Zucchini and Bacon Puff Pastry Tart

This Zucchini and Bacon Puff Pastry Tart is a show-stopping savory pastry that brings together flaky, buttery layers of puff pastry with a creamy herb-infused cheese base, tender zucchini ribbons, and crisp, savory bacon. Enhanced by garlic, dried basil, and a golden egg-wash finish, it bakes to a beautiful golden brown in under 30 minutes. A drizzle of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley add brightness and creaminess, making this tart ideal for brunches, light dinners, or as an elegant appetizer at your next gathering.

Cooking Time

Preparation: 20 minutes
Assembly: 10 minutes
Baking: 25 minutes
Total: 55 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 sheet (about 250 g) puff pastry, thawed

• 1 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted, plus extra for greasing

• 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour (for dusting)

• 100 g (3.5 oz) cream cheese, softened

• 1 tsp dried basil

• 1 medium zucchini (about 200 g), thinly sliced into rounds or ribbons

• Pinch of salt, for seasoning zucchini

• 4 rashers (about 100 g) bacon, diced

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 1 large egg yolk, beaten with 1 tsp water (egg wash)

• 2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 Tbsp sour cream

• 2 Tbsp heavy cream or crème fraîche

• 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

• 1 garlic clove, minced

Step-by-Step Cooking Directions

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 180 °C (350 °F). Lightly butter a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. Dust your work surface with flour.

2. Roll Out Pastry: On the floured surface, gently roll the puff pastry to a 30 × 20 cm rectangle, about 3–4 mm thick. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.

3. Prepare the Base: In a small bowl, stir together the cream cheese, dried basil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth. Spread evenly over the pastry, leaving a 1.5 cm border all around.

4. Season Zucchini: Toss the zucchini slices with a pinch of salt and let them sit for 5 minutes; pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

5. Fry the Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crisp. Drain on paper towels, then scatter evenly over the cream cheese layer.

6. Arrange the Zucchini: Lay the zucchini slices in overlapping rows atop the bacon, covering the surface.

7. Add Cheese and Egg Wash: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the zucchini. Brush the exposed pastry border with the egg wash for a golden finish.

8. Bake: Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake 25 minutes, until the pastry is puffed and golden and the topping is lightly browned.

9. Finish with Cream and Herbs: While the tart bakes, whisk together sour cream and heavy cream. When the tart comes out of the oven, drizzle this mixture over the zucchini. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving (⅛ tart)

• Calories: 290 kcal

• Protein: 8 g

• Carbohydrates: 18 g

• Fat: 21 g

• Saturated Fat: 10 g

• Fiber: 1 g

• Sugar: 1 g

• Sodium: 480 mg

The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe

Puff pastry tarts have French roots in the tarte fine tradition—thin, crisp pastry topped with savory or sweet ingredients. Incorporating vegetables and cheese harkens to Italian schiacciata and Spanish coca, while the no-yeast, skillet-baked approach reflects Eastern European potato and cheese breads. Modern home cooks have embraced these flaky, customizable tarts for their impressive presentation and effortless preparation, making them ubiquitous on brunch menus and entertaining spreads worldwide.

Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe

• Effortless Elegance: Simple assembly transforms basic ingredients into a gourmet centerpiece.

• Textural Delight: Flaky pastry, creamy cheese, tender zucchini, and crisp bacon in every bite.

• Quick Bake Time: Under one hour from start to finish.

• Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect warm or at room temperature—ideal for buffets or picnic fare.

• Customizable: Easily swap toppings—mushrooms, ham, or roasted peppers work beautifully.

Health Benefits

• Zucchini is low in calories, high in fiber, and rich in vitamins A and C.

• Garlic and parsley offer antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.

• Bacon and cheese provide protein and flavor—use leaner cuts or reduced-fat cheese for lighter versions.
  Enjoying this tart alongside a green salad balances indulgence with nutrients.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a crisp arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette.

• Pair with a chilled glass of dry Rosé or a light, citrusy white wine.

• Offer alongside a bowl of chilled tomato soup for contrasting temperatures.

• Garnish with additional fresh herbs—chives, thyme, or oregano enhance aroma.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Wet Zucchini: Pat slices thoroughly dry—excess moisture can make pastry soggy.

• Skipping Egg Wash: Brushing the border ensures a golden, crisp edge.

• Overcrowding Toppings: Keep toppings in a single layer for even baking.

• Oven Temperature Fluctuations: Use an oven thermometer to maintain 180 °C for best puff and color.

Pairing Recommendations

• Wine: Sauvignon Blanc, Vermentino, or dry Rosé for acidity to cut richness.

• Beer: Belgian Witbier or crisp Pilsner refreshes the palate.

• Non-Alcoholic: Sparkling water with cucumber slices or iced herbal tea.

Cooking Tips

• Chill Pastry: Keep puff pastry cold until just before rolling to preserve flakiness.

• Even Top Layer: Overlap zucchini slices for full coverage; avoid gaps where the cheese layer shows through.

• Toasting Almonds: (If you wish to add a nutty crunch) sprinkle toasted almonds over the tart during the last 5 minutes of baking.

• Make-Ahead: Assemble the tart on the baking sheet, cover, and refrigerate up to 2 hours before baking.

Similar Recipes to Try

• Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tart: Sweet onions and tangy goat cheese on puff pastry.

• Mushroom and Gruyère Tart: Earthy mushrooms with melted Gruyère and thyme.

• Tomato and Olive Pissaladière: French savory tart with tomatoes, olives, and anchovies.

• Spinach and Feta Spanakopita Tart: Greek-inspired spinach, feta, and dill in pastry.

Variations to Try

• Vegetarian: Omit bacon; enhance with roasted cherry tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms.

• Spicy: Add thin slices of chili or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes over the cheese.

• Herbed: Incorporate fresh thyme or rosemary into the cream cheese base.

• Breakfast Tart: Top with cooked, crumbled sausage and poached eggs just before serving.

Ingredient Spotlight: Puff Pastry

Puff pastry is a laminated dough made by layering dough and butter through repeated folds, creating hundreds of flaky layers when baked. Its versatility—from sweet tarts to savory galettes—makes it a staple for effortless, elegant baking. Store-bought versions save time, while homemade dough offers superior butter flavor for ambitious bakers.

Conclusion

This Zucchini and Bacon Puff Pastry Tart combines the rustic charm of garden-fresh vegetables with the indulgent richness of cheese and bacon, all encased in a perfectly flaky pastry. Quick to assemble and endlessly adaptable, it’s a recipe that suits any occasion—from casual family dinners to sophisticated brunch spreads. Embrace its simplicity, customize to your taste, and enjoy the irresistible combination of textures and flavors in every golden slice.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this tart ahead of time?
Yes—assemble on the baking sheet, cover loosely with plastic, and refrigerate up to 2 hours before baking.

2. How do I prevent the pastry from becoming soggy?
Pat zucchini dry, brush borders with egg wash, and bake on a preheated sheet tray to promote even heat.

3. Can I use another cheese?
Gruyère, fontina, or even crumbled feta add wonderful flavor—choose a cheese that melts well.

4. What if I don’t have cream cheese?
Substitute ricotta mixed with a little olive oil and garlic for a lighter base.

5. How do I store leftovers?
Cover and refrigerate up to 2 days; reheat in a 180 °C oven for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness.

6. Can I freeze this tart?
Bake and cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze up to 1 month. Thaw in refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven.

7. Is there a vegan version?
Use vegan puff pastry, plant-based cream cheese, and omit bacon or replace with smoked tofu.

8. Why didn’t my pastry puff evenly?
Ensure pastry is well-chilled, avoid overcrowding the oven, and bake in the center rack for consistent heat.

9. Can I add other vegetables?
Yes—thinly sliced eggplant, bell peppers, or thin zucchini slices may be layered for additional color and flavor.

10. How can I make the tart spicier?
Sprinkle chili flakes over the top before baking or brush the tart with a harissa-infused oil.