Cherry Tomato, Sweet Corn, and Sharp Cheddar Tart

Savory free-form tart with sweet corn, cherry tomatoes, Dijon, and sharp Cheddar.

Cherry Tomato, Sweet Corn, and Sharp Cheddar Tart

Details

  • Tags: Vegetarian Dinner Side
  • Prep time: 35 minutes
  • Cook time: 45 minutes
  • Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces cherry tomatoes (2 heaping cups), halved
  • 1 ear corn, kernels sheared off the cob (about 1 cup)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus 1/4 teaspoon for the dough
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose or whole-wheat pastry flour, spooned into a measuring cup and leveled
  • 8 tablespoons cold salted butter, cut into little cubes (1/3-inch)
  • 5 to 6 tablespoons icy cold water
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 heaping cup coarsely shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (about 2 1/2 ounces)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped chives
  • 6 basil leaves, roughly chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  2. Put the tomatoes and corn into a large colander. Scatter 1 teaspoon salt over the top and toss everything well. Set in the sink while you make the dough.
  3. Put the flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt into a food processor fitted with a metal blade. Scatter the butter over the flour. Pulse about 30 times until it forms a crumbly mixture. Continue to pulse as you pour in 5 tablespoons water. Pinch up some of the dough. If it does not cling together, add another tablespoon of water and pulse again.
  4. Dump the dough onto a lightly floured piece of parchment that is at least 13x14 inches. Use lightly floured hands to firmly press the dough into a ball, then press it into a disc. Leave to rest for 15 minutes.
  5. Roll the dough into a 13-inch diameter circle. It does not need to be precisely round. Lift the sides of the parchment to transfer the dough to a large baking sheet.
  6. Lay a clean dish towel on the counter and transfer the tomatoes and corn onto the towel. Gently blot the vegetables to absorb excess moisture.
  7. Spread the mustard over the dough, about 2 inches shy of the edge. Top with the cheese followed by the chives. Arrange the tomatoes and corn over the cheese.
  8. Fold up the edges of the dough, working your way around the tart to form 5 or 6 pleats.
  9. Bake until the crust is nicely browned, but before the tomatoes burn, about 45 minutes. Scatter the basil over the tomatoes.

Notes

This savory tart has a few things in its favor. It is free-form, which means you do not need a special tart pan.

Although at its shiny best in the peak of summer, it also works well in colder months with hothouse tomatoes and frozen corn. If you make it off season, cherry tomatoes sold on the vine will give you the best results.

If you do not have a food processor, stir together the flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a large bowl. Scatter the butter over the flour and toss to coat. Pinch the pieces of butter between your thumb and forefingers, toss it back into the flour, and repeat until it looks like little pebbles. Drizzle in the ice water and stir with a fork until it is all one even consistency and the dough holds together when you pinch it between your fingers.

Delivery Tips

Pack It Up

Cool completely before wrapping in aluminum foil for transport. Set it on a baking sheet to get it there in one piece.

Store and Reheat

If more than a few hours before delivery, store in the fridge. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through. Keeps for up to 4 days.

Make Ahead

The dough can be made a day or two ahead, wrapped in plastic, and refrigerated. Take it out at least 30 minutes before rolling.

Print Reheat Instructions

Recipe by

Katie Sullivan Morford

Katie is a food writer and registered dietitian with more than two decades of experience sharing her passion for food and nutrition through writing, teaching, and recipes.

Katie is the author of the Mom's Kitchen Handbook and several other cookbooks which can be found on her website.

Katie Sullivan Morford in a blue shirt preparing food in a kitchen