Savory Tart with Grape and Gouda Cheese
Category: Appetizer
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian
Servings: 3
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 70 minutes
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All Purpose Pie Crust | 1 recipe |
| Gouda cheese (or sharp cheddar) | 1/2 cup, grated |
| Mozzarella cheese | 1 cup, grated |
| Tomato | 2, sliced into rounds |
| Green seedless grapes | 1 cup, halved |
| Black olives | 1/4 cup, thinly sliced |
| Tomato basil pasta sauce | 1/4 cup |
| Mixed Italian herbs (dried) | 1 tablespoon |
| Red chili flakes | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper powder | To taste |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Pie Crust
Begin by preparing the pie crust. If you need a recipe for an easy all-purpose pie crust, click here. After making the dough, wrap it in cling film and refrigerate it while you prepare the filling. -
-
Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 200°C (about 390°F). Lightly grease a 10-inch pie tin or a baking sheet with a small amount of oil, or line it with parchment paper. -
Roll Out the Pie Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled pie dough into a 10-inch by 7-inch rectangle. Once rolled, gently place the dough into the pie tin, trimming any excess dough from the edges. The dough should fit snugly within the tin. -
Prepare the Filling
Using a spoon, evenly spread the tomato basil pasta sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges of the tart (about an inch). Next, arrange the tomato slices neatly over the sauce. -
Add the Toppings
Sprinkle the grated gouda and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the tomato slices. Then, scatter the halved green grapes and sliced black olives on top. -
Fold and Season the Tart
Gently fold the edges of the pie dough towards the center to form a rustic crust, leaving the filling exposed in the center. Drizzle the top of the tart with some extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with mixed Italian herbs, red chili flakes, salt, and black pepper to taste. -
Bake the Tart
Place the prepared tart in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and crisp on the edges and the cheese has melted beautifully. -
Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the tart from the oven and transfer it to a cooling rack. Let it rest for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. -
Enjoy
Serve your savory tart with grape and gouda cheese as a delightful appetizer for a weekend dinner with friends and family. Its savory richness and the unexpected burst of sweetness from the grapes will make it a memorable dish.
Tips for Success:
- Pie Crust: If you’re short on time, consider using a store-bought pie crust for convenience. However, homemade dough brings a lovely flakiness and flavor.
- Cheese Variations: You can switch the gouda for another flavorful cheese, such as aged cheddar or gruyère, for a different twist.
- Herb Variations: Fresh herbs can be substituted for dried if you have them on hand—fresh basil or thyme would complement the ingredients beautifully.
This Savory Tart with Grape and Gouda Cheese is a perfect balance of savory and sweet, offering a sophisticated appetizer that’s sure to impress your guests! Enjoy this easy-to-make dish for any occasion, or simply as a special treat on the weekend.
