Easy & Irresistible Alton Brown Tomato Tart Recipe for All

A rustic tomato tart can transform ordinary ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that delights the senses.

Seasonal produce becomes an artistic canvas when carefully assembled with precision and passion.

Rich, savory flavors burst through a delicate pastry shell, creating a harmonious balance of textures and aromas.

Crisp edges and a buttery foundation provide the perfect backdrop for vibrant, sun-ripened ingredients.

Each slice promises a symphony of tangy, sweet, and herbaceous notes that dance across your palate.

The magic happens when simple components merge into something extraordinary, elevating home cooking to an inspired level.

Professional chefs and home cooks appreciate these elegant creations that seem both effortless and sophisticated: prepare to be amazed.

Why Alton Brown’s Tomato Tart Is So Tasty

• Slow-Caramelize Onions with Love: The recipe transforms ordinary onions into a golden, sweet delicacy through patient 20-25 minute sautéing, creating deep, rich flavor without rushing the process.
• Master Pastry Flexibility: Creatively combine pie crusts into a single, thin sheet that adapts to different baking pans, giving home cooks the freedom to customize their tart's presentation.
• Roast Tomatoes with Precision: Carefully bake tomatoes until they slightly shrivel and develop beautiful roasted spots, concentrating their natural sweetness and adding gourmet-level complexity to a simple dish.
• Quick Gourmet Finish: Sprinkle fresh basil over the hot tart right after baking, instantly elevating the dish with a burst of bright, herbal freshness that transforms the entire flavor profile.

Ingredients for Alton’s Savory Tomato Tart

• Pie Crusts: Flaky base that forms the foundation of the tart, best when homemade or high-quality store-bought.
• Onions: Sweet, caramelized foundation that provides deep, rich flavor to the tart, preferably yellow or sweet varieties.
• Butter: Helps caramelize onions and adds richness to the overall dish.
• Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes that will roast and concentrate their flavor during baking, preferably vine-ripened or heirloom varieties.
• Cheese: Creates a delicious base layer that melts and adds creamy texture to the tart.
• Basil: Fresh herb that adds bright, aromatic finish to the completed tart.
• Egg: Helps create a golden, glossy crust when brushed on the pastry.
• Milk: Supports egg wash for achieving a beautiful crust color and shine.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor of the caramelized onions and other ingredients.
• Pepper: Adds subtle warmth and depth to the tart's flavor profile.

Step-by-Step for Baking the Tart

Step 1: Caramelize Onions

Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add butter and sliced onions. Cook slowly for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until onions turn deep golden brown. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare Oven

Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).

Step 3: Create Tart Crust

• Pressing them together into a ball
• Kneading gently
• Rolling out into a single thin crust

Step 4: Arrange Tart Base

• Shallow quarter sheet pan
• 2 conventional pie pans

Spread cheese in a single layer across the crust.

Step 5: Prepare Egg Wash

• Milk
• 1 egg

Brush the mixture over the entire crust, ensuring edges are completely covered.

Step 6: Add Toppings

Layer caramelized onions and sliced tomatoes over the cheese.

Step 7: Bake the Tart

• Tomato skin shriveling
• Dark roasted spots
• Golden brown crust

Step 8: Adjust Oven Temperature

If crust browns too quickly, lower oven temperature to 425°F (218°C).

Step 9: Finish and Serve

Remove tart from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Sprinkle fresh basil evenly across the top. Slice into portions and serve immediately.

Tart Tips for a Golden Crust

• Slice Onions Precisely: Thin, uniform cuts help caramelize evenly and develop rich, deep flavor without burning edges.
• Layer Cheese Strategically: Grate fontina, parmesan, and gruyère together to create a melty, complex base that distributes smoothly across the tart.
• Brush Crust Carefully: Mix egg and milk with a light hand, using soft strokes to ensure golden-brown color without oversaturating the pastry.
• Control Oven Temperature: Start at a higher heat to crisp the crust, then lower temperature to prevent burning while letting ingredients cook thoroughly.
• Drain Tomatoes Completely: Pat fresh tomatoes dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, preventing a soggy tart bottom and maintaining crisp pastry texture.

Best Storage for Tomato Tart

• Countertop Cool-Down: Let the tart cool completely at room temperature before storing to prevent condensation and soggy crust. Wrap loosely with parchment paper to maintain its crisp texture and protect delicate edges from moisture.
• Refrigerator Strategy: Slide the tart into an airtight glass container with a tight-fitting lid to preserve its fresh flavor. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and texture, keeping the tart away from strong-smelling foods that might transfer unwanted flavors.
• Freezer Preservation: Slice the tart into individual portions before freezing for easy reheating. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.

Fun Ways to Remix This Tart

• Herbaceous Mediterranean Variation: Replace basil with a mix of fresh oregano, thyme, and rosemary to create a robust Mediterranean flavor profile. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the tart for an authentic Greek touch.
• Spicy Southwestern Spin: Add diced jalapeños and green chiles to the caramelized onions. Substitute regular cheese with pepper jack for extra heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro after baking for a zesty southwestern flair.
• Rustic Goat Cheese Option: Use creamy goat cheese instead of traditional cheese. Incorporate roasted garlic cloves with the caramelized onions. Top with fresh chives and a drizzle of honey for a sophisticated, tangy version of the original recipe.
• Roasted Vegetable Fusion: Include roasted bell peppers and zucchini alongside tomatoes. Layer different colored heirloom tomatoes for visual appeal. Sprinkle smoked paprika over the tart before baking to enhance the vegetable flavors.

Savory Close for Alton Brown’s Tart

Culinary magic unfolds with Alton Brown’s tomato tart, a symphonic blend of caramelized onions, golden pastry, and sun-kissed tomatoes.

Cheese whispers richness beneath a delicate crust while basil adds aromatic complexity to this masterpiece.

Southern comfort meets gourmet artistry in each carefully crafted slice.

Seasonal ingredients dance together, creating a harmonious experience that celebrates simplicity and flavor.

Mediterranean influences shine through this rustic creation, inviting sensory exploration of texture and taste.

Alton Brown Tomato Tart Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Alton Brown’s tomato tart celebrates summer’s ripest treasures with a buttery, herbed crust and juicy heirloom tomatoes. Mediterranean flavors mingle deliciously, inviting you to savor each Mediterranean-inspired bite of this rustic, elegant dish.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups cherry tomatoes (yellow or red), washed and dried
• 2 whole large onions, halved and sliced thin
• 1 ½ cups grated fontina cheese (or Monterey Jack)
• ¼ cup grated parmesan
• ¼ cup grated gruyère (or swiss)

Crust and Binding Ingredients:

• 2 whole store-bought pie crusts (or 1 good-sized homemade crust)
• 1 whole egg
• ¼ cup milk

Seasoning and Additional Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 16 whole basil leaves, chiffonade
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Caramelize onions in a large skillet over medium-low heat with butter, stirring occasionally until they transform into a rich, deep golden-brown color, approximately 20 to 25 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.
2. Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
3. Merge the two pie crusts by gently kneading them together, then roll out into a single, thin, uniform crust.
4. Transfer the crust to a shallow quarter sheet pan or divide between two 9-inch (23-centimeter) pie pans. Create a foundational layer of cheese across the bottom of the crust.
5. Whisk the milk and egg in a small mixing bowl. Carefully brush this egg wash over the entire crust, ensuring complete coverage including the edges.
6. Place the tart in the oven and monitor closely for 20 to 22 minutes. Look for shriveled tomatoes with roasted spots and a golden-brown crust as indicators of doneness.
7. If the crust browns too rapidly, reduce the oven temperature to 425°F (218°C) to prevent burning.
8. After removing from the oven, allow the tart to rest for 5 minutes. Garnish uniformly with fresh basil leaves, slice into portions, and serve immediately.

Notes

• Let those onions slowly transform into golden, jammy goodness by cooking them over low heat for maximum flavor development.
• Select premium cheeses that melt beautifully and complement each other’s rich, nutty profiles for an extraordinary taste experience.
• Apply the egg wash with gentle, consistent strokes to create a glossy, appetizing exterior that catches everyone’s eye.
• Monitor your pastry closely during baking, using visual and olfactory cues to prevent any potential burning or uneven coloring.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 290 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg