Easy Zucchini Tart Recipe with Cream Cheese and Puff Pastry

Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm slice of Easy Zucchini Tart, where flaky puff pastry meets a symphony of creaminess, aromatic herbs, and vibrant zucchini. The golden crust is not just a visual delight but also an irresistible crunch beckoning you to take another bite.

This dish is like a cozy hug on a plate, perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests at a brunch gathering. With every mouthwatering slice, you reminisce about summer gardens filled with fresh zucchini, making this tart a true celebration of flavors!

Ingredients for Easy Zucchini Tart

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Easy Zucchini Tart:

1 1/4 pounds zucchini – About two medium zucchinis, cut into 1/8-inch-thick rounds; fresh zucchini adds moisture and flavor.
1 1/4 teaspoons Diamond Crystal kosher salt – Essential for seasoning, plus more for tasting; helps in drawing moisture from zucchini.
All-purpose flour – For dusting the work surface; prevents the pastry from sticking while rolling.
2 sheets frozen puff pastry – From a 14-ounce box, thawed but cool; a shortcut to a flaky crust without the fuss.
4 ounces full-fat cream cheese – Softened; provides a rich, creamy base for the tart’s topping.
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard – Adds tang and depth of flavor to the cream cheese layer.
1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves – Fresh herbs elevate the flavor; feel free to substitute with sage or oregano.
1 medium garlic clove – Minced; optional, but highly recommended for an aromatic kick.
4 ounces shredded low-moisture mozzarella – About 1 cup; it melts beautifully and adds cheesiness to the tart.
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil – For tossing the zucchini; enhances flavor and adds richness.
Freshly ground black pepper – To taste; adds warmth and character.
Finely grated zest of 1 lemon – Brightens the dish and adds a lovely, fragrant finish.

How to Make Easy Zucchini Tart

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Easy Zucchini Tart:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Adjust the oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). While the oven warms up, lay a double layer of paper towels or a clean kitchen towel on a rimmed baking sheet.

Step 2: Drain the Zucchini
In a colander set over a bowl, toss the sliced zucchini with salt and let it drain for 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it draws out excess moisture, preventing a soggy tart.

Step 3: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Press the zucchini firmly with a rubber spatula to remove additional moisture. Transfer the zucchini to the prepared baking sheet, spreading it evenly over the towels. Blot with more paper towels to ensure it’s dry. Meanwhile, on a lightly floured surface, stack the two puff pastry sheets and roll them into an 11- by 15-inch rectangle. Transfer this to a baking sheet and poke holes all over with a fork. Cover with parchment paper and place another baking sheet on top. Bake until the pastry is pale and firm to the touch, around 15 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, Dijon mustard, thyme, and minced garlic (if using). Stir until well combined and smooth. Spread this creamy goodness evenly over the tart, leaving about a 1/2-inch border on the edges. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella on top.

Step 5: Arrange the Zucchini
Drizzle olive oil over the drained zucchini and toss to coat. Now it’s time to shingle the zucchini slices in beautiful rows over the mozzarella. Season with freshly ground black pepper.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the tart until the zucchini is tender and the puff pastry edges are deep golden brown, about 20 minutes. Once out of the oven, garnish with fresh thyme leaves and a sprinkle of lemon zest. Add salt to taste and cut into portions. Serve immediately for the ultimate tasting experience.

There you have it, an Easy Zucchini Tart that not only fills your tummy but paints your table with vibrant colors and joyous flavors. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself, this dish is sure to become a new favorite. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of zucchini heaven!

Perfecting Easy Zucchini Tart Cooking Process

To achieve the best results when making your Easy Zucchini Tart, start by salting the zucchini to remove excess moisture while prepping the puff pastry. Once the pastry is baked partially, mix your cream cheese filling and layer everything efficiently for a flawless finish.

Add Your Touch to Easy Zucchini Tart

Feel free to swap in different cheeses like feta or goat cheese for a zingy twist. You can also add sautéed onions or bell peppers for an extra flavor kick. Don’t forget a touch of red pepper flakes if you like it spicy!

Storing & Reheating Easy Zucchini Tart

To keep your Easy Zucchini Tart fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to enjoy, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for the best texture.

Consider using a mandoline to slice your zucchini thinly and evenly for perfect cooking. Make sure to thoroughly dry your zucchini after salting to avoid a soggy tart. For extra crunch, add a sprinkle of breadcrumbs over the cheese layer before adding the zucchini.

Making the Easy Zucchini Tart is always a hit in our house. I remember my friend declaring it the best thing I had ever made, which might have been an exaggeration, but hey, I’ll take the compliment!

FAQs About Easy Zucchini Tart

What is Easy Zucchini Tart?

An Easy Zucchini Tart is a delicious and visually appealing dish that combines thinly sliced zucchini with a creamy filling, all nestled in flaky puff pastry. This versatile tart stands out as a perfect appetizer or a light meal, delivering both flavor and texture in each bite. Prepping the zucchini with salt to remove excess moisture ensures that the pastry remains crisp, while the cream cheese adds a delightful richness. This recipe is perfect for summer gatherings or a cozy evening at home.

How do I store Easy Zucchini Tart?

To keep your Easy Zucchini Tart fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This way, you can enjoy the delightful flavors even after the initial bake. When you’re ready to reheat, simply place the tart in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through. This method keeps the pastry’s crisp texture intact, ensuring you savor the tart just as it was meant to be enjoyed.

Can I customize the Easy Zucchini Tart?

Absolutely! One of the great things about the Easy Zucchini Tart is its adaptability. You can easily swap out the cream cheese for alternatives like ricotta or goat cheese to switch things up. Throw in some sautéed onions, bell peppers, or even a sprinkle of feta for a tangy twist. The addition of herbs, like basil or oregano, can enhance the flavors even further—feel free to let your creativity shine!

What are some serving suggestions for Easy Zucchini Tart?

The Easy Zucchini Tart is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. For a light lunch, pair it with a fresh green salad. It also makes for a fantastic appetizer at parties and gatherings. To elevate presentation, consider garnishing with fresh herbs or a drizzle of balsamic reduction. This tart pairs well with white wine or a refreshing iced tea, making it a delightful addition to any meal or event.

Conclusion for Easy Zucchini Tart

In conclusion, the Easy Zucchini Tart offers a wonderful blend of flavors, textures, and visual appeal that make it a must-try recipe. From its crispy pastry base to the creamy filling and savory zucchini, every bite is a delight. Remember to customize it to fit your taste, and enjoy the ease of preparation that this dish provides. With its adaptability and deliciousness, the Easy Zucchini Tart will surely become a favorite in your cooking repertoire.

Easy Zucchini Tart

This Easy Zucchini Tart combines cream cheese and puff pastry for a delightful dish perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Additional Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins

Servings: 8 portions

Course: Lunch Recipes

Cuisine: American

Calories: 1703

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

Vegetables

• 1 1/4 pounds zucchini cut into 1/8-inch-thick rounds
• 1 1/4 teaspoons Diamond Crystal kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

Dairy

• 4 ounces full-fat cream cheese softened
• 4 ounces shredded low-moisture mozzarella

Puff Pastry

• 2 sheets frozen puff pastry from one 14-ounce box, thawed

Seasonings and Additions

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves plus additional for garnish
• 1 medium garlic clove minced (optional)
• 1 lemon zest finely grated
• freshly ground black pepper to taste
• All-purpose flour for dusting

Equipment

• oven
• Baking sheet
• Colander
• Rubber spatula
• parchment paper
• mixing bowl

Method

 

Preparation

1. Adjust oven rack to middle position and preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with a double layer of paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.
2. In a colander set over a large bowl, toss the zucchini with salt and let drain for 30 minutes.
3. Press zucchini firmly with a rubber spatula to squeeze out moisture. Transfer zucchini to prepared baking sheet and spread evenly over towels; discard accumulated liquid and wipe out bowl. Blot zucchini with additional paper towels to remove excess moisture and set aside.
4. On a lightly floured surface, place one sheet of puff pastry directly on top of the other. Roll pastry into an 11- by 15-inch rectangle. Transfer pastry to prepared baking sheet and poke all over with a fork.
5. Cover with parchment and place another rimmed baking sheet on top. Bake until pastry is pale and firm to the touch, about 15 minutes. Remove top baking sheet and parchment. Increase oven temperature to 445°F (230°C).

Assembly and Baking

1. In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, Dijon mustard, thyme, and garlic (if using) and stir until well combined. Spread cream cheese mixture in an even layer over puff pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border on all sides. Sprinkle evenly with mozzarella.
2. Add olive oil to bowl with reserved zucchini and toss to coat. Shingle zucchini in even rows over the mozzarella and season with freshly ground black pepper.
3. Bake tart until zucchini is tender and puff pastry is crisp and deeply browned at the edges, about 20 minutes.
4. Garnish tart with thyme leaves and lemon zest. Season with salt to taste. Cut into portions and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1portionCalories: 1703kcalCarbohydrates: 54gFat: 103g

Notes

Feel free to customize the ingredients based on your preferences, and enjoy the delicious flavors of this Easy Zucchini Tart.

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