recipe

Savory Caprese Tart: A Rustic, Cheesy Ode to Summer Tomatoes

Total time: 70 mins.

Difficulty: Low

Serves: 6-8

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By Ojonugwa Lawrence

Caprese Tart, inspired by the classic Caprese salad, brings together ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, which is layered on a golden pastry base with a touch of Genovese pesto for added depth. Refined in taste, this is the kind of dish that feels at home on a summer lunch table or as a light dinner with a glass of wine.

Regardless of if it is served warm from the oven or at room temperature, this tart captures the essence of seasonal, honest cooking.

What is a Savory Caprese Tart?

This tart is what happens when a classic Caprese salad decides it wants to go a little extra. Caprese tart comes from Italy’s Campania region and the Caprese salad was born as a patriotic nod to the Italian flag, which features red tomatoes, white mozzarella, and green basil. This tart takes that concept and wraps it in buttery puff pastry, with pesto playing the role of the flavor amplifier.

While the Caprese salad is often served chilled, this tart is warm and comforting. It’s the kind of dish you throw together with a glass of wine nearby and zero stress in the kitchen.

Pro Tips for the Best Savory Caprese Tart

Drain your mozzarella because there is nothing sadder than a soggy tart. After slicing, pat the mozzarella dry with a paper towel to prevent excess moisture.
Use ripe, firm tomatoes and go for medium-sized, firm tomatoes like Roma or vine-ripened. Too juicy and things might get messy.
Chill your puff pastry and keep it cold until you’re ready to bake. This ensures maximum puff and flake.
Add a second layer if you’re feeling bold. Stack a second spiral of tomato and mozzarella slices after folding the crust for an extra hearty tart.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use a Different Cheese Instead of Mozzarella?

While mozzarella gives that classic Caprese feel, you can swap in burrata for creaminess or provolone for a sharper edge. Just make sure to drain any soft cheeses well.

What Kind of Tomatoes Work Best?

Firm varieties like Roma, plum, or heirloom tomatoes work beautifully here. Avoid overly watery types as they can make the pastry soggy.

Can I Make This Tart Ahead of Time?

You can prep the components ahead, slice, season, and chill, and assemble just before baking. However, for the best texture, bake fresh and serve warm.

Do I Need to Blind Bake the Crust?

Nope! The moisture in the filling is balanced well enough that blind baking isn’t necessary. Just keep that pastry chilled before popping it in the oven.

How to Store Savory Caprese Tart

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 3 days and reheat slices in a preheated oven.

You can also freeze the unbaked tart. Just, assemble it on a lined pan, freeze until solid, then wrap and store in a freezer bag. When ready to bake, go straight from freezer to oven, and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Ingredients

round puff pastry roll

mozzarella (drained)

350 grams

Tomatoes

genovese pesto

1 tbsp

Olive oil

to taste

Salt and pepper

to taste

Oregano

to taste

Fresh basil leaves

to taste

How to Make Savory Caprese Tart

Step 1

First start by slicing the tomatoes into even 0.5 cm rounds.

Step 2

Then slice the mozzarella into even 0.5 cm rounds.

Step 3

Place the tomatoes in a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt, pepper, and oregano. Mix gently and let them sit for 15 minutes to marinate.

Step 4

Unroll the puff pastry and fit it into a 26 cm round tart pan using the parchment paper it comes with. Press it lightly into the edges so it holds its shape.