I didn’t discover the delicious taste of tomatoes with mozzarella until I was an adult.  Growing up in my family, tomatoes were used in soups, stews, sandwiches and made into tomato juice. I didn’t know mozzarella cheese existed. When I tasted tomato caprese for the first time I was hooked. How had I survived all these years without this delicious combination. This tart is how I combine all of the flavors of tomato caprese into a savory hand-held bite. 

These little bites of heaven are a perfect blend of sweet ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil pesto, all nestled in a crispy tart shell. Each tart is carefully crafted to showcase the vibrant colors and fresh ingredients that make this classic Italian dish so irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a fancy dinner party or simply treating yourself to a gourmet snack, these tomato caprese tarts are sure to impress.

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Key Takeaways:

  • Tomato Caprese Inspiration: Tomato Caprese Tarts combine the classic flavors of sweet tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil pesto in a convenient, handheld tart.
  • Time-Saving Tip: For a quicker option, substitute roasted tomatoes with sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil, reducing preparation time by 45 minutes.
  • Health Benefits of Tomatoes: Packed with lycopene, tomatoes provide antioxidants that protect the skin from sun damage, support brain and heart health, and promote gut health with prebiotic fiber.
  • Customizable Ingredients: Use puff pastry, pesto, fresh mozzarella, and high-quality balsamic vinegar for a simple yet elegant dish. Optional toppings like fresh basil, red pepper flakes, and pesto add personalized flair.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: These tarts are versatile enough to serve as gourmet snacks, appetizers, or party dishes, impressing guests with their vibrant flavors and presentation.
  • Step-by-Step Instructions: Clear guidance on roasting tomatoes, assembling tarts, and achieving golden perfection ensures a foolproof recipe for all skill levels.

SIS Tip - Simple is Smart

Don’t have time to make the roasted tomatoes? Instead of roasting the tomatoes purchase some sun dried organic tomatoes in olive oil. Pat them dry an flatten them out to layer with the mozzarella cheese in your tomato caprese tart. They are a little more chewy but will save about 45 minutes in prep time

nutrition of a tomato

Nutrition of Tomatoes

Tomatoes have a natural sun screen in them that keeps them from getting sunburn and also gives them their red color. Which makes me wonder what a sunburned tomato might look like. Their natural sun screen is lycopene a carotenoid. That’s right the same family of antioxidants found in carrots.   

Lycopene also helps protect out skin cells from damage by the sun.  It’s antioxidant properties help destroy the free radicals that are created in the skin by the sun’s ultraviolet rays. They also protect our brain and other areas in our body from the free radicles from other causes. Tomatoes are an important addition to our diet for brain health, heart health, and the fiber is a prebiotic for gut health.   

Ingredients for Tomato Caprese Tarts

Ingredients for Tomato Caprese Tarts..

Oven Roasted Tomatoes
  • 4-5 Medium size (2.5 inch) tomatoes. Roma tomatoes  also work well. They are less juicy and will roast up quicker. However they are smaller and depending on their size you may need 7-9 tomatoes. 
  • Organic Olive Oil.  Extra virgin. 
  • Italian seasoning:  Use dried seasoning. 
  • Sea Salt:  you only need a few pinches. 

Tomato Caprese Tart

  • One sheet puff pastry: I purchase my puff pastry and use half of the box. Use the other sheet for a Rustic Peach Tart  or an Apple Blueberry Tart. 
  • Basil Pesto:  Homemade is best. If you don’t have the time or supplies for homemade use some purchased basil.  It will still be good. 
  • Fresh Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh mozzarella cheese comes in water.  So dry the cheese with a paper towel and pat each slice with a paper towel to remove any extra moisture.  This keeps the moisture from sogging the pasty shell for your tomato caprese tart. 
  • Egg wash: I brush the edges with the egg wash to help them brown in the oven. 
  • Optional toppings:  pesto, dried red pepper flakes, and fresh basil leaves. 
  • Balsamic Vinegar: Use a good quality aged balsamic vinegar. It is thicker and sweeter.  Sometimes called a dessert vinegar. I purchase it from Williams and Sonoma and it is my favorite vinegar for this Tomato Caprese Tart. 
Tomato Caprese Tart

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Tomato Caprese Tart

Step by Step Instruction for Tomato Caprese Tart

Oven Roasted Tomatoes
  • Preheat the oven to 400℉ (200℃)
  • Cut the stem and blossom ends off of the tomatoes. Chop up the pieces and use them in a tossed salad to serve with the tart.
  • Slice each tomato into 4-5 half-inch slices and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  • Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle on the Italian seasoning and sea salt.
  • Bake for 30 minutes, flipping the tomatoes over after 15 minutes. The tomatoes should be caramelized around the edges and soft. If the tomatoes are extra juicy, they may take longer to cook. Cool before adding to the tart. Reduce the oven temp to 350℉.

How To Make Tomato Caprese Tart

  • Unfold a sheet of puff pastry and roll it out slightly thinner. Cut into 4 equal squares.
  • Spread a tablespoon of the pesto on each puff pastry square. Leave a half-inch border without any pesto.
  • Slice the mozzarella cheese into 12-15 slices. Starting with the cheese alternate layers of the cheese with the tomatoes. Will have two layers of each.
  • Slice the mozzarella cheese into 12-15 slices. Starting with the cheese, alternate layers of the cheese with the tomatoes. You will have two layers of each.
  • Brush the edges with egg wash and fold up to encase the tart. Brush again with the egg wash.
  • Bake at 350℉ (180℃) for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown around the edges and puffy.
  • Drizzle the hot baked tart with a bit of the Balsamic Vinegar and top with your optional toppings. Serve immediately.

FAQ:

Q: Can I use store-bought pesto instead of homemade?
A: Yes, store-bought pesto works well if you’re short on time, though homemade adds a fresher flavor.

Q: What type of tomatoes are best for this recipe?
A: Roma tomatoes are ideal because they’re less juicy and roast quickly, but any medium-sized variety will work.

Q: How can I prevent the puff pastry from getting soggy?
A: Pat the mozzarella slices dry and avoid overfilling the tart to keep the pastry crisp.

Q: Can I prepare these tarts in advance?
A: The components can be prepped ahead, but bake the tarts fresh to maintain their crisp texture.

Q: What makes a good balsamic vinegar for this recipe?
A: Use a high-quality aged balsamic vinegar, often labeled as “dessert vinegar,” for its thicker, sweeter flavor.

Q: Are there alternatives to puff pastry?
A: You can use phyllo dough or a homemade tart crust as a substitute for puff pastry.

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Tomato Caprese Rustic Tart

Tomato Caprese Tarts are a perfect blend of tangy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil pesto.
Servings 4 Tarts
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes

Equipment

  • This page contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click a link, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you
  • To see the ingredient amounts in metric units, click the blue "METRIC:" button between the ingredients and the instructions for this recipe.

Ingredients

Oven Roasted Tomatoes

Tomato Caprese Tart

  • oven-roasted tomatoes from above
  • 4 tbsp. Fresh Basil Pesto
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese
  • 1 sheet purchased puff pastry
  • egg white wash

Optional Garnishes/Toppings

  • good quality aged balsamic vinegar
  • basil pesto
  • dried red pepper flakes
  • sea salt
  • Fresh Basil Leaves

Instructions

Oven Roasted Tomatoes

  • Preheat the oven to 400℉ (200℃)
  • Cut the stem and blossom ends off of the tomatoes. Chop up the pieces and use them in a tossed salad to serve with the tart.
    sliced tomatoes
  • Slice each tomato into 4-5 half-inch slices and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  • Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle on the Italian seasoning and sea salt.
  • Bake for 30 minutes, flipping the tomatoes over after 15 minutes. The tomatoes should be caramelized around the edges and soft. If the tomatoes are extra juicy, they may take longer to cook. Cool before adding to the tart. Reduce the oven temp to 350℉.
    Oven Roasted Tomatoes on a baking sheet.

Tomato Caprese Tart

  • Unfold a sheet of puff pastry and roll it out slightly thinner. Cut into 4 equal squares.
    Ingredients for Tomato Caprese Tarts
  • Spread a tablespoon of the pesto on each puff pastry square. Leave a half-inch border without any pesto.
    Basil Pesto in a jar
  • Slice the mozzarella cheese into 12-15 slices. Starting with the cheese, alternate layers of the cheese with the tomatoes. You will have two layers of each.
    Tomato Caprese Tart
  • Brush the edges with egg wash and fold up to encase the tart. Brush again with the eggwash.
  • Bake at 350℉ (180℃) for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown around the edges and puffy.
    Tomato Caprese Tart
  • Drizzle the hot baked tart with a bit of the Balsamic Vinegar and top with your optional toppings. Serve immediately.
    Tomato Caprese Tart

Video

Calories: 588kcal
Course: Appetizer, lunch, Vegetarian
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: clean eating, healthy, tomato caprese, tomato recipe, tomato tart, vegetarian

Nutrition

Serving: 1tart | Calories: 588kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 42g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 17g | Cholesterol: 46mg | Sodium: 652mg | Potassium: 378mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1715IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 337mg | Iron: 2mg

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