Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here from Chef Maniac! As summer ripens, and tomatoes are at their absolute peak, I’m always looking for ways to celebrate their fresh, juicy flavor. Today, we’re making a truly exquisite and surprisingly simple dish: Goat Cheese & Honey Tomato Tart. Imagine sweet, ripe tomatoes paired with tangy goat cheese, a drizzle of golden honey, and fragrant thyme, all baked to perfection on a flaky crust. It’s a taste of the Mediterranean sunshine, perfect for any meal!

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely adore this Goat Cheese & Honey Tomato Tart because it’s a brilliant fusion of sweet and savory flavors that truly sing. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, especially with a store-bought pastry, making it ideal for a relaxed weekend lunch or an elegant appetizer. The combination of creamy, tart goat cheese with the juicy, slightly caramelized tomatoes and the subtle sweetness of honey is simply irresistible. It feels incredibly gourmet, yet it requires minimal effort, making it a fantastic way to showcase fresh, seasonal ingredients. Plus, it’s beautiful to look at!

List of Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this fantastic Goat Cheese & Honey Tomato Tart:

• 1 sheet shortcrust pastry (pâte brisée)
• 4 ripe medium tomatoes, thinly sliced
• 200g (about 7 oz) goat cheese (chevre), crumbled or sliced
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• A few fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Swaps and Notes

• Shortcrust Pastry: Using a good quality store-bought shortcrust pastry (pâte brisée) is a fantastic shortcut. If you’re feeling ambitious, a homemade pastry will also work wonderfully.
• Tomatoes: Ripe, juicy tomatoes are key here. Heirloom tomatoes can add beautiful color. Ensure they are sliced thinly and evenly for best results.
• Goat Cheese: A soft, fresh goat cheese (chevre) is perfect for its tangy creaminess. Feta cheese could be a substitute for a saltier, firmer texture.
• Honey: Any liquid honey will work. It adds a subtle sweetness that balances the tang of the goat cheese and tomatoes.
• Thyme: Fresh thyme leaves provide the best aromatic flavor. Dried thyme can be used, but use half the amount.
• Herbs: Fresh basil leaves are a beautiful and flavorful garnish. You can also sprinkle with a little fresh oregano or chives.
• Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the overall flavor.

List of Steps for the Recipe

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Prepare Pastry: Carefully unroll the shortcrust pastry and fit it into a tart pan (a 9-10 inch pan is ideal). Gently press it into the bottom and up the sides. Prick the bottom of the pastry all over with a fork. This helps prevent it from puffing up during baking.
3. Prepare Goat Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, crumble the goat cheese. Add the olive oil, fresh thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix well with a fork until thoroughly combined.
4. Spread Cheese Mixture: Spread the goat cheese mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared pastry crust.
5. Arrange Tomatoes: Arrange the thinly sliced tomatoes in an overlapping pattern over the goat cheese mixture. You can create a beautiful spiral or simply layer them neatly.
6. Drizzle Honey: Drizzle the honey evenly over the arranged tomato slices, ensuring it’s well distributed.
7. Bake the Tart: Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until the pastry crust is golden brown, the tomatoes are tender and slightly caramelized, and the cheese mixture is bubbly.
8. Cool & Garnish: Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before slicing. If desired, garnish with fresh basil leaves just before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips for Success

• Blind Bake (Optional but Recommended): For an extra crisp crust that won’t get soggy, consider blind baking your pastry shell for 10-15 minutes before adding the filling. Place parchment paper over the pastry, fill with pie weights or dried beans, and bake. Remove weights and paper before adding filling.
• Thinly Slice Tomatoes: Thin, even slices of tomato ensure they cook through nicely and prevent the tart from becoming watery.
• Don’t Overfill: Be mindful not to overload the tart, as excess moisture can make the crust soggy.
• Balance of Flavors: Taste the goat cheese mixture before spreading it. Adjust salt, pepper, or thyme as needed.
• Serve Warm or Room Temp: This tart is delicious both warm, when the cheese is soft, and at room temperature, making it perfect for picnics or buffets.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Goat Cheese & Honey Tomato Tart is a versatile dish, perfect as:

• Light Lunch: Serve a slice with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. For another fresh and light option, try my Light Tangy Chicken Salad (with no mayo in sight!).
• Brunch Item: A beautiful addition to any brunch spread.
• Appetizer: Cut into smaller squares or wedges for an elegant appetizer for a gathering. Consider serving it alongside my Baked Brie Appetizer for a delightful spread.
• Side Dish: Complements grilled chicken or fish beautifully.
• Refreshing Drink: Pair with a tall glass of my Blueberry Lemonade for a bright, summery pairing.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Leftover Goat Cheese & Honey Tomato Tart can be stored, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. It can be eaten cold, at room temperature, or gently reheated. To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This helps to re-crisp the crust.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you loved the fresh flavors and ease of this Tomato Tart, and you’re looking for more satisfying dishes that celebrate simple ingredients, you’ll definitely want to explore some of my other popular recipes:

• For a quick and satisfying dinner packed with Southern goodness, my Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage is a go-to.
• If you’re a fan of convenient, all-in-one dishes that are great for sharing, my Sheet Pan Quesadillas are always a winner!

---

Final Thoughts

This Goat Cheese & Honey Tomato Tart is a true celebration of summer’s bounty – easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfectly satisfying. It’s proof that fresh, simple ingredients can create something truly special and delicious. Give it a try, and let this wonderful tart brighten your next meal!

What are your favorite ways to use fresh summer tomatoes, or your go-to savory tart recipes? Share your ideas in the comments below! And for more delicious, easy recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to follow Chef Maniac.