Upside Down Tomato Tart: the Easy Recipe for a Beautiful and Tasty Appetizer!

Tired of the same old tomato salads and bruschetta? Wish there was a way to elevate everyone's favorite summer fruit (yes, fruit!) into something truly special? Look no further than these Upside Down Tomato Tarts. It's an elegant yet surprisingly simple appetizer or light lunch that showcases the vibrant flavors of summer in a creative way. Chunky tomato slices are layered on baking paper on a baking and topped with cream cheese and puff pastry. As simple as that. The pastry gets transformed into a golden brown crust that encases the tomatoes. A quick flip later, and you're left with a stunning tart that's guaranteed to be the star of the show. You can even experiment with different heirloom tomato varieties to create a colorful and visually stunning tart. No matter how you choose to prepare it, Upside Down Tomato Tarts is always a crowd-pleaser.

What are Upside Down Tomato Tarts?

The Upside Down Tomato Tart isn't your average tomato dish. It's a showstopper appetizer or light lunch that elevates the humble tomato to new heights. But unlike its more famous cousin, the Tarte Tatin (a caramelized apple tart), the Upside Down Tomato Tart's origin story remains a mystery. The Upside Down Tomato Tart takes the concept of Tarte Tatin and flips it (literally) for a savory twist. Instead of apples, tomato slices are used. A sheet of puff pastry is used to create a golden brown crust that encases the caramelized tomatoes. Puff pastry's buttery richness perfectly complements the sweetness of the tomatoes. After baking, the tarts are inverted, revealing stunning tarts with the tomatoes glistening on top.

Tips

• Use the ripest, most flavorful tomatoes you can find. Heirlooms with a variety of colors add a stunning aesthetic touch.
• Aim for uniform thickness when slicing the tomatoes. This ensures even caramelization and prevents them from falling apart during baking.
• Don't be shy with the salt and pepper! Seasoning the tomatoes before caramelization draws out their juices and intensifies their flavor.
• Take the puff pastry out of the freezer 30 minutes before you need it. A slightly thawed but still cold puff pastry is ideal for shaping and handling. Puff pastry relies on layers for flakiness. Avoid excessive rolling or handling, as this can make the crust tough.
• Brush the puff pastry with an egg wash before baking. This creates a visually appealing golden brown color and adds a touch of shine.
• Let the tart cool slightly before inverting them. This allows the juices to set and prevents the tomatoes from falling apart.
• Don't be afraid to experiment! Drizzle the finished tart with a balsamic glaze reduction for a sweet and tangy touch, or sprinkle with fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley for extra summer flair.

Is This a Vegetarian Dish?

Yes, Upside Down Tomato Tart with Puff Pastry is naturally vegetarian.

Can I Use a Different Type Of Cheese?

Absolutely! Goat cheese, feta cheese, or even mozzarella can be used in place of the original cheese suggestion.

What Kind of Tomatoes Are Best For This Recipe?

Ripe, flavorful tomatoes are key. Heirloom varieties with a mix of colors add a charming touch.

My Tomatoes Are Releasing A Lot Of Juice. What Should I Do?

This is normal. You can drain some of the excess juice after caramelizing the tomatoes before adding the puff pastry.

My Puff Pastry Crust Is Soggy. How Can I Prevent This?

Make sure your puff pastry is thawed but still cold before using. Preheating the baking sheet can also help prevent sogginess.

Can I Use A Store-Bought Pizza Dough Instead Of Puff Pastry?

You can, but the texture won't be as light and flaky. Pre-baked puff pastry shells are another option.

How to Store Upside Down Tomato Tarts

Store the tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat in the oven at a low temperature (around 150°C / 300°F) until warmed through.

More recipes to try

Roasted Tomatoes Burrata Bruschettas

Bruschetta

Tomato Tarte Tatin

How To Make Upside Down Tomato Tart With Puff Pastry

Preheat your oven to 180°C (360°F). Drizzle some olive oil on the baking tray where the tomatoes will be placed.

Sprinkle salt, pepper, and oregano on top of each olive oil patch. This step adds flavor directly to the tomatoes.

Place a tomato slice on top of each olive oil patch. Top each with a tablespoon of herb cream cheese.

Using a sharp knife or cookie cutter, cut out circles of puff pastry slightly larger than the tomatoes. This allows for a nice fold over the edges. Then, add a pastry circle on top of each tomato.

Brush the tops of the puff pastry circles with a beaten egg. This creates a golden brown crust.

Prick the pastry with a fork a few times to allow steam to escape during baking.

Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and flaky.

Once baked, carefully flip each tomato tart with a spatula. Garnish with a fresh basil leaf for a pop of color and summery flavor.