Heirloom Tomato Tart: A Delightful Brunch Experience

A Culinary Appreciation

There’s nothing quite like gathering a group of cherished friends around a table laden with delectable dishes. Recently, I hosted a heartfelt “thank you” luncheon for six incredible women who have been my steadfast supporters through various adventures. To celebrate our friendship, I crafted a brunch spread that would be both memorable and mouthwatering.

The Brunch Menu

The menu was a feast for the senses: a crisp Caesar salad topped with succulent grilled shrimp, a vibrant heirloom tomato tart that stars tomatoes at their peak, and a decadent strawberry rhubarb crepe tart crowned with fluffy whipped cream. And let’s be honest—calories didn’t count that day!

The Tomato Treasure

My culinary adventure began at our local Safeway in Ben Lomond. I’ve grown accustomed to spotting oversized heirloom tomatoes that often come with disappointment—wrinkled skins and hefty price tags. However, on this lucky day, I stumbled across six charming 3-inch heirloom tomatoes from Mexico. It felt like hitting the tomato jackpot! Their vibrant colors and unfazed freshness had me dreaming up the tart layers to come.

Tomato Tart Magic

Now, let’s dive into the star of the show: the Heirloom Tomato Tart. This savory delight is perfect for brunch, and its preparation method ensures a crust that is crisp and flaky, setting the stage for those luscious heirloom tomatoes.

Ingredients

For the Tart Crust:

• 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
• 8 tablespoons very cold salted butter, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
• 1/3 cup ice water

For the Tart Filling:

• 6 heirloom tomatoes, sliced into 1/3-inch rounds
• 6 slices of bacon, diced
• 3 eggs, well beaten
• 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese
• 1/3 cup cream cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup diced scallions
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp flour

Directions

1. Prepare the Crust:

   • In a food processor, blend the cold butter with flour until the mixture resembles small peas. Gradually add the ice water until the dough comes together.
   • Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for at least an hour.
   • Roll out the chilled dough in a tart pan, prick the base with a fork, and blind-bake it at 350°F for 15 minutes with parchment and baking weights. Remove and bake for another 10 minutes until golden.

2. Craft the Filling:

   • While the crust cools, prepare your filling. Drain the tomato slices by salting them for an hour—this step ensures a juicy yet non-soggy tart.
   • Fry the diced bacon until perfectly crisp and drain.
   • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, cheeses, sour cream, scallions, and seasonings.
3. Assemble and Bake:
   • Spread the creamy mixture into the cooled crust, arrange the tomato slices beautifully on top, and bake for 30 minutes until set.

A Final Touch of Magic

Let the tart cool slightly before serving, allowing the flavors to meld invitingly. Pair it with a refreshing salad or crisp white wine—this heirloom tomato tart is sure to elevate any brunch gathering into an unforgettable experience.

The Beauty of Fresh Ingredients

With summer approaching and gardens brimming with ripe tomatoes, this tart is your ticket to celebrating seasonal produce. Tip: Freeze any excess tomatoes for future use, preserving that garden-fresh taste all year long.

So why wait? Grab those heirloom beauties, roll up your sleeves, and bring a touch of gourmet flair to your next gathering! 🍅✨

Talia Brooks

Covers wellness, nutrition, mental health, and daily life tips.

Bio: Talia brings a background in health journalism and holistic living to help readers live better, one tip at a time.