Looking for a dish that’s cozy and elegant? This Potato Tart with Smoked Trout is your new brunch go-to. It’s warm, rich, and oh-so-satisfying. Think mashed potato base instead of a crust, topped with creamy French cheese, flaky smoked trout, and soft-boiled eggs with jammy yolks. It’s an elevated comfort dish that doesn’t take hours to prepare!
What’s even better? This tart is naturally gluten-free and works just as well for a fancy brunch as it does for a quick dinner.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Potato Base:
- 8–10 cooked potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet are great)
- 25g Parmesan cheese, grated
- Olive oil, for drizzling
For the Filling:
- 150g St. Moret cheese (or substitute cream cheese)
- 1 tbsp heavy cream
- 3–4 slices smoked trout
To Garnish:
- 3 soft-boiled eggs
- A handful of fresh basil leaves
Tip: Prepare the eggs while the tart bakes—it’s a time saver!
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Boil and Mash the Potatoes
Begin by boiling the potatoes until fork-tender. Peel and mash them until smooth. For the best texture, avoid lumps and make sure they’re well-seasoned with a pinch of salt.
2. Create the Tart Base
Next, preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Spread the mashed potatoes in an even layer across a lightly oiled baking dish or tart pan. Press them firmly to create a dense base that will hold together well.
Then, sprinkle the grated Parmesan on top and drizzle with olive oil to help crisp the edges while baking.
3. Bake It Golden
Transfer the tart to the oven and bake for 20 minutes. It should come out golden on the edges and slightly crispy on top—exactly what you want.
4. Add the Creamy Layer
Once the base has cooled slightly, it’s time to add richness. Spread the St. Moret cheese and a tablespoon of cream over the warm potatoes. The residual heat will help melt the cheese into a luxurious layer.
5. Layer the Trout
Now, add the smoked trout. You can tear it into smaller pieces or lay out full slices—totally up to you. Its salty, delicate flavor balances beautifully with the creamy base.
6. Finish with Eggs and Basil
Top it all off with halved soft-boiled eggs and scatter fresh basil leaves over the tart. The jammy yolks add extra creaminess and a gorgeous visual appeal.
✅ Why This Recipe Works
This dish isn’t just tasty—it’s genius in its simplicity.
- No pastry required: A mashed potato crust means less fuss and no rolling pins.
- Balanced flavors: Creamy cheese, smoky trout, and umami-rich Parmesan bring depth to every bite.
- Gluten-free option: Ideal for anyone avoiding traditional crusts.
- Versatile: Works for brunch, lunch, or dinner—and leftovers reheat beautifully!
🌀 Variations & Substitutions
Need to customize? Here are some fun spins on this tart:
- Go vegetarian: Skip the smoked trout and try caramelized onions, sautéed spinach, or roasted bell peppers instead.
- Switch the cheese: Can’t find St. Moret? Use Boursin, goat cheese, or even ricotta.
- Try a different protein: Smoked salmon, cooked bacon, or even canned tuna can be great swaps.
- Add greens: Arugula, spinach, or even watercress can be added either fresh or lightly wilted on top.
🍽️ What to Serve With This Tart
To round out your meal, try pairing this tart with:
- A crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette
- Roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans
- Pickled red onions or olives for a zesty contrast
Each side dish brings its own personality while letting the tart shine as the star.
💡 Helpful Tips
Want to make sure your tart turns out perfectly? Keep these in mind:
- Mash thoroughly: Smooth mashed potatoes are key to a firm, sliceable base.
- Use a tart pan with removable sides: This makes serving neat slices easier.
- Soft-boil your eggs for 6–7 minutes: This timing gives you that perfect jammy yolk.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they keep well!
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10–12 minutes to revive the texture.
- Avoid microwaving the eggs—remove them before reheating, then place them back on top to serve.
Make ahead tip: Bake the base and store it separately. Assemble with toppings when you’re ready to serve.
🌟 Final Thoughts
This Potato Tart with Smoked Trout is a cozy, flavor-packed dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s rustic yet refined, and simple enough to whip up on a weeknight. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing guests, this tart will absolutely deliver.
So next time you’re staring at a bag of potatoes wondering what to make… now you know. 🥔💛