If you’re searching for a flavorful, elegant dish that’s surprisingly easy to make, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this Goat Cheese and Roasted Cherry Tomato Tart Recipe. I absolutely love how the tangy goat cheese pairs with sweet, balsamic-roasted cherry tomatoes on flaky puff pastry—it’s an absolute crowd-pleaser and perfect for everything from a casual weeknight dinner to a weekend brunch with friends.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: Roasting cherry tomatoes and layering up the tart takes under an hour, making it perfect for busy days.
Burst of Flavor: The combination of tangy goat cheese and sweet balsamic roasted tomatoes is mouthwateringly delicious.
Versatile Dish: Perfect as a light dinner, impressive appetizer, or stylish brunch centerpiece.
Impressively Beautiful: The vibrant reds and creamy whites make it look like you spent hours in the kitchen.

The image shows a square puff pastry tart sliced into rectangular pieces on a black wire cooling rack over a white marbled surface. The tart has one visible thick golden-brown puff pastry layer at the bottom, topped with a layer of browned cherry tomatoes that have a slightly wrinkled texture. There are also visible slices of dark purple-red onions distributed evenly, along with scattered dollops of white, crumbly cheese. Sprigs of green herbs, likely thyme, are placed on top, adding a fresh touch. A silver spatula lifts one piece of the tart, and beside it is a knife with a wooden handle. The overall colors are warm and inviting with red, white, and green tones contrasting the golden tart base. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this Goat Cheese and Roasted Cherry Tomato Tart Recipe come together in harmony. The juicy cherry tomatoes roast down to a sweet, tangy delight, while creamy goat cheese adds richness. Here’s a quick guide to what you’ll want to grab at the store.

Cherry tomatoes: I always opt for plump, vine-ripened ones—they roast beautifully and taste vibrant.
Olive oil: Use a good quality extra virgin for the best flavor both roasting your tomatoes and drizzling over the tart.
Balsamic vinegar: Adds a wonderful depth and subtle sweetness to the tomatoes—don’t skip this.
Sea salt & cracked black pepper: Freshly cracked pepper really elevates the savory elements here.
Ready-made puff pastry: This saves loads of time and creates that golden, flaky crust we all crave.
Pecorino cheese: Adds a nutty contrast to the goat cheese; finely grate it for even distribution.
Vegetarian red pesto: This little layer bursts with herbs and nuttiness beneath the toppings.
Red onion: Thinly sliced for a sweet, mild bite that complements the tomatoes and cheese.
Goat’s cheese: The star of the show—soft, creamy, and full of tangy character.
Milk: For gently brushing the pastry edges to achieve that beautiful golden finish.
Fresh thyme: Either scattered leaves or whole sprigs add that herby aroma that elevates everything.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the reasons this Goat Cheese and Roasted Cherry Tomato Tart Recipe has stayed a family favorite is how adaptable it is. I love encouraging you to make it your own, whether you’re swapping or adding ingredients to match what you have on hand or your mood.

Add fresh basil or oregano: During warmer months, I throw in fresh herbs straight from my garden, which adds a bright, fresh layer of flavor.
Use spinach or rocket: I sometimes add a handful of fresh greens under the pesto for extra texture and a lovely bitterness.
Switch up the cheese: Feta or ricotta works well if goat cheese isn’t your thing, though I promise you’ll miss that signature tang.
Make it vegan: Try a vegan puff pastry and swap goat cheese for a plant-based alternative, and you’ll have a delightful dairy-free version.

How to Make Goat Cheese and Roasted Cherry Tomato Tart Recipe

Step 1: Roasting the Cherry Tomatoes to Perfection

First things first, preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F). Toss your cherry tomatoes—still on the vine for extra flavor—with balsamic vinegar, half your olive oil, a pinch of sea salt, and cracked black pepper in an oven-safe dish. I like to give them a good shake to coat evenly, then pop them on the top shelf of the oven. Roasting for 15 minutes concentrates their sweetness and infuses them with that irresistible deep balsamic flavor. Set them aside warm while you prep the tart.

Step 2: Preparing the Puff Pastry Base

Roll out your ready-made puff pastry on a parchment-lined baking tray. Here’s a trick I discovered: Using a sharp knife, gently score a border about 2.5cm from the edge—this helps the edges puff up while keeping the center lovely and flat. Don’t forget to prick the center with a fork several times to prevent blistering. It sounds simple, but these little steps really make a difference in texture.

Step 3: Layering Flavors

Spread the red pesto evenly over the unscored middle of the pastry, avoiding the edges. Then, layer thinly sliced red onions on top—this sweet, mild crunch complements the creamy goat cheese that comes later. Sprinkle finely grated pecorino cheese over the pesto, adding a salty, nutty contrast that enhances every bite.

Step 4: Adding the Roasted Tomatoes and Goat Cheese

Using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer your roasted cherry tomatoes to the tart. This way you get all that beautiful roasted juices left behind in the dish, avoiding soggy pastry. Then crumble the goat’s cheese generously over the tart for that creamy tang. Scatter fresh thyme leaves—or a mix of leaves and sprigs like I do—over the whole tart to bring in a lovely herbal note. Finish with a drizzle of the remaining olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

Step 5: Baking to Golden Perfection

Brush the pastry edges with a little milk to help them brown beautifully in the oven. Bake your tart on the top shelf at 200°C (392°F) for about 20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed, golden, and cooked through. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are crisp, and the cheese is slightly golden but still creamy. Serve immediately for the best texture and taste—I promise it’s worth the wait!

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Pro Tips for Making Goat Cheese and Roasted Cherry Tomato Tart Recipe

Use vine-ripened cherry tomatoes: I find they have way more flavor after roasting compared to regular ones.
Don’t skip the scoring: This creates a puffed border that holds your beautiful toppings perfectly.
Slotted spoon for tomatoes: It prevents soggy pastry by straining excess juices before adding them to the tart.
Brush with milk, not egg wash: Milk gives a lovely golden shine without overpowering the delicate flavors.

How to Serve Goat Cheese and Roasted Cherry Tomato Tart Recipe

A rectangular puff pastry tart with thick, golden brown edges forms the base layer, topped with roasted whole cherry tomatoes that have a slightly wrinkled, deep red texture spread evenly across the surface. Scattered between the tomatoes are small, irregular pieces of creamy white goat cheese with light browning on top, mixed with thin slices of caramelized purple onions weaving through the layers. Sprigs of fresh green thyme lay lightly on top, adding a touch of natural color contrast. The tart rests on a black cooling rack placed over a white marbled surface, with a white plate stack and silver forks visible blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to add a few extra fresh thyme leaves after baking for a pop of green and fresh aroma. Sometimes I sprinkle delicate microgreens or a handful of peppery arugula just before serving—it adds a lovely contrast in texture and a fresh bite.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette or a handful of olives and thinly sliced cured meats if I’m aiming for something fancier. A crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon also pairs beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunch gatherings, I’ve served this tart cut into small squares alongside bowls of fresh fruit and ricotta toast. It also looks stunning when presented on a wooden board with edible flowers scattered around for a rustic, colorful vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge. The tart stays good for up to 2 days, but the sooner you eat it, the better the puff pastry retains its crispness.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this tart once or twice by baking it fully, letting it cool, then wrapping it tightly in foil and placing it in a freezer-safe bag. When I want to enjoy it later, I’ll thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven to keep the pastry crisp.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend a low oven (around 160°C/320°F) for 10-15 minutes, uncovered, to revive the flaky texture and warm through the cheese and tomatoes without drying out.

FAQs

Can I make this Goat Cheese and Roasted Cherry Tomato Tart Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the tart completely and then refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Just bring it to room temperature before popping it into the oven to ensure even baking.
What if I can’t find vegetarian red pesto?

If vegetarian red pesto isn’t available, you can substitute with regular red pesto or even a drizzle of sun-dried tomato paste for similar flavor depth. You could also try mixing finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes with olive oil and garlic.
Can I use homemade puff pastry instead of store-bought?

Yes! Homemade puff pastry works beautifully and adds a special touch, though it does require more time and skill. If you have it on hand, feel free to use it for an extra flaky, buttery result.
Is this tart suitable for vegetarians?

Definitely! This tart is packed with vegetarian-friendly ingredients, making it a great option for meatless meals. Just be sure the pesto you choose is vegetarian if that’s important to you.

Final Thoughts

This Goat Cheese and Roasted Cherry Tomato Tart Recipe truly holds a special place in my kitchen. It’s one of those recipes that feels impressive without needing hours or complicated steps—perfect for when you want something a bit fancy but still approachable. I hope you try it soon and find yourself as hooked as my family and I. Trust me, once you discover this perfect balance of flaky pastry, creamy tangy goat cheese, and sweet-roasted tomatoes, it’ll become a go-to in your recipe rotation too.