Hey there! Let me tell you about a snack that’s fun to make and super yummy Mediterranean Tarts! These upside-down tarts are made with fresh tomatoes, puff pastry, and simple ingredients you might already have at home. I love making these when I need a last-minute appetizer or just a quick bite full of Mediterranean flavor.
What makes them cool? You build them upside-down on the tray! After baking, you flip them over and ta-da! you’ve got a golden, crispy tart with juicy tomato on top. They’re easy, flavorful, and totally snackable. Let’s get baking!
Method
Get the Tray Ready
First, line a large, flat baking tray with baking paper. This step is important because it helps the tarts bake evenly and keeps them from sticking. Make sure the paper is pressed flat against the tray no bumps or folds so your tarts don’t slide or cook unevenly.
Cut Your Pastry
Take one sheet of puff pastry and cut it into 6 even squares using a sharp knife. You can use a ruler or just eyeball it either way, try to make them the same size so they all bake at the same speed. Set the squares aside while you prepare the base.
Build the Base
Now it’s time to start building your tarts upside down! Right on the baking paper, sprinkle a pinch of dried oregano for each tart spot. Then, drizzle about a teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil and a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar on top of the oregano. Next, gently place a fresh tomato slice right in the middle of each seasoned spot. This will become the juicy top of your tart once you flip it after baking!
Add the Pastry
Carefully place one square of puff pastry over each tomato slice. Press the edges down just a little so they don’t puff up too much or slide off. Try not to press too hard you still want the puff pastry to rise and get nice and flaky in the oven.
Brush with Egg (Optional)
If you’d like your tarts to have a golden and shiny top, you can brush the puff pastry squares with a little beaten egg yolk or egg mix. This step is optional but makes the pastry look even more delicious after baking.
Bake the Tarts
Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Once it’s ready, place the tray in the middle rack of the oven and bake for 13 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’ll know they’re ready when the pastry turns golden brown and looks puffed and crispy.
Cool and Flip
Once the tarts are done baking, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes this helps the bottom firm up, which makes flipping easier. Use a flat spatula to gently slide under each tart, scoop it up carefully, and flip it over onto a plate. Now your tomato is on top, and your tart looks and tastes amazing!
Necessary Tools
- Large flat baking tray
- Baking paper
- Knife and cutting board
- Spoon or brush (for oil and egg wash)
- Flat spatula (for flipping)
🍅 Mediterranean Tarts – A Tasty Upside-Down Treat!
Cuisine: Italy, France, GreeceDifficulty: Easy6
servings10
minutes15
minutes25
minutesIngredients
1 puff pastry sheet (cut into 6 squares)
6 tomato slices (1 slice per tart)
1 tsp extra virgin olive oil (divided)
1 tsp balsamic vinegar (divided)
½ tsp dried oregano (divided)
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1 egg yolk or ½ egg mix (to brush pastry for a glossy top)
Optional toppings: pesto, toasted pine nuts, shaved Parmesan
Directions
- Get the tray ready. Add baking paper to a big baking sheet. Make sure it lays flat!
- Cut your pastry. Slice the puff pastry sheet into 6 even squares.
- Build the base. On the baking paper, sprinkle a little oregano. Then drizzle a bit of oil and balsamic vinegar. Add a slice of tomato right on top.
- Add pastry. Gently place one puff pastry square over the tomato slice. Do this for all six tarts.
- Brush with egg (optional). If you want a shiny top, brush the pastry with egg yolk or egg mix.
- Bake. Place the tray in a preheated oven at 200°C (390°F) for 13–15 minutes.
- Cool and flip. Let the tarts cool a bit so the bottom firms up. Then use a flat spatula to gently flip each one over.
Notes
- Make sure your baking tray is very flat, or the oil and vinegar might run around.
- Don’t skip cooling time if you flip too soon, the tomato might slide off!
- Be gentle with the spatula when flipping so the tart doesn’t break.
Serving Suggestions
- Add a drizzle of pesto or balsamic glaze on top.
- Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or some shaved Parmesan cheese.
- Serve with a side salad for a light lunch or a fun snack at a party.
- They’re best when warm, but still tasty cold or reheated in the air fryer or oven.
Fun Fact
Did you know the Mediterranean diet is known as one of the healthiest in the world? It includes lots of veggies, olive oil, and simple flavors just like this tart!
Conclusion
These Mediterranean tarts are simple, quick, and packed with flavor. I love how easy they are to make, and they always look so fancy when flipped! Whether you eat them warm or cold, they’re sure to be a hit at home or at any gathering. Give them a try you might just fall in love with upside-down baking!
