If you’re craving a flaky tart with a golden, cheesy crust and a creamy, tangy filling that screams “Eat me!”—this is it. This French-inspired savory tart is bursting with juicy roasted cherry tomatoes, a whipped feta cream that’s kissed with honey and lemon zest, and a crust that’s loaded with mozzarella and sprinkled with sesame seeds. It’s everything you want in a summer lunch, picnic star, or dinner party appetizer.
This isn’t your average tart—it’s the kind that gets snapped for Instagram before the first bite. Let’s get into it!
✨ Why You’ll Love This Tarte Cheesy Crust Recip
This dish combines bold Mediterranean flavors with comfort-food vibes, and honestly? It’s just FUN to make (and even more fun to eat).
Here’s what makes it next-level:
- Golden mozzarella crust for a cheesy, flaky base
- Creamy whipped feta with honey and citrus zest
- Roasted cherry tomatoes for a sweet-savory punch
- Quick and easy prep with store-bought puff pastry
You’ll want to keep this recipe on repeat—from lazy brunches to fancy-feeling dinners.
🧀 Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s break it down. Here’s everything that goes into this cheesy tart masterpiece:
For the Cheesy Crust:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (pâte feuilletée)
- 80g shredded mozzarella (adds that gooey richness)
- 1 egg yolk (for the golden crust finish)
- Sesame seeds (extra crunch and toasty flavor)
For the Roasted Tomatoes:
- 250g cherry tomatoes (choose the sweetest you can find)
- 2 tbsp sweet soy sauce (adds umami depth)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (helps blister and roast the tomatoes)
For the Whipped Feta Cream:
- 120g feta cheese (go for a creamy sheep’s milk version)
- 1 tbsp honey (for a subtle sweetness)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- Zest of ½ lemon
- Salt & pepper to taste
Final Toppings:
- Balsamic vinegar drizzle (optional but highly recommended!)
- Fresh basil leaves (for brightness and color)
🔪 Equipment You’ll Need
Nothing fancy here—you likely have it all already!
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper
- Oven
- Mixing bowls
- Food processor or immersion blender (for the feta cream)
- Microplane or fine grater (for the lemon zest)
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Cheesy Crust (10 minutes)
Unroll your puff pastry on a baking tray lined with parchment. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the entire surface, then fold in the edges to create a border. Brush the borders with egg yolk and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
👉 Bake at 200°C (392°F) for 15 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
Pro Tip: Chilling the puff pastry before baking helps it stay flaky and tall.
2. Roast the Cherry Tomatoes (While crust bakes)
While the crust is baking, toss your cherry tomatoes in olive oil and sweet soy sauce. Spread them on a tray and roast at 200°C for about 15–20 minutes, until they’re blistered and slightly caramelized.
The soy sauce gives a beautiful depth—don’t skip it!
3. Make the Whipped Feta Cream
In a food processor, combine:
- Feta
- Honey
- Olive oil
- Lemon zest
- Heavy cream
- Salt and pepper
Blend until smooth and creamy. You’re aiming for a dip-like consistency.
Pro Tip: Let the feta come to room temperature first—it blends easier and gives a silkier texture.
4. Assemble Your Masterpiece
Let the tart crust cool slightly. Then:
- Spread the whipped feta evenly over the crust.
- Top with roasted tomatoes, distributing them so every bite gets one.
- Finish with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar and a scattering of fresh basil leaves.
🌿 Variations & Swaps
Want to mix it up? Try these twists:
- Vegan version: Use vegan puff pastry and swap in tofu feta + maple syrup.
- Add protein: Top with grilled chicken, crispy pancetta, or a poached egg.
- Fresh greens: Toss arugula with lemon juice and olive oil and pile it on top before serving.
- More veggies: Add roasted zucchini, eggplant, or thin red onion slices.
🍷 Perfect Pairings
This cheesy tart pairs beautifully with:
- Crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
- Chilled rosé
- Iced herbal tea (try mint or hibiscus!)
- Fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette
It’s picnic-ready or party-perfect—just add a cold drink and sunshine. ☀️
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Make ahead: Bake the crust, roast the tomatoes, and whip the feta separately. Assemble just before serving.
- Storage: Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 1–2 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the crust crisp.
- Don’t freeze—puff pastry and fresh tomatoes lose texture when frozen.
❓ FAQ
Can I use phyllo dough instead of puff pastry?
You can, but you’ll need to brush each phyllo layer with butter or oil, and it won’t puff the same way.
Is this tart gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free puff pastry alternative! Schär and Jus-Rol both have options.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh basil?
Fresh is best here, but a pinch of dried basil or oregano can work in a pinch—just go light.
🌟 Final Thoughts
This cheesy crust tart with whipped feta and roasted cherry tomatoes is the kind of dish that looks fancy but is secretly so simple. Whether you’re entertaining friends, packing a picnic, or just treating yourself to something extra on a Tuesday—this recipe hits the spot.
Crispy, creamy, herby, and bursting with flavor… what more could you want?
🖨️ Grab the Printable Recipe Card
👉 [Click here to print the full recipe and save it for later!]
💬 Tell Us What You Think!
Did you make this tart? We’d LOVE to see it! Tag us on Instagram at [@KeiraRecipes] and use the tag tarte cheesy crust so we can feature your creation! 🧀✨