Ina Garten’s Buttery Tomato & Goat Cheese Crostata Recipe

Baking enthusiasts adore this rustic tomato & goat cheese crostata that captures the essence of summer’s bounty in every delectable bite.

Ina Garten’s recipe weaves together vibrant, ripe tomatoes and creamy goat cheese in a beautifully golden, flaky pastry crust.

The combination of fresh herbs and tangy cheese creates a mouthwatering melody of flavors that dance across your palate.

Seasonal tomatoes provide a burst of color and intensity to this elegant Italian-inspired dish.

Each slice promises a perfect balance of crisp pastry and soft, rich filling that melts in your mouth.

Serve this stunning crostata as a stunning appetizer or light main course that will impress even the most discerning food lovers.

Grab your ingredients and let the culinary magic begin!

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 352 kcal

Servings: 6

The Flavor Combo Behind Ina Garten’s Tomato & Goat Cheese Crostata

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the sturdy foundation for our flaky, golden crust that cradles the vibrant fillings.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and helps control gluten development for a tender pastry texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates those irresistible layers and adds rich, creamy depth to the crust.
• Ice Water: Binds the dough together while keeping it cool for maximum flakiness.

• Leeks: Brings a mild, sweet onion-like flavor with a delicate, silky texture that melts into the pastry.
• Fresh Thyme: Adds earthy, aromatic notes that complement the vegetables beautifully.
• Tomatoes: Burst with juicy, sun-ripened sweetness and vibrant color as the star of the dish.
• Goat Cheese: Provides creamy, tangy richness that perfectly balances the other ingredients.
• Olive Oil: Adds a subtle fruity note and helps intensify the tomatoes' natural flavors.

• Egg: Creates a gorgeous golden-brown glaze that makes the crostata look irresistibly appetizing.
• Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle of green herbs adds a final burst of freshness and visual appeal.
• Salt and Pepper: Brings out the deep, complex flavors of all the ingredients.

Tools You’ll Use for Ina’s Rustic Crostata

• Food Processor: Essential for mixing pastry dough quickly and evenly.
• Large Sauté Pan: Perfect for cooking leeks to tender, golden perfection.
• Cutting Board: Needed for rolling out dough and chopping ingredients.
• Rolling Pin: Helps roll pastry dough into a smooth, thin circle.
• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy transfer and prevents sticking.
• Inverted Sheet Pan: Provides a stable surface for baking the crostata.
• Pastry Brush: Used for applying egg wash to create a golden crust.
• Knife: Useful for cutting the crostata into serving wedges.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Help measure ingredients accurately.
• Plate: Used for resting tomatoes and preparing ingredients.

How to Bake Tomato & Goat Cheese Crostata Ina’s Way

Tomato & Goat Cheese Rustic Tart

• Pastry Foundation

Create a soft, flaky dough by blending flour and butter in a food processor until crumbly. Gently incorporate cold water to form a smooth mixture. Shape into a gentle disk and let it rest in the refrigerator, allowing the ingredients to relax and develop rich flavors.

• Leek Preparation

Warm a skillet and transform leeks into golden, tender ribbons by cooking them slowly with fresh thyme. The gentle heat coaxes out their delicate sweetness and creates a luxurious base for the tart. Season generously to enhance natural flavors.

• Layering Magic

Roll the chilled dough into a free-form circle, creating an artistic, rustic canvas. Spread the caramelized leeks across the surface, leaving a generous border. Scatter vibrant tomato slices and crumble creamy goat cheese for bursts of flavor. Fold the edges inward, creating a beautiful, rustic frame.

• Baking Perfection

Slide the tart into a hot oven, watching as the pastry transforms into a golden, crispy masterpiece. The edges will curl and brown, creating an irresistible aroma. Once baked, let it rest briefly, then garnish with fresh herbs for a final touch of elegance.

Toppings & Variations for Ina’s Crostata

• Mix in different herbs like rosemary or basil for a unique flavor profile.
• Replace goat cheese with ricotta, feta, or blue cheese to create exciting variations that match your taste preferences.
• Prepare the pastry dough and leek mixture up to two days in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator to save time during meal preparation.
• Select ripe, colorful heirloom tomatoes or mix various tomato types to enhance visual appeal and add depth to the dish's flavor complexity.
• Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising the crostata's delicious texture.

Plating Ideas for Ina Garten’s Savory Tart

• Pair with Fresh Salad: Create a crisp green salad with mixed baby greens, cucumber slices, and a light lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich, buttery crostata.
• Serve with Wine Companion: Select a crisp white wine like sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio that complements the tangy goat cheese and sweet roasted tomatoes.
• Enjoy as Appetizer or Light Meal: Cut into smaller wedges for an elegant appetizer at dinner parties, or serve larger slices as a sophisticated lunch with a simple side salad.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or chives over the warm crostata to add brightness and enhance the herbal notes from the thyme.

Storage Advice for Tomato Crostata

• Plan Ahead: Prep pastry dough up to 2 days before baking, keeping it tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for maximum freshness and convenience.
• Refrigerate Leftovers: Store any remaining crostata slices in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Gently reheat in a 180°C (350°F) oven for 10 minutes to restore crispy pastry texture.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Wrap unbaked crostata tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
• Serve Smart: Best enjoyed within 2 hours of baking for optimal flavor and flaky pastry. Serve at room temperature as an elegant appetizer or light lunch alongside a crisp green salad.

Rustic Ina Garten Tomato & Goat Cheese Crostata Recipe

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4.5 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s tomato & goat cheese crostata blends rustic Italian charm with French pastry techniques. Mediterranean flavors mingle with buttery, flaky crust, inviting home cooks to savor each delectable slice.

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Ingredients

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• 450g (1 lb) heirloom tomatoes, cored and sliced 1 cm (⅜ inch) thick
• 300g (4 cups) chopped leeks, white and light green parts (4 leeks)
• 115g (4 oz) creamy fresh goat cheese, crumbled
• 115g (¼ lb) very cold unsalted butter, diced
• 120g (1 cup) all-purpose flour
• 55g (4 tbsps) unsalted butter
• 1 egg beaten with 15 ml (1 tbsp) milk, for egg wash
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp minced fresh thyme leaves
• Good olive oil
• Chopped fresh basil leaves
• Chopped fresh chives

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Instructions

1. Pastry Creation: In a food processor, blend flour and salt. Add cold butter cubes, pulsing until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly introduce ice water until dough forms. Transfer to a floured surface, shape into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 1 hour to relax gluten.
2. Vegetable Preparation: Melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté leeks, thyme, and seasonings until golden and tender, approximately 8 minutes. Meanwhile, season tomato slices with salt, pepper, and olive oil to enhance their natural essence.
3. Tart Assembly: Roll chilled dough into an 11-inch circular shape on a floured surface. Transfer to parchment-lined baking sheet. Distribute sautéed leeks across dough, leaving a 1½-inch border. Scatter crumbled goat cheese over vegetables, then arrange tomato slices in an artistic overlapping pattern. Fold pastry edges inward, creating a rustic pleated border. Brush with egg wash for a glossy golden finish.
4. Baking and Serving: Position in a preheated 450°F oven for 25-30 minutes until crust turns rich amber. Remove, let rest briefly. Garnish with fresh herbs and a final salt sprinkle. Serve warm, cutting into inviting wedges that showcase the vibrant filling and flaky crust.

Notes

• Butter Temperature Matters: Keep butter extremely cold to achieve a flaky, tender pastry crust that crumbles perfectly when baked.
• Gluten Relaxation is Key: Chilling the dough for a full hour allows gluten to relax, preventing tough and chewy pastry texture.
• Salt Enhancement Technique: Lightly salting tomatoes beforehand draws out excess moisture, concentrating their natural sweet-tangy flavor and preventing a soggy crostata bottom.
• Herb Finishing Touch: Fresh herbs like thyme or basil sprinkled just before serving add a vibrant, aromatic dimension that elevates the entire dish’s sensory experience.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 352
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 220mg
• Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 40mg