15-Minute Fresh Tomato and Feta Tart

Prep: 5 mins

Cook: 15 mins

Difficulty: Easy

Servings: 4 Servings

The tomato tart is a classic summer dish. It stands alone as a great appetizer, makes a light brunch with an egg on top, or supports the lead as a charming side dish with grilled chicken or seafood. It has a surprise ingredient of cinnamon — borrowed from the dishes in the Mediterranean — that works to bring together the briny feta and rich tang of cream cheese into one glorious homage to tomatoes that you can pull together in just 15 minutes.

Ingredients

2 large heirloom or beefsteak tomatoes (about 2 1/4 to 2 1/2 pounds total)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Cooking spray
1 sheet frozen puff pastry (about 12 ounces), thawed according to the package directions and refrigerated
1/2 cup cream cheese (4 ounces)
2 cloves garlic, peeled and grated
Leaves of 4 sprigs fresh oregano or marjoram, minced
Leaves of 4 sprigs fresh thyme, minced
1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
3/4 cup heavy cream or plain yogurt if you like it tart
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese, drained
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, preferably Greek

Instructions

Line a large platter or two with 6 or 7 paper towels each. Slice the tomatoes into 1/2-inch-thick slices, place them on the paper towels, and sprinkle with the salt. Set aside.
Meanwhile, arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat to 425°F. Line 1 rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with cooking spray and set aside. Spray the underside of a second rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray and set aside, upside down.
While the tomatoes are draining, place the chilled puff pastry on the first baking sheet (lined on the inside with parchment or sprayed on the inside) and unfold it gently. Make sure to work quickly so the pastry stays cold. If at any time the dough feels soft, place in the freezer for 2 to 3 minutes until chilled again and firm. Thoroughly poke the dough evenly with the tip of a sharp small knife, about 48 times.
Completely cover the puff pastry with a sheet of parchment paper. Place the second prepared baking sheet (sprayed on the underside) on top of the parchment paper, spray-side down. Bake until the pastry turns a pale brown on the edges, 10 to 12 minutes.
Remove the top baking sheet. Bake until golden-brown and crisp on top, being careful not to overbake, 3 to 5 minutes more. Set the pastry aside to cool while you make the feta spread.
Place the cream cheese, garlic, oregano, thyme, pepper, and cinnamon, if using, in a medium bowl. Using a handheld mixer, mix on medium speed until combined. Add the cream and mix until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the feta and mix until creamy, 2 to 3 minutes. Spread this mixture evenly on the tart crust.
Gently pat the tomatoes well with dry paper towels. Top the cheese mixture with the tomatoes salted-side down, arranging them in a single layer. The pastry will deflate somewhat. Drizzle over oil. Cut into pieces and serve immediately. This tart is best eaten the same day it is made.