Zucchini and Burrata Tarts: the Recipe for a Quick and Easy Appetizer, Perfect for Summer Nights!

Craving a light and flavorful dish that screams summer? Look no further than Zucchini and Burrata Shortcrust Pastry Tarts! These tasty bites are perfect as an appetizer, light lunch, or even a fancy finger food for a summer soirée. Zucchini is a quintessential summer vegetable with its mild flavor and refreshing crunch. Making these tarts is surprisingly simple. Start by preparing a classic shortcrust pastry, which can be done by hand or in a food processor. While the dough chills, we'll thinly slice the zucchini and pre-cook them slightly for a tender texture. Once everything's prepped, it's all about assembling the tarts, layering the zucchini and dollops of creamy burrata within the shortcrust pastry shells. A quick bake in the oven, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, and voila! You've got a restaurant-worthy dish perfect for any summer occasion.

What are Zucchini And Burrata Short Crust Pastry Tarts?

Zucchini and burrata short crust pastry tarts are a fancy way of saying these are open-faced savory pastries filled with zucchini and topped with creamy burrata cheese. They're perfect for appetizers, light lunches, or even a summer brunch! Burrata translates to "buttery" in Italian, a fitting description for this decadent cheese. It’s an Italian cheese is similar to mozzarella, but with a softer, creamier center. Burrata is typically added after baking to keep it fresh and creamy.

These tarts are a delicious way to enjoy zucchini and experience the delightful contrast of textures: the crumbly crust, the soft zucchini, and the creamy burrata.

Tips

• Thinly slice your zucchini and sprinkle them with salt. Let them sit for 10 – 15 minutes, then pat them dry with paper towels. This removes excess moisture that can make the tarts soggy.
• Take the burrata out of the fridge 30 minutes before assembling the tarts. This allows it to soften and spread easily.
• Use your hands to tear the burrata into bite-sized pieces. This gives you a more rustic and visually appealing presentation.
• Don't forget to season your zucchini with salt and pepper before adding them to the tarts.
• A sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil, chives, or dill adds a pop of color and freshness right before serving.
• Drizzle the finished tarts with a touch of balsamic glaze or reduced balsamic vinegar for a sweet and tangy touch.

Can I Substitute The Burrata?

Yes! Here are some options:

• Ricotta cheese: This provides a similar creamy texture for a vegetarian option.
• Mozzarella cheese: While not as creamy, mozzarella offers a familiar taste and melty goodness.
• Goat cheese: Crumbled goat cheese adds a tangy contrast to the zucchini.

How Can I Make These Tarts Ahead Of Time?

You can pre-bake the shortcrust pastry shells and store them in an airtight container for a day or two. Assemble and bake the tarts with zucchini and cheese just before serving.

What Herbs Go Well With These Tarts?

Fresh basil is a classic pairing with zucchini and burrata. You can also try chives, dill, or a pinch of thyme for a different flavor profile.

How to Store Zucchini And Burrata Short Crust Pastry Tarts

If you have leftover assembled tarts, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a maximum of 24 hours. The quality will deteriorate as the burrata weeps and softens the crust.

How To Make Zucchini and Burrata Short Crust Pastry Tarts

Step 1

Step 1

Start by thinly slicing the zucchini and microwaving them for 10 minutes. Consider using a mandolin or vegetable slicer for even, uniform slices.

Start by thinly slicing the zucchini and microwaving them for 10 minutes. Consider using a mandolin or vegetable slicer for even, uniform slices.

Step 2

Step 2

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Make several circles of honey on a baking tray and sprinkle some sesame seeds over them.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Make several circles of honey on a baking tray and sprinkle some sesame seeds over them.

Step 3

Step 3

Arrange the zucchini slices in a decorative pattern on the prepared baking sheet. You can get creative here; try spirals, overlapping circles, or a fan-like design.

Arrange the zucchini slices in a decorative pattern on the prepared baking sheet. You can get creative here; try spirals, overlapping circles, or a fan-like design.

Step 4

Step 4

Dot the zucchini with crumbled goat cheese for pops of creamy tang.

Dot the zucchini with crumbled goat cheese for pops of creamy tang.

Step 5

Step 5

Roll out your chilled shortcrust pastry dough to a thin sheet. Use cookie cutters or a sharp knife to cut out circles slightly larger than the zucchini arrangements. Gently lay the pastry over each zucchini layer, crimping the edges with your fingers to create a seal.

Roll out your chilled shortcrust pastry dough to a thin sheet. Use cookie cutters or a sharp knife to cut out circles slightly larger than the zucchini arrangements. Gently lay the pastry over each zucchini layer, crimping the edges with your fingers to create a seal.

Step 6

Step 6

To ensure a crispy bottom crust, preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Before baking, prick the pastry bottoms with a fork to allow steam to escape. Bake the tarts for 20 – 25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown.

To ensure a crispy bottom crust, preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Before baking, prick the pastry bottoms with a fork to allow steam to escape. Bake the tarts for 20 – 25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown.

Step 7

Step 7

Once the tarts are baked and slightly cooled, dollop generous portions of creamy burrata cheese on each tart.

Once the tarts are baked and slightly cooled, dollop generous portions of creamy burrata cheese on each tart.

Step 8

Step 8

For a touch of summery flair, garnish with fresh basil leaves. Now you're ready to serve these delicious and visually stunning tarts!

For a touch of summery flair, garnish with fresh basil leaves. Now you're ready to serve these delicious and visually stunning tarts!