Skip to content
Allquickyrecipes Search recipes

Appetizers · Part 3 of 3: Tips & recipe card

Easy Upside-Down Puff Pastry Tomato Tart Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

A golden, caramelized upside-down puff pastry tomato tart on a wooden platter.
Prep
Cook
Total
Serves
4
Includes 5 min resting

Tips for success

For an extra level of flavor, sprinkle a small amount of dried oregano or thyme over the tomatoes before placing the pastry on top. These herbs complement the sweetness of the heirloom tomatoes and the richness of the mozzarella perfectly. You can also experiment with adding a thin layer of pesto under the tomatoes, though be careful not to use too much, as the oil can make the pastry base slightly oily.

If you find that the edges of the pastry are browning too quickly, you can loosely cover them with a thin strip of aluminum foil during the last few minutes of baking. This allows the center of the tart to cook through without risking burned edges.

Always let the tart rest for a few minutes after flipping before slicing, as this allows the cheese and tomato juices to settle, making it much easier to cut into clean, beautiful portions.

Variations

  • Pesto and Tomato Tart: Spread a thin layer of basil pesto over the tomatoes before covering with pastry for a vibrant, herbaceous twist on the classic flavor profile.
  • Caramelized Onion Tart: Add a layer of slow-cooked caramelized onions under the tomatoes to provide an extra depth of sweetness and a savory complexity to every bite.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge
Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheat
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-8 minutes until warmed through and crisp.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Because of the moisture content in the tomatoes and cheese, the pastry will lose its crispness over time, so it is best enjoyed shortly after baking. If you need to keep it for longer, it is better to store the components separately and assemble and bake the tart fresh when you are ready to serve.

While the tart is best served immediately, you can prepare the tomato and mozzarella assembly up to two hours in advance. Keep the baking sheet in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake.

Do not add the balsamic glaze until just before placing the pastry on top to prevent the base from becoming overly soft. The final toppings, such as the burrata and fresh basil, should always be added immediately before serving for the freshest taste.

Serving ideas

Serve the tart warm as an elegant appetizer, cut into squares or triangles. The combination of warm, caramelized tomatoes and cool, creamy burrata creates a wonderful contrast that is sure to please.

Pair it with a crisp white wine or a light sparkling beverage to cut through the richness of the puff pastry and cheese, making it a sophisticated addition to any gathering or a simple, indulgent meal for two.

Consider serving the tart alongside a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pastry. The acidity in the greens will highlight the flavors of the balsamic-glazed tomatoes and provide a refreshing contrast to the buttery crust.

For a more casual presentation, leave the tart on the wooden platter and let guests slice their own portions, ensuring the burrata and basil are distributed evenly across the finished dish.

Frequently asked questions

Can this tart be made with a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute the mozzarella with other melting cheeses like fontina or provolone. Ensure the cheese is sliced thinly to allow it to melt evenly without creating too much moisture, which can affect the crispness of the puff pastry during the baking process.
Why is it important to flip the tart immediately after baking?
Flipping the tart while it is still warm is crucial because the caramelized tomato juices and cheese are still pliable. Once the tart cools down, these elements will set, making it much more difficult to invert the tart without the toppings sticking to the parchment paper or falling apart.
Can this recipe be prepared in a convection oven?
Yes, a convection oven works well for this recipe. If using convection, reduce the temperature to 375°F and monitor the tart closely, as the fan will circulate heat more efficiently and may cook the pastry faster than a standard oven. Check for the golden brown color at the 15-minute mark.
Recipe card

Easy Upside-Down Puff Pastry Tomato Tart

Prep 10 minCook 20 minRest 5 minTotal 35 minServes 4
A golden, caramelized upside-down puff pastry tomato tart on a wooden platter.

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
  • 2 medium heirloom tomatoes, sliced
  • 4 oz mozzarella cheese, sliced
  • 1 sheet puff pastry, store-bought or made ahead
  • 2 oz burrata cheese pearls
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 1/2 tsp flaky sea salt

Instructions

  1. Arrange the sliced heirloom tomatoes and mozzarella over the balsamic glaze on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place the square of puff pastry directly on top of the tomato and cheese arrangement. Press the edges gently to ensure the pastry covers the filling completely.
  2. Place the baking sheet into a preheated oven set to 400°F (200°C). Bake for twenty minutes until the pastry is deeply golden brown and puffed. The cheese should be bubbling and the tomatoes softened and caramelized by the balsamic glaze.
  3. Remove the tart from the oven and carefully invert it onto a wooden platter while it is still warm. Immediately top with the fresh burrata pearls, torn basil leaves, and a generous sprinkle of flaky sea salt before serving.
Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories
320
Protein
8.5 g
Carbohydrates
22 g
Fat
23 g
Fiber
1.5 g
Sugar
5 g
Sodium
450 mg
Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.
Recipe by Clara Weller (pen name) · Allquickyrecipes · https://recipes.allquickyrecipes.com/upside-down-puff-pastry-tomato-tart/part-3