Savory Puff Pastry Tart with Bacon, Egg, and Tomato

This savory puff pastry tart, brimming with bacon, egg, tomato, and cheese, is a delightful dish perfect for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner. The flaky puff pastry provides a crisp and buttery base for the flavorful filling, creating a satisfying and elegant treat. This recipe offers a simple yet impressive way to showcase the classic combination of these ingredients.

Preparation time: 25 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes Total time: 55 minutes

Ingredients:

• For the Filling:
  • 6 strips bacon, cut into ½-inch pieces
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs, diced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 25 g (¼ cup) sliced olives (black or green)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 150 g (1 ½ cups) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt
  • 7 medium tomatoes, diced (seeds removed)
• For the Tart:
  • 1 sheet (about 14 oz) puff pastry, thawed
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Directions:

1. Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon pieces until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet.

2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet with the bacon grease and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Combine Filling Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked bacon, diced hard-boiled eggs, tomato paste, sliced olives, sautéed onion and garlic, shredded mozzarella cheese, Greek yogurt, and diced tomatoes. Mix well to combine all the ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

5. Prepare the Puff Pastry: Lightly flour a clean surface. Gently unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet and roll it out slightly to create a larger rectangle (about 12×15 inches).

6. Assemble the Tart: Place the puff pastry sheet on the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, score a border about 1 inch from the edge of the pastry, being careful not to cut all the way through.

7. Add the Filling: Spread the bacon, egg, and tomato filling evenly over the puff pastry, within the scored border.

8. Egg Wash and Bake: Brush the edges of the puff pastry with the beaten egg (egg wash). Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed up.

9. Cool and Serve: Let the tart cool slightly on the baking sheet before slicing and serving.

Nutritional Facts (Approximate, per serving – based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 350-400
• Fat: 25-30g
• Saturated Fat: 12-15g
• Cholesterol: 70-80mg
• Sodium: 500-600mg
• Carbohydrates: 20-25g
• Fiber: 1-2g
• Protein: 15-20g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on ingredient brands, portion sizes, and specific ingredients used.

The Origins and Popularity of Savory Tarts:

Savory tarts, with their flaky crusts and flavorful fillings, have a long and rich history, evolving from simple pastries to culinary masterpieces. The concept of enclosing savory ingredients within a pastry shell dates back centuries, with various cultures developing their own unique versions. Puff pastry, known for its light and airy texture, emerged as a popular choice for creating elegant and impressive tarts. The combination of savory fillings, such as bacon, eggs, cheese, and vegetables, with the buttery goodness of puff pastry has proven to be a winning formula. Savory tarts gained popularity as a versatile dish, suitable for various occasions, from casual gatherings to formal meals. Their appeal lies in their ability to be customized with a wide range of ingredients, catering to diverse tastes and preferences. The combination of textures and flavors, from the crispy crust to the savory filling, creates a delightful culinary experience. Savory tarts have become a staple in many cuisines, a testament to their deliciousness and adaptability.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

This savory puff pastry tart is incredibly satisfying. It offers the perfect balance of flaky crust, rich bacon, creamy egg, tangy tomato, and melted cheese. It’s easy to assemble, especially with store-bought puff pastry, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. The recipe is also versatile – you can easily customize the filling with your favorite ingredients.

Health Benefits of Savory Tart:

While this tart is undeniably delicious, it’s important to remember that it’s a rich food. The bacon provides protein, but it is also high in fat and sodium. The eggs are a good source of protein and other nutrients. The tomatoes offer some vitamins and antioxidants. The Greek yogurt adds protein and calcium. Enjoy this tart in moderation as a treat within a balanced diet.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve warm as a brunch dish, light lunch, or appetizer.
• Pair it with a side salad for a complete and balanced meal.
• Cut into smaller portions and serve at a party or gathering.
• Accompany with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Tips:

• Use cold puff pastry for best results.
• Don’t overfill the tart, as this can make it difficult to handle and may cause the filling to spill out during baking.
• Score the border of the puff pastry to create a decorative edge and to help it puff up evenly.
• Let the tart cool slightly before slicing to allow the filling to set.

Variations to Try:

• Vegetarian Options: Omit the bacon and add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, spinach, or roasted peppers.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses such as Gruyere, Swiss, or feta.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a spicy kick.
• Herb Infusion: Add fresh or dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the filling for added flavor.

Conclusion:

This savory puff pastry tart with bacon, egg, and tomato is a delightful and impressive dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make, customizable to your liking, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the combination of flaky crust and savory filling in this satisfying and elegant treat.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Assemble and bake the tart just before serving.

2. Can I freeze the tart? It’s best to eat this tart fresh. Freezing and reheating can affect the texture of the puff pastry.

3. Can I use different types of cheese? Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite melting cheese.

4. Can I use different vegetables? Yes, you can customize the filling with your preferred vegetables.

5. How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy? Make sure you remove excess moisture from the tomatoes and don’t overfill the tart.

6. What if I don’t have puff pastry? You can use other pastry dough, but the texture will be different.

7. How do I know when the tart is cooked through? The crust should be golden brown and the filling should be set.

8. Can I make individual tarts? Yes, you can use smaller tartlet pans or ramekins to make individual tarts.

9. Why is my filling watery? This could be due to not removing enough moisture from the tomatoes. Next time, try squeezing out some of the seeds and juices.

10. How do I reheat leftover tart? Reheat it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warm.