Hearty Tomato Mozzarella Cheese Tart with Herbed Crust

Ingredients

Crust:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 4 to 5 tablespoons ice water

Filling:
- 4 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, sliced
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- ¼ cup mayonnaise

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 ¼ cups flour, 1 tablespoon sugar, and ½ teaspoon salt.
- Add ½ cup cubed, chilled butter. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add 4 to 5 tablespoons ice water, one tablespoon at a time, stirring until the dough just comes together.
- Shape the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

3. Roll Out the Dough:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to fit a 9-inch tart pan.
- Gently press the dough into the tart pan and trim excess from the edges.
- Prick the base with a fork to prevent bubbling.

4. Blind Bake the Crust:
- Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes.
- Remove the weights and paper and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the crust is lightly browned.
- Let it cool slightly.

5. Prepare the Filling:
- In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon oregano, and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
- Spread the mixture evenly over the base of the cooled tart crust.

6. Assemble the Tart:
- Layer the sliced mozzarella cheese evenly over the base.
- Layer the tomato slices over the mozzarella.
- Sprinkle the grated parmesan and cheddar cheeses on top.
- Scatter ¼ cup fresh basil leaves over the cheeses.

7. Bake the Tart:
- Lower oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the tart for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheeses are melted, and the top is golden brown.

8. Cool and Serve:
- Allow the tart to cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm, garnished with additional fresh basil if desired.

Preparation & Cooking Times

- Preparation Time: PT30M
30 minutes
- Cooking Time: PT50M
50 minutes

Total Time

PT1H20M
1 hour and 20 minutes

Type of Dish

Dinner

Keywords

Tomato Tart, Mozzarella Tart, Cheese Tart, Herbed Crust, Oven-Baked Tart, Dinner Recipe, Savory Tart, Tomato and Cheese Dish, Basil Tart, Gourmet Dinner

Recipe Yield

Feeds 4 adults

Calories

1500 calories (total for the entire dish)

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