Best 5 Pesto Cheese Tarts Recipes

CHEESE, TOMATO & PESTO TART

Steps:

• Heat oven to 200c/fan 180c/gas 6. Unroll the pastry onto a flat baking sheet and, using a sharp knife, score a rectangle two finger-widths from the edge. Fork the pastry all over the inside of the marked edge. Scatter the cheese, olives and tomatoes over the centre of the tart, then season to taste.
• Bake for 20-25 mins until pastry is crisp and risen, tomatoes are soft and the cheese is golden. Drizzle over the pesto and cut the tart into slices to serve. Great with a green salad.

20 MINUTE CHEESY PESTO TARTS

Steps:

• Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the walnuts and garlic.
• Toast for a few minutes or until golden brown, shaking the pan occasionally to toss the nuts and promote even color.
• Once the nuts are done, remove them from the pan and continue to toast the garlic.
• Remove it from the pan and remove the skin.
• Wait until both are cooled.
• Place the basil, nuts, garlic, and olive oil in a blender and pulse until smooth, but still a tad grainy in texture.
• Place everything in a bowl and stir in the cheese.
• Salt to taste and set aside.
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
• Sprinkle a little flour on the counter and roll out the puff pastry sheets.
• Using a biscuit cutter or large glass, cut the dough into circles.
• Using a fork, poke holes all over the dough and gently press into a mini muffin tin.
• Place in the oven for about 10 minutes, remove from the oven and using a small spoon or tart press, push the sides back out, making a well in each center. I often use my fingers and burn myself, but do it anyway. :)
• Fill each cup with 1 teaspoon or so of prepared pesto.
• Add a tomato to each cup, a sprinkle of cheese and place in the oven for 5 minutes or until golden and cheesy.
• Remove from the oven and add a pinch of black pepper.
• Serve immediately or at room temperature.

MOZZARELLA AND PESTO CRESCENT MINI TARTS

Steps:

• Heat oven to 375°F. Spray 24 miniature muffin cups with cooking spray. Unroll crescent dough sheet into 12x8-inch rectangle. Cut into 6 rows by 4 rows to make 24 squares.
• Gently press dough squares into muffin cups (dough will not completely cover inside of cup; do not press too much). In small bowl, mix melted butter and garlic powder. Brush mixture lightly onto insides of crescent dough. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
• Fill each baked crescent cup with generous 1/2 teaspoon pesto, cheese ball half and tomato quarter. Bake 2 to 4 minutes or until cheese is softened. Remove from pan. Top with basil before serving. Serve warm.

HEIRLOOM TOMATO TART

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350 degrees. Fit the rolled-out dough into a 9-inch tart pan, allowing the edges to rise about 1/4 inch above the rim of the pan. Prick the dough all over with a fork.
• Line the dough with aluminum foil and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes until beginning to brown at the edges. Remove from the oven and carefully remove the foil and weights. Increase the oven temperature to 375 degrees.
• Meanwhile, cut the tomatoes into 1/2-inch slices. Place in a colander to drain excess tomato liquid for 20 minutes.
• Spread 1/4 cup pesto in an even layer over the parbaked tart crust. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the pesto. Sprinkle the fresh basil and oregano over the cheese.
• In a medium bowl, prepare the custard: Whisk together the eggs, cream, salt and pepper until combined.
• Place the sliced tomatoes evenly over the cheese and herbs in overlapping concentric circles.
• Pour the custard evenly over the tomato slices. Swirl the pan to evenly distribute the liquid. Bake until the filling is set and won't jiggle when shaken, about 35 minutes.
• Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving warm. This tart can also be served at room temperature.

TOMATO AND GOAT CHEESE TARTS

Steps:

• Unfold a sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and roll it lightly to an 11 by 11-inch square. Using a 6-inch wide saucer or other round object as a guide, cut 2 circles from the sheet of puff pastry, discarding the scraps. Repeat with the second pastry sheet to make 4 circles in all. Place the pastry circles on 2 sheet pans lined with parchment paper and refrigerate until ready to use.
• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
• Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium to low heat and add the onions and garlic. Saute for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions are limp and there is almost no moisture remaining in the skillet. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, the wine, and thyme and continue to cook for another 10 minutes, until the onions are lightly browned. Remove from the heat.
• Using a sharp paring knife, score a 1/4-inch-wide border around each pastry circle. Prick the pastry inside the score lines with the tines of a fork and sprinkle a tablespoon of grated Parmesan on each round, staying inside the scored border.
• Place 1/4 of the onion mixture on each circle, again staying within the scored edge. Crumble 1 ounce of goat cheese on top of the onions. Place a slice of tomato in the center of each tart. Brush the tomato lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with basil, salt, and pepper. Finally, scatter 4 or 5 shards of Parmesan on each tart.
• Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the pastry is golden brown. The bottom sheet pan may need an extra few minutes in the oven. Serve hot or warm.