Description
These Tomato Tartlets are fresh, vibrant, and easy-to-make appetizers featuring ripe tomatoes, a flaky puff pastry crust, and creamy melty plant-based cheese. Perfectly bite-sized, customizable with herbs and spices, and baked to golden perfection, they bring elegant, bright savory flavors to any gathering or party crowd.
Ingredients
Pastry Base
- Puff pastry sheets, thawed
- Olive oil (natural), for brushing
- Garlic powder (natural), a light sprinkle
- Sea salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Tomato Topping
- Fresh ripe tomatoes, sliced thinly
- Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), to toss the tomatoes
- Olive oil (natural), to toss and drizzle
- Sea salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Natural gelling agent (optional), a small amount for firmer texture
Toppings and Garnishes
- Plant-based cheese, dollops or shreds
- Fresh basil leaves
- Optional: Fresh thyme or oregano for herb variations
- Optional: Red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for spicy kick
- Optional: Vegan pesto (basil or sun-dried tomato) (natural) for drizzling
- Optional: Lightly caramelized onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Puff Pastry Base: Thaw puff pastry sheets according to package instructions. Roll gently to smooth out creases, then cut into small squares or circles as preferred. Place the cut pastry pieces on a parchment-lined baking tray.
- Season and Pre-Bake the Crust: Brush the pastry pieces with olive oil (natural). Lightly sprinkle garlic powder (natural), sea salt, and black pepper over each piece. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8 to 10 minutes until the pastry starts to puff and turn golden but is not fully baked, ensuring a crisp crust.
- Prepare the Tomato Topping: While the crust pre-bakes, slice fresh tomatoes into thin rounds. Toss them gently with vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), olive oil (natural), sea salt, and black pepper. Optionally, mix in a small amount of natural gelling agent for a firmer texture.
- Assemble the Tomato Tartlets: Remove pre-baked pastry shells from the oven. Carefully layer the tomato slices on top of each piece. Add dollops or shreds of plant-based cheese, scatter fresh basil leaves, and drizzle a little more olive oil (natural) over each tartlet.
- Final Bake: Return the assembled tartlets to the oven and bake for another 10 to 12 minutes until the plant-based cheese melts and the tomatoes soften slightly, releasing juices. The crust should be golden brown and crisp.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for even baking and richer flavors.
- Pat tomato slices dry to avoid soggy crusts.
- Add fresh herbs just before serving or at the end of baking to preserve their bright flavor.
- Taste the tomato topping before assembling to adjust seasoning as needed.
- Prick the puff pastry lightly with a fork before baking to prevent excessive puffing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tartlets
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Tomato Tartlets, plant-based cheese, puff pastry, vegetarian appetizers, bite-sized snacks, party food, fresh tomatoes, vegan cheese