Savory Heirloom Tomato & Blue Cheese Galette
This delightful Savory Heirloom Tomato & Blue Cheese Galette makes for a stunning centerpiece at any gathering while remaining incredibly easy to prepare. Utilizing drier tomato varieties such as Costoluto Genovese or Jersey Devil helps prevent excess moisture, ensuring a perfect, flaky crust. The combination of tangy Maytag Blue and creamy soft chevre creates a deliciously rich filling that pairs beautifully with the fresh tomatoes. Perfect for lunch, snack platters, or as an enticing appetizer, this galette is sure to impress your guests. Serve warm or at room temperature for an unforgettable experience.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen puff pastry
1 sheet (thawed according to package directions)
Blue cheese
6 ounces (at room temperature)
Whole milk
1 tablespoon (or half-and-half)
Medium tomatoes
2-3 (sliced about ¼-inch thick)
Freshly ground pepper
½ teaspoon
Fresh thyme
½ teaspoon (minced)
Extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
On a floured surface, roll out the puff pastry into a circle about 1/4-inch thick and 10.5 inches in diameter. Transfer it to a 9-inch tart pan, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides. Trim any excess pastry so it is even with the rim. Freeze the pastry for 15 minutes.
3
In a small bowl, use a fork to crumble the blue cheese. Mix in the whole milk starting with 1/2 tablespoon, until it reaches a spreadable consistency but with some lumps remaining. If needed, add more milk to achieve the desired texture. Set aside.
4
Slice the tomatoes to about 1/4-inch thick and blot them with paper towels to absorb excess juices. Set aside.
5
Remove the pastry from the freezer and bake it for about 20 minutes or until it becomes light golden brown. Let it cool for about 15 minutes once finished.
6
Evenly spread the cheese mixture over the base of the pastry. Arrange the tomato slices in a single, tightly packed layer on top. Sprinkle with freshly ground pepper and minced thyme, then drizzle the olive oil over the top.
7
Return the tart to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the crust is a deeper golden brown and the tomatoes have begun to collapse.
8
Once baked, transfer the tart to a wire rack and allow it to cool for 20-30 minutes.
9
To serve, gently run a knife around the edges to loosen it. Remove the tart from the pan and place it on a serving platter. Slice into wedges and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Savory Heirloom Tomato & Blue Cheese Galette?
It is a savory tart made with a flaky puff pastry crust, a rich blue cheese and chevre filling, and fresh heirloom tomatoes, perfect for lunch or appetizers.
Which tomato varieties are recommended for this recipe?
Drier tomato varieties such as Costoluto Genovese or Jersey Devil are recommended to prevent excess moisture from making the crust soggy.
What type of blue cheese should I use?
The recipe suggests using Maytag Blue cheese combined with creamy soft chevre for a tangy and rich filling.
How do I prevent the galette crust from getting soggy?
You can prevent a soggy crust by using drier tomato varieties and blotting the tomato slices with paper towels to absorb excess juices before assembly.
What is the required oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C) for baking this galette.
How thick should the puff pastry be rolled?
The puff pastry should be rolled out to a thickness of approximately 1/4-inch.
What size should the pastry circle be?
The pastry should be rolled into a circle roughly 10.5 inches in diameter to fit a 9-inch tart pan.
Why do I need to freeze the pastry before baking?
Freezing the pastry for 15 minutes helps set the shape and ensures a flakier texture once it hits the hot oven.
How do I prepare the blue cheese mixture?
Crumble the blue cheese in a bowl and mix in whole milk (or half-and-half) until it reaches a spreadable consistency with some lumps remaining.
How many tomatoes do I need for this recipe?
You will need 2 to 3 medium-sized heirloom tomatoes.
How thick should the tomato slices be?
The tomatoes should be sliced to a thickness of about 1/4-inch.
How long is the initial bake for the pastry crust?
The pastry crust should be par-baked for about 20 minutes until it becomes light golden brown.
Should the crust cool before adding the cheese and tomatoes?
Yes, let the par-baked crust cool for about 15 minutes before spreading the cheese mixture.
What herbs are used to season the tomatoes?
The recipe calls for minced fresh thyme and freshly ground pepper to season the tomato layer.
Is olive oil used in this recipe?
Yes, one teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil is drizzled over the tomatoes before the final bake.
How long is the second baking period?
Return the assembled tart to the oven for an additional 10 minutes.
How do I know when the galette is fully cooked?
The galette is done when the crust is a deeper golden brown and the tomatoes have begun to collapse.
How long should the tart cool after the final bake?
Allow the tart to cool on a wire rack for 20 to 30 minutes before serving.
How should I serve the galette?
Gently loosen the edges with a knife, remove it from the pan, and slice it into wedges to serve warm or at room temperature.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 6 servings.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Savory Heirloom Tomato & Blue Cheese Galette is a vegetarian-friendly dish.
Can I use half-and-half instead of whole milk?
Yes, half-and-half can be used as a substitute for whole milk to achieve the desired cheese consistency.
What category of food does this recipe belong to?
It is categorized under Lunch, Snacks, and Appetizers.
Do I need to thaw the puff pastry?
Yes, the frozen puff pastry should be thawed according to the package directions before rolling it out.
Can I use store-bought puff pastry?
Yes, the recipe specifically uses one sheet of frozen puff pastry for convenience.
What makes heirloom tomatoes special for this tart?
Heirloom tomatoes provide unique flavors and visual appeal, and specific varieties help maintain the tart's structural integrity.
Is this recipe difficult to make?
No, despite its impressive appearance, the description notes it is incredibly easy to prepare.
Should the blue cheese be cold or at room temperature?
The blue cheese should be at room temperature to make it easier to crumble and mix.
Can this be served as a centerpiece?
Yes, it is designed to be a stunning centerpiece for gatherings or snack platters.
How do you arrange the tomatoes on the pastry?
Arrange the blotted tomato slices in a single, tightly packed layer on top of the cheese mixture.