Description
These Tomato, Black Olive, and Ricotta Puff Tarts are a delicious Mediterranean-inspired appetizer or light meal featuring flaky puff pastry topped with creamy ricotta, juicy cherry tomatoes, and briny black olives, all enhanced with fresh basil and a hint of lemon zest. Perfectly golden and puffed, they are easy to prepare and ideal for summer gatherings or casual lunches.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry and Cheese Mixture
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
- ¾ cup ricotta cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (plus more for garnish)
Toppings
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- ¼ cup sliced black olives
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for topping
For Finishing
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the tarts.
- Prepare the puff pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry into a 10×12-inch rectangle. Cut this rectangle into 4 to 6 equal-sized pieces and arrange them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Make the ricotta mixture: In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with olive oil, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and chopped fresh basil. Stir until everything is well mixed and flavorful.
- Score and prick the pastry: Using a sharp knife, lightly score a ½-inch border around each pastry rectangle, making sure not to cut all the way through the dough. Then, prick the centers of each rectangle with a fork to prevent excessive puffing during baking.
- Assemble the tarts: Spoon a generous amount of the ricotta mixture into the center of each tart. Top evenly with halved cherry tomatoes and sliced black olives.
- Apply egg wash: Brush the edges of each pastry tart with the beaten egg to achieve a golden and shiny finish after baking.
- Bake the tarts: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed up and golden brown.
- Add optional Parmesan and garnish: If using, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the tarts during the last 2 minutes of baking. Once baked, garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve the tarts warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- These tarts make a versatile dish suitable as an appetizer, lunch, or light dinner.
- For extra flavor, consider mixing minced garlic or chili flakes into the ricotta cheese mixture before spreading.
- Ensure the puff pastry is well chilled before rolling out to help with flaky texture.
- If preferred, substitute black olives with Kalamata olives for a more robust taste.
