Dessert

Tomato Tartlets with Puff Pastry and Ricotta Recipe

ByCharlotte Montgomery October 16, 2025October 16, 2025

Introduction

Tomato tartlets with puff pastry are a delightful and elegant appetizer or snack that beautifully combine flaky pastry with creamy ricotta and fresh tomatoes. These bite-sized treats are easy to prepare and perfect for gatherings or a light meal.

Eight square-shaped pastries are shown on crumpled brown parchment paper over a white marbled surface. Each pastry has three layers: a golden-brown flaky crust forming the base and edges, a creamy white cheese layer evenly spread over the crust, and slices of red, yellow, and orange cherry tomatoes arranged on top, some whole and halved. The tomatoes are sprinkled with black pepper and chopped green basil leaves scattered over all pastries. The pastries are casually stacked and slightly overlapping in a warm, inviting arrangement. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 8.5 oz sheet puff pastry (e.g. Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry)
1 egg
¾ cup whole milk ricotta cheese (8 oz)
¼ cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (4 oz)
1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons fresh basil, minced, plus more whole leaves for garnish
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ lb mini heirloom tomatoes, halved (or cherry, grape, or regular heirloom tomatoes sliced)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Flaky sea salt to finish

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Place the puff pastry on a cutting board and slice it into 9 even pieces. Using a knife, score rectangles inside each piece, creating roughly a quarter-inch perimeter but do not cut all the way through.
Step 2: In a bowl, combine the ricotta, Parmigiano-Reggiano, salt, pepper, minced basil, garlic powder, and dried oregano. In a separate small bowl, whisk the egg and set it aside to use as an egg wash later.
Step 3: Arrange the puff pastry pieces on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Spoon approximately 1½ tablespoons of the cheese mixture onto the center rectangle of each puff pastry piece and spread evenly.
Step 4: Top each piece with the sliced tomatoes. Brush the tomato slices with olive oil. Then, carefully brush the exposed edges of the puff pastry with the egg wash to help them brown beautifully during baking.
Step 5: Bake the tartlets in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and puffed. Turn the baking sheet halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.
Step 6: Remove the tartlets from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, and extra freshly ground black pepper before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use a mix of colorful heirloom tomatoes for a more vibrant and visually appealing tartlet.
Swap ricotta for goat cheese or cream cheese for a tangier filling.
For extra flavor, add a drizzle of balsamic glaze over the tartlets just before serving.

Storage

Store leftover tartlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes to restore crispness. They are best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture and flavor.

How to Serve

The image shows a group of square-shaped puff pastries with three main layers: a golden brown flaky crust forming the base and edges, a thick creamy white cheese layer spread evenly inside the crust, and a topping of halved cherry tomatoes in red, yellow, and orange colors placed on the cheese. The tomatoes are sprinkled with black pepper and finely chopped fresh green basil leaves, adding texture and color contrasts. The pastries are placed closely together on a sheet of parchment paper over a wooden board, all set on a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these tartlets ahead of time?

You can prepare and assemble the tartlets a few hours before baking, keeping them refrigerated until ready to bake. However, baking and serving them fresh will give the best puff and texture.

What can I use if I don’t have puff pastry?

Puff pastry creates the characteristic flaky texture, but if unavailable, you can try using phyllo dough or a sturdy pie crust. Keep in mind the texture and baking time may vary.