Let’s pretend we are neighbors for a second. Wouldn’t that be awesome? We’d have coffee together in the mornings with an occasional cinnamon roll or maybe a slice of coffee cake. I’d call you up last minute to see if you wanna hop in the car for a late night Target run and you’d totally be down. In fact, you suggest we hit up IKEA on the way there. Good call! Sometimes I’d borrow a few eggs or a cup of sugar and I’d always repay you with delicious treats.

One day you’d drop off a box of tomatoes from your garden and within hours I’d show up at your door with this Three Cheese & Herb Tomato Tart. You’d invite me in, offer me a slice (even though I already ate two before I arrived at your door) and we’d sit on your back porch eating together. We’d talk about what was going on in the neighborhood (why does that dog ALWAYS bark?!). I’d pull up some hilarious videos on You Tube from my phone and then you’d show me a sewing project you’re working on. Eventually we’d have some fancy boozy beverage and no doubt we’d drink too much. I love how we never have to worry about driving home!

When I ask you what you liked about this tart, you’d say “Duh! There’s puff pastry involved!” Then you’d marvel at how perfect your homegrown tomatoes taste paired with a blend of three different cheeses, garlic and herbs. I’m so glad we’re neighbors, aren’t you? Now can I please borrow your hedge trimmers? My front yard is getting unruly.

And we’re off!

Tomato slicing time!

Lay the tomatoes out on paper towels to drain them. Takes about 30 mins. This helps prevent a soggy tart.

Let your puff pastry thaw, and get out some cheese! I used aged white cheddar, Pecorino & Parmesan here.

Grate that cheese!

Pull out your herbs. Take the thyme & oregano off the stems. CHOP.

Melt butter, mince garlic…

Add the herbs & garlic into the butter. Garlic herb butter!

Pull out your puff pastry. Spread the garlic herb butter on top.

Top with cheeses.

Top with salt & pepper. Now it’s tomato time!

Sprinkle Parmesan on top. Off to the oven it goes!

Well hello there.

So nice of you to join us!

Three Cheese & Herb Tomato Tart

Makes about 6 servings

(recipe adapted from thekitchn.com)

• 2-3 ripe tomatoes, cut into 1/8-inch slices
• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry
• 1 tablespoon salted butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons Italian parsley, chopped
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh oregano, chopped
• 1/3 cup shredded aged white cheddar
• 1/4 cup shredded Pecorino
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• kosher salt & freshly ground pepper

Preheat oven to 400°.

Slice tomatoes into 1/8 inch slices and place on a few paper towels to drain. Cover tomatoes with another paper towel and let sit for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, remove the sheet of puff pastry from the freezer and let sit on the counter to thaw at room temperature.

Unfold the puff pastry onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, pinching to close any holes in the seams. Using a fork, prick the dough all over to prevent it from puffing up during baking.

In a small bowl, mix melted butter with garlic, parsley, thyme and oregano. Evenly spread herb butter over the puff pastry and sprinkle the shredded cheeses on top, reserving a bit of Parmesan for the end. Arrange the tomato slices over the cheese. Season generously with kosher salt and pepper. Top with reserved Parmesan cheese.

Bake for 30 minutes, until the pastry is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Remove the pastry from the baking sheet and let cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Cut into 6 squares and serve immediately.

Shutterbean Notes

-this tart is pretty versatile. Basil would be a great addition or substitute if you don’t have parsley, thyme or oregano.

-the original recipe from thekitchn.com had mayo on it. You know how I feel about mayo…but if you like mayo, maybe you should try it?

-red pepper flakes would be most welcome too!