Hanover Tomato, Cheese And Herb Tart Appetizer
A savory tart featuring fresh tomatoes, creamy chevre, and fragrant herbs, perfect as an elegant appetizer or light summer starter for entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 1 cup flour ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shortening ⓘ
- 4 tablespoons ice water ⓘ
- 6 tomatoes, sliced 1/2-inch thick ⓘ
- 4 ounces chevre (such as Montrachet) ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh oregano, minced ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine flour and salt in a bowl.
- Cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add ice water gradually, mixing until dough holds together.
- Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes.
- Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface and transfer to an 11-inch tart pan with removable bottom.
- Trim edges and freeze the crust for 15 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the crust until lightly golden, about 20-25 minutes.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- Spread chevre over the cooled crust.
- Arrange sliced tomatoes on top of the cheese.
- Sprinkle minced basil, thyme, oregano, and grated Parmesan over the tart.
- Serve immediately or chilled.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flakier crust, ensure your shortening is very cold before cutting it into the flour. If you don't have chevre, cream cheese or ricotta can be good substitutes. Fresh herbs bring out the best flavors, but dried herbs can work in a pinch. Consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
Serving Suggestions
This tart is delicious served warm or chilled as an appetizer. Pair it with a light salad of mixed greens or a refreshing tomato and celery soup for a complete meal. It also makes a great addition to a Mediterranean recipes spread at gatherings, offering a delightful contrast to richer dishes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hanover Tomato, Cheese And Herb Tart Appetizer contains roughly 428 calories, with 5g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (119% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and calcium (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1792mg per serving (78% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of cheese for this tart?
Absolutely! While chevre adds a creamy tang, you can substitute with ricotta, feta, or even mozzarella. Each cheese will impart a different flavor, so feel free to experiment based on your preference or what's available.
How can I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?
To prevent a soggy crust, ensure you bake it until it's golden brown and fully cooked before adding the toppings. You can also blind bake the crust with pie weights to help it maintain its shape and texture.
Can I make the tart ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the tart ahead. Assemble it but avoid baking until you're ready to serve. You can refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully without sacrificing the crust's texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).