How to Create a Savory Roasted Red Pepper and Goat Cheese Tart
Do you love dishes that are delicious, elegant, and easy to make? A roasted red pepper and goat cheese tart is the perfect recipe to impress your family, friends, or guests at any gathering. This savory tart combines sweet roasted red peppers, tangy goat cheese, and a flaky crust to create something truly special. The best part? You don’t need to be a professional chef to whip this up! In this blog, I’ll show you how to make this tasty dish step by step using simple ingredients and easy instructions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the following ingredients:
For the Tart Crust:
– 1 1/4 cups (150g) all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup (113g) cold unsalted butter (cut into small cubes)
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 3-4 tablespoons ice-cold water
For the Filling:
– 2 large red peppers (roasted and peeled)
– 5 oz (140g) goat cheese (softened)
– 4 large eggs
– 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
– 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme leaves)
– Salt and pepper (to taste)
– A handful of fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Step 1: Prepare the Tart Crust
The tart crust is the foundation of your dish. If you don’t want to make it from scratch, store-bought crust is a quick option—but homemade dough is so much tastier!
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and butter cubes. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the flour until it resembles breadcrumbs or pea-sized bits.
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Gradually add ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, while stirring with a fork or spoon. Begin to form the dough and knead gently until it comes together into a smooth ball. Make sure not to overwork the dough; this will keep the crust light and flaky.
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Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes.
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After chilling, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a circle large enough to fit your tart pan. Carefully transfer it to your pan, pressing it gently to line the bottom and sides. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges.
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Poke the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent air bubbles, then chill the crust again for 15 minutes before baking.
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Blind bake the crust by placing parchment paper over it and adding pie weights or dry beans. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment. Bake for another 5 minutes or until the crust turns lightly golden. Set aside to cool.
Step 2: Roast Your Red Peppers
Roasting red peppers brings out their natural sweetness, adding depth to the tart.
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Preheat your oven’s broiler or heat it to 450°F (232°C). Place the whole red peppers on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
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Roast the peppers for about 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally, until their skin is charred and blackened on all sides.
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Once roasted, transfer the peppers to a heatproof bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Let them steam for 10 minutes—this will make it easier to peel the skin off.
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Peel off the skin, remove the seeds, and cut the peppers into thin strips or small chunks.
Step 3: Make the Filling
Now comes the creamy, flavorful filling that ties the whole tart together:
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In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and thyme until smooth.
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Crumble the goat cheese into small pieces and gently fold it into the egg mixture.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
It’s time to bring the tart to life!
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Preheat your oven again to 375°F (190°C).
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Pour the egg and goat cheese mixture into the prebaked tart crust, spreading it evenly. Arrange the roasted red pepper pieces on top of the filling. You can create a beautiful pattern or scatter the peppers randomly—it’s up to you!
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Bake the tart for about 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly golden on top. A good way to check is to gently shake the pan—if the center does not jiggle, the tart is ready.
Step 5: Cool, Garnish, and Serve
Once baked, let your tart cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. If you’d like extra flavor and color, sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top as a garnish. Serve the tart warm or at room temperature—it tastes amazing either way!
Tips for Success
- If you’re short on time, use jarred roasted peppers instead of roasting them yourself.
- Don’t overbake the tart; it can cause the filling to become rubbery.
- Pair this tart with a leafy green salad or a light soup for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
Creating a roasted red pepper and goat cheese tart is surprisingly simple, yet the flavors are rich and complex. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just enjoying a quiet meal at home, this recipe is sure to delight. Give it a try, and you’ll see why this savory tart quickly becomes a favorite for anyone who tastes it.
Happy cooking!
