Hearty Tomato and Italian Sausage Tart
This Hearty Tomato and Italian Sausage Tart is the perfect dish for any gathering, from a delightful brunch to a cozy dinner. Bursting with flavors, it combines the richness of Italian sausage with the freshness of garden-fresh tomatoes, complemented by a creamy cheddar and mayonnaise topping. Served warm, it promises to be a crowd-pleaser and is best enjoyed with a side of mixed greens or a refreshing fruit salad. The simplicity of the ingredients and the quick preparation make it an ideal option for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends. This recipe, rooted in tradition, has been cherished for decades and will earn you rave reviews at your next meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons (No preparation needed)
unbaked pie crust
1 (9 inch) (No preparation needed)
Italian sausage
1/2 lb (Remove casing and crumble)
medium tomatoes
2-3 (Peeled, cored, and thickly sliced)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (No preparation needed)
fresh ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon (No preparation needed)
dried basil
1/2 teaspoon (No preparation needed)
fresh parsley
1/4 cup (Chopped)
shredded cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups (No preparation needed)
mayonnaise
1/2 cup (No preparation needed)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard evenly over the bottom of the unbaked pie crust, then bake it in the preheated oven for 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
3
In a small skillet, remove the casing from the Italian sausage and cook it over medium heat, crumbling it with a fork until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat and allow to cool.
4
Evenly scatter the cooked sausage over the cooled pastry shell.
5
Prepare the tomatoes by peeling and thickly slicing them. Layer the tomato slices over the sausage, ensuring even distribution.
6
Sprinkle the tomatoes with salt, pepper, dried basil, and chopped fresh parsley for added flavor.
7
In a separate bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese with the mayonnaise, stirring until fully blended. Spread this mixture evenly over the tomatoes, ensuring it seals all the edges of the tart.
8
Bake the tart in the oven for about 35 minutes, or until the cheese is hot and bubbly, and the tart is a light golden brown.
9
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Hearty Tomato and Italian Sausage Tart?
It is a savory dish that combines Italian sausage, fresh garden tomatoes, and a creamy cheddar-mayonnaise topping in a pie crust.
What size pie crust is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires one 9-inch unbaked pie crust.
Why do I need to spread Dijon mustard on the crust?
A thin layer of Dijon mustard adds a depth of flavor and is baked briefly to help seal the crust before adding the filling.
Should the pie crust be pre-baked?
Yes, after spreading the mustard, the crust should be baked in a 400 degree Fahrenheit oven for 5 minutes before adding other ingredients.
How do I prepare the Italian sausage?
Remove the casing, crumble the meat into a skillet, and cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until browned.
Do I need to drain the sausage fat?
Yes, you should drain any excess fat after cooking the sausage to prevent the tart from becoming too greasy.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
The tomatoes should be peeled, cored, and sliced into thick pieces.
What seasonings are used for the tomatoes?
The tomatoes are seasoned with salt, fresh ground pepper, dried basil, and chopped fresh parsley.
What goes into the tart topping?
The topping is a mixture of 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of mayonnaise.
At what temperature should the tart be baked?
The tart should be baked at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
How long does the final tart take to bake?
It takes approximately 35 minutes in the oven.
How do I know when the tart is done?
The tart is ready when the cheese is hot and bubbly and the crust is a light golden brown.
What is the best way to serve this tart?
It is best served warm, potentially accompanied by mixed greens or a fresh fruit salad.
Can I use fresh basil instead of dried?
While the recipe calls for dried basil, you can use fresh; typically, you would use three times the amount of fresh herbs as dried.
Is this recipe suitable for brunch?
Yes, its savory profile makes it an excellent choice for brunch, lunch, or dinner.
How much sausage is needed?
The recipe uses 1/2 lb of Italian sausage.
Can I use different types of cheese?
While cheddar is recommended for its richness, you could experiment with other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gruyere.
Do I need to let the tart cool before slicing?
Yes, letting it cool for a few minutes helps the structure set, making it easier to slice.
How many tomatoes are required?
You will need 2 to 3 medium-sized tomatoes.
What role does the mayonnaise play in the recipe?
Mayonnaise binds the cheese together and creates a creamy, bubbly topping that seals the ingredients inside.
Is this a quick recipe to prepare?
Yes, with only 10 ingredients and simple steps, it is ideal for busy weeknights.
Can I use a homemade pie crust?
Absolutely, as long as it is a standard 9-inch crust, homemade or store-bought works fine.
Should the sausage be cooled before adding to the crust?
Yes, the instructions suggest allowing the cooked sausage to cool slightly before scattering it over the pastry.
How do I seal the edges of the tart?
Ensure that the cheese and mayonnaise mixture is spread all the way to the edges to create a seal over the tomatoes.
What is the texture of the finished tart?
It features a crisp crust, meaty and juicy middle layers, and a creamy, bubbly cheese top.
Can I use spicy Italian sausage?
Yes, you can use mild, sweet, or hot Italian sausage depending on your preference for spice.
How much fresh parsley is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley.
Is the tart served cold?
No, this tart is intended to be served warm.
What is the history of this recipe?
This recipe is rooted in tradition and has been cherished by families for decades.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the Italian sausage or replace it with a plant-based alternative to make a vegetarian version.