Quick & Easy Michael Symon Tomato Tart Recipe For Summer Joy

Michael Symon’s tomato tart bursts with vibrant flavors that capture summer’s essence in every delectable bite.

Garden-fresh ingredients dance together, creating a harmonious symphony of taste and texture.

Savory and sweet notes intertwine, transforming simple components into something extraordinary.

Crisp pastry provides the perfect canvas for juicy, sun-ripened produce and creamy cheese.

Seasonal vegetables take center stage, promising a culinary experience that delights the senses.

Professional techniques merge with home cooking’s warmth, elevating this dish beyond an ordinary recipe.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients whisper stories of sunny landscapes and passionate cooking traditions: grab your apron and let’s make magic happen.

What You’ll Need for Michael Symon’s Tomato Tart

• Flour: Foundational ingredient for creating a light, flaky crust with a sturdy texture.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and helps control gluten development in the pastry dough.

• Butter: Provides rich flavor and creates a tender, flaky pastry texture. Cold butter works best for optimal results.
• Egg: Helps bind the dough and adds richness to the pastry crust.
• Ice Water: Helps bring the dough together without overworking the flour. Keeps the pastry tender and flaky.

• Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes are key for a vibrant and juicy tart filling. Heirloom or vine-ripened varieties offer the best flavor.
• Mustard: Creates a thin barrier between dough and tomatoes, adding a subtle tangy flavor.
• Goat Cheese: Creamy cheese that provides a rich, tangy contrast to the sweet tomatoes.
• Fresh Herbs: Adds brightness and aromatic complexity to the tart. Basil or thyme work wonderfully.
• Olive Oil: Enhances flavor and helps tomatoes roast beautifully.
• Honey (Optional): Adds a subtle sweetness that complements the savory ingredients.

How to Make Michael Symon’s Tomato Tart

Step 1: Prepare Pastry Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour and salt. Using your hands or a pastry cutter, blend cold unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse cornmeal. Create a small well in the center and add 1 beaten egg mixed with of cold water. Stir until the dough comes together, adding an extra tablespoon of ice water if needed to achieve the right consistency.

Step 2: Shape and Dock the Dough

Form the dough into a smooth ball, then roll it out on a lightly floured surface. Carefully transfer the dough to a baking sheet or pie pan. Using your fingertips, gently press small holes across the dough surface to prevent bubbling during baking.

Step 3: Prepare the Tart Base

Spread a thin, even layer of Dijon mustard over the dough, allowing it to dry for 2-3 minutes. This adds a subtle tangy flavor to the tart.

Step 4: Arrange Tomato Topping

Slice 3-4 ripe tomatoes and arrange them carefully over the mustard layer. Choose a mix of heirloom or seasonal tomatoes for vibrant color and flavor.

• Fresh tomato slices
• Goat cheese
• Fresh herbs (basil or thyme)
• Olive oil

Step 5: Add Finishing Touches

Drizzle olive oil over the tomatoes. Crumble or slice goat cheese and distribute evenly. Sprinkle fresh chopped herbs generously. For an optional sweet twist, drizzle a small amount of honey over the top.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

• Crust turns golden brown
• Tomatoes become soft
• Cheese develops a beautiful golden color

Step 7: Final Serving Tip

Remove from the oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes. Slice and serve warm. Can be enjoyed as an appetizer or light main course. Best served immediately while the crust remains crisp and the cheese is still warm.

Pro Tips for Michael Symon’s Tomato Tart

• Chill and Rest: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent shrinkage and ensure a crisp, tender crust.
• Slice with Precision: Use a sharp knife to cut tomatoes into uniform, thin slices so they cook evenly and look visually appealing.
• Layer Strategically: Arrange tomato slices slightly overlapping to create a beautiful pattern and maximize flavor coverage.
• Drain Moisture: Pat tomatoes with paper towels to remove excess liquid and prevent a soggy tart bottom.
• Season Generously: Sprinkle herbs and salt directly on tomatoes to enhance their natural sweetness and depth of flavor.

How to Store Michael Symon’s Tomato Tart

• Refrigerator Method: Slide your masterpiece into a sealed glass container, ensuring zero air exposure. This technique preserves the delicate pastry's crispness and maintains the tomatoes' vibrant flavor profile for maximum enjoyment within three days.
• Freezing Method: Create a protective barrier by first wrapping the tart in clingy plastic wrap, then seal completely with aluminum foil. Gently place in the freezer where it'll hibernate perfectly for two months without losing its delectable essence.
• Reheating Method: Transform chilled or frozen slices back to their original glory by warming in a preheated oven at 350°F. Position the tart on a baking sheet, covering loosely with foil to prevent burning, and heat for 10-15 minutes until the crust regains its golden crunch and filling becomes wonderfully warm.

Creative Twists on Michael Symon’s Tomato Tart

• Mediterranean Marvel: Replace goat cheese with crumbled feta, add kalamata olives, and sprinkle dried oregano for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Pesto Paradise: Swap mustard with basil pesto as the base layer, top with cherry tomatoes, and use mozzarella instead of goat cheese for an Italian-style variation.
• Spicy Southwestern Sensation: Layer chipotle-infused mustard, add roasted corn kernels, sprinkle pepper jack cheese, and garnish with fresh cilantro for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Caramelized Onion Classic: Spread caramelized onions beneath the tomatoes, use gruyère cheese, and finish with fresh thyme leaves for a rich, sophisticated version of the original tart.

A Savory Slice of Summer with Michael Symon’s Tomato Tart

Culinary magic unfolds with Michael Symon’s tomato tart, where simple ingredients dance together in harmonious delight.

Mediterranean flavors whisper stories of rustic kitchens and sunshine-kissed tomatoes.

Mustard’s subtle tang provides unexpected depth, while goat cheese melts into golden perfection.

Fresh herbs sprinkle green complexity across this elegant canvas.

Delicate pastry cradles summer’s ripest treasures, creating an edible masterpiece that celebrates seasonal bounty.

Readers, savor each delectable slice, share this remarkable recipe with passionate friends, double-tap to show love, and comment with your personal tomato tart adventures – because great cooking connects hearts through delicious experiences.

Why Michael Symon’s Tomato Tart Is the Perfect Savory Treat

• Savor Quick Gourmet Simplicity: This Michael Symon tomato tart transforms basic ingredients into an elegant dish with minimal cooking skills required, making sophisticated cooking accessible to everyone.
• Celebrate Flavor Complexity: The unique combination of tangy mustard, sweet honey, fresh herbs, and creamy goat cheese creates a multi-layered taste experience that delights the palate with every bite.
• Enjoy Versatile Meal Magic: Perfect for summer gatherings, casual brunches, or elegant appetizers, this tart adapts effortlessly to different dining occasions while showcasing seasonal tomatoes in a stunning presentation.
• Master Stress-Free Technique: With straightforward steps and flexible baking instructions, home cooks can confidently create a restaurant-quality dish without complicated techniques or specialized equipment.

Michael Symon Tomato Tart Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Michael Symon’s Tomato Tart delivers Mediterranean sunshine on a buttery pastry canvas. Fresh heirloom tomatoes and creamy goat cheese create a simple yet elegant summer dish that celebrates seasonal produce with delightful Mediterranean flair.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2–3 large ripe tomatoes
• 8 ounces (250g) fresh or slightly aged goat cheese, sliced into rounds
• 1 unbaked tart dough

Tart Dough Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups (210g) flour
• 4 ½ ounces (125g) unsalted butter, chilled, cut into cubes
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 2–3 tablespoons cold water

Seasoning and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Dijon or whole-grain mustard
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (thyme, chives, chervil, or tarragon)
• 1 ½ tablespoons flavorful honey (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground pepper

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Instructions

1. Combine all-purpose flour and salt in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of the dry ingredients.
2. Using either your fingertips or a pastry cutter, incorporate cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse cornmeal with small, pea-sized crumbs.
3. Whisk the egg with two tablespoons (30 milliliters) of ice-cold water in a separate small bowl until well blended.
4. Create a small well in the center of the flour mixture and gently pour in the egg liquid, stirring carefully to form a cohesive dough.
5. If the dough appears too dry, cautiously add an extra tablespoon (15 milliliters) of ice water to achieve the right consistency.
6. Gently shape the dough into a compact ball, then roll it out on a lightly floured surface to create a thin, even crust.
7. Carefully transfer the rolled dough to the baking surface, using your fingers to create small perforations across the bottom to prevent bubbling.
8. Spread a delicate layer of Dijon mustard across the prepared dough, allowing it to dry for approximately 2-3 minutes.
9. Artfully arrange thinly sliced tomatoes over the mustard base, ensuring even coverage.
10. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil across the tomato layer, allowing it to glisten.
11. Distribute soft goat cheese slices strategically over the tomatoes, creating an appealing visual pattern.
12. Generously sprinkle fresh herbs like thyme or basil across the surface for added aromatic complexity.
13. For a subtle sweet contrast, lightly drizzle honey over the prepared tart.
14. Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the middle for even heat distribution.
15. Bake the tart for approximately 25-35 minutes, monitoring until the crust turns golden brown, tomatoes soften, and cheese develops a beautiful caramelized surface.
16. If additional browning is desired, activate the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Notes

• Cold ingredients ensure the perfect flaky texture, so keep butter and eggs chilled before starting.
• Minimal handling prevents tough pastry, so work quickly and gently when mixing dough components.
• Cutting butter into tiny cubes helps create those delicate, melt-in-your-mouth layers pastry lovers crave.
• Room temperature surfaces can make dough sticky, so dust your workspace with flour before rolling.
• Excess water breaks down gluten structure, so add liquid sparingly and stop when dough just comes together.
• Refrigerating dough for 30 minutes helps relax gluten and solidifies butter, resulting in ultra-tender crust.
• Uneven rolling can cause thickness inconsistencies, so use gentle, even pressure when stretching dough.
• Edges might crack during rolling, so patch small breaks with extra dough scraps before transferring to pan.
• Parchment paper works wonderfully as a non-stick surface for easier dough manipulation and transfer.
• Leftover dough scraps can be re-rolled once, but additional rolling will toughen the pastry texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 360 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg