Imagine a culinary masterpiece that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary gastronomic experience. This Fresh Herb Tomato Cheesecake Tart is not just a recipe—it's a symphony of flavors that will transport your taste buds to the sun-drenched hills of Italy. Combining the creamy richness of cream cheese, the vibrant freshness of herbs, and the sweet-tangy essence of ripe tomatoes, this tart is about to become your new obsession in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust
- 300g cream cheese
- 2 large tomatoes, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs (basil, thyme, parsley)
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9-inch tart pan by lightly greasing it with olive oil or butter.
- Gently press the pie crust into the tart pan, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides evenly. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, eggs, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and well-blended, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Finely chop the fresh herbs (basil, thyme, and parsley) and fold them into the cream cheese mixture, distributing evenly.
- Pour the cream cheese and herb mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Slice the tomatoes into thin, uniform rounds. Carefully arrange the tomato slices on top of the cream cheese filling in an overlapping circular pattern.
- Drizzle olive oil lightly over the tomato slices and sprinkle with a pinch of additional fresh herbs if desired.
- Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges of the crust are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the tart cool for 10-15 minutes at room temperature to allow the filling to set completely.
- Slice into 6 equal portions and serve warm or at room temperature as an appetizer or light main course.
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother, lump-free filling.
- Herb Selection: Use fresh herbs for maximum flavor—the combination of basil, thyme, and parsley creates a complex, aromatic profile.
- Tomato Technique: Slice tomatoes thinly and evenly to ensure uniform cooking and a beautiful presentation.
- Crust Perfection: Pre-bake the crust for 5-10 minutes before adding filling to prevent sogginess.
- Olive Oil Drizzle: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for an authentic Mediterranean touch.
- Cooling is Crucial: Let the tart rest after baking to allow the filling to set completely, ensuring clean, beautiful slices.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with a crisp white wine or light salad for a complete gourmet experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 95mg
