestle alongside salty black olives, creating a stunning visual feast.

Creamy ricotta adds a luxurious, smooth counterpoint to the bright ingredients.

Sharp herbs scattered across the surface bring unexpected depth and complexity.

Seasonal produce transforms this simple dish into something extraordinary.

You’ll find these elegant tarts perfect for casual gatherings or sophisticated appetizers that spark conversation.

FAQs

  • Can I use store-bought puff pastry for this recipe?

Yes, ready-rolled puff pastry works perfectly and saves time. Just ensure it’s fresh and high-quality for the best results.

  • How do I know if the puff pastry is cooked correctly?

Look for a golden-brown color and crispy edges. The pastry should puff up and look flaky when fully baked. The border should be raised and crisp.

  • What if I can't find black olive tapenade?

You can substitute with red pesto, sun-dried tomato paste, or even a simple tomato sauce. These alternatives will still provide a delicious base flavor for the tarts.

  • Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this recipe is completely vegetarian. It contains no meat products and can be easily adapted to suit vegetarian dietary preferences.

What Makes Tomato, Black Olive, and Ricotta Puff Tarts Special

Quick Weekend Gourmet: Elevate your casual dining with these sophisticated yet simple tarts that impress without stress.

Minimal Prep Magic: Whip up restaurant-quality appetizers in under 45 minutes using convenient store-bought puff pastry and just a few fresh ingredients.

Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Perfect for brunch gatherings, light lunches, or elegant starter courses that appeal to vegetarian guests and Mediterranean cuisine lovers.

Customizable Creativity: Swap ingredients easily – substitute different pestos, experiment with cheese varieties, or add fresh herbs to match your taste preferences and pantry supplies.

Tomato, Black Olive, and Ricotta Puff Tarts – What’s Inside

Pastry Base:
  • Puff Pastry: Light, flaky base that creates a crisp foundation for the tart. Opt for all-butter pastry for best flavor and texture.
  • Black Olive Tapenade, Red Pesto: Rich, savory spread that adds deep Mediterranean flavor to the base.
Cheese and Herbs:
  • Ricotta Cheese: Creamy, mild cheese that provides a smooth, soft layer. Choose fresh, well-drained ricotta for best results.
  • Oregano: Fresh herb that brings a classic Mediterranean herbal note. Fresh is preferable to dried for brighter flavor.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Tomatoes, Black Olives: Fresh ingredients that add color, moisture, and intense flavor. Select ripe, firm tomatoes and pitted black olives for the best taste and texture.

Puff Tart Directions with Tomatoes and Ricotta

Step 1: Unwrap and Shape Pastry

Crank your oven to 400°F.

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper.

Gently unroll the puff pastry sheet and slice it into 6 equal rectangular pieces.

Spread these pastry rectangles across the prepared baking sheet, leaving some breathing room between them.

Step 2: Create the Border

Take a sharp knife and delicately trace a border about 1 cm from the edge of each pastry rectangle.

Be careful not to slice completely through the dough.

Spread a generous dollop of black olive tapenade or red pesto right in the center of each rectangle, keeping within the border lines.

Step 3: Layer the Toppings

  • Ricotta cheese
  • Sliced tomatoes
  • Black olives
  • Fresh oregano

Carefully spoon the drained ricotta across the tarts, using the back of a spoon to create an even layer.

Artfully arrange tomato slices over the ricotta, allowing them to slightly overlap if needed.

Sprinkle sliced black olives and chopped oregano over the top, creating a colorful landscape of flavors.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden, crispy pastry and slightly caramelized tomatoes.

The aroma will tell you when they’re ready – irresistibly fragrant and beautifully bronzed.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Rescue the tarts from the oven and let them cool for a few moments.

These can be served warm alongside a crisp salad or enjoyed as a standalone treat that’ll make your taste buds dance with joy.

Puff Pastry Tart Tips with Tomato and Ricotta Flair

  • Score edges gently to create a raised border, ensuring the puff pastry rises evenly and provides a beautiful, professional-looking tart.
  • Pat ricotta with paper towels to remove excess moisture, preventing soggy pastry and maintaining a crisp, flaky base.
  • Choose firm, in-season tomatoes for maximum flavor and less watery texture, which helps preserve the tart's structural integrity.
  • Experiment with different olive tapenades or pestos to add depth and complexity to the base, transforming the traditional recipe into a unique culinary experience.
  • Use fresh oregano leaves for a vibrant, aromatic touch that complements the rich ricotta and tangy olive notes.

Store Tomato Black Olive Ricotta Puff Tarts

  • Store cooled tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping the pastry's crispness intact.
  • Warm tarts at 180°C for 10 minutes to restore their crispy texture and revive the melted cheese and caramelized tomatoes.
  • Skip microwave reheating, as it will make the pastry soggy and ruin the delicate layers.
  • For best taste and texture, enjoy these tarts freshly baked or gently reheated, preserving their golden, flaky crust.

Top Picks with Tomato Ricotta Puff Tarts

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the tangy tomatoes and creamy ricotta, cutting through the richness with its bright acidity.
  • Create Mediterranean Salad Side: Prepare a quick arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, fresh basil, and toasted pine nuts to balance the tart's savory flavors and add a fresh, peppery contrast.
  • Match with Light Protein: Serve alongside grilled chicken breast seasoned with herbs like thyme and rosemary, which will enhance the Mediterranean-inspired taste profile of the tart.
  • Recommend Sparkling Aperitif: Pour a chilled Prosecco or dry sparkling wine to elevate the dining experience, cleansing the palate between bites and adding a festive touch to the meal.

Ricotta Puff Tarts Flavor Variations

  • Gluten-Free Veggie Tart: Replace puff pastry with gluten-free alternatives like cauliflower or chickpea flour crust. Use dairy-free ricotta for lactose-intolerant individuals.
  • Mediterranean Herb Variation: Swap black olives with roasted red peppers. Add fresh basil and thyme instead of oregano for an aromatic Mediterranean flavor profile.
  • Vegan Tomato Tartlet: Substitute ricotta with cashew-based cheese spread. Use plant-based puff pastry and top with nutritional yeast for a cheesy texture.
  • Protein-Packed Version: Sprinkle crumbled feta or goat cheese on top. Add thin prosciutto or crispy bacon bits for extra protein and savory depth.
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Tomato, Black Olive, And Ricotta Puff Tarts Recipe

Tomato, Black Olive, And Ricotta Puff Tarts Recipe


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4.6 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Delightful tomato, black olive, and ricotta puff tarts showcase Mediterranean flavors dancing on crisp, golden pastry. Rustic ingredients combine in elegant simplicity, promising a delectable journey through Italian countryside charm you’ll savor with every delicate bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 320 grams (11.3 ounces) puff pastry sheet
  • 300 grams (10.6 ounces) red tomatoes, sliced
  • 150 grams (5.3 ounces) ricotta cheese, well drained
  • 50 grams (1.8 ounces) pitted black olives, sliced

Herb and Spread Ingredients:

  • 15 grams (0.5 ounces) fresh oregano, leaves chopped
  • 4 tablespoons black olive tapenade or red pesto

Instructions

  1. Gently unfold the delicate puff pastry sheet and slice into six harmonious rectangles, positioning them with ample breathing room on a parchment-lined baking tray prepared for a 200°C oven.
  2. With precision, create a delicate perimeter border around each pastry rectangle using a sharp knife, ensuring the cut doesn’t completely separate the edges.
  3. Lavish the central region of each pastry with a robust spread of black olive tapenade, carefully maintaining the untouched border zone.
  4. Dollop drained ricotta across the tarts, using a soft spatula to distribute the creamy cheese evenly and smoothly.
  5. Artfully arrange vibrant tomato slices atop the ricotta, allowing gentle overlapping to create visual depth and textural interest.
  6. Sprinkle chopped black olives and fresh oregano leaves across the tart surface, ensuring a harmonious distribution of flavors.
  7. Transfer the prepared tarts into the preheated oven, allowing them to transform for 25-30 minutes until the pastry achieves a golden, crisp exterior and tomatoes develop a subtle caramelized essence.
  8. Retrieve the tarts from the oven, permitting them a brief moment to settle and cool slightly before serving alongside a crisp salad or enjoying independently as a sophisticated light meal.

Notes

  • Customize pastry thickness by gently pressing the borders to create a more defined edge for a professional-looking tart.
  • Use room temperature ricotta for smoother spreading and better absorption of flavors with tomatoes and olives.
  • Opt for ripe, firm tomatoes to prevent excess moisture from making the pastry soggy during baking.
  • For gluten-free variation, substitute puff pastry with gluten-free alternatives like cauliflower or almond flour-based crusts to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Lunch, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg
James Walker

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction​

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices. ​


James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

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