Zucchini and Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Tart

Hey, foodie fam! Today’s recipe is a total game-changer: my Zucchini and Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Tart! It’s simple, it’s delicious, and it’s gonna make you look like a kitchen superstar-trust me! Just imagine a buttery, flaky pastry crust, slathered with creamy cheese and topped with fresh zucchinis straight from the garden. Sound good? Well, it tastes even better! So, grab your apron and let’s dive into some tasty goodness!

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What you’ll need…

Key ingredients: All-butter frozen puff pastry, cream cheese, grated parmesan cheese, fresh chives, fresh dill, fresh basil, zucchini, egg milk, salt and pepper.

PS. Refer recipe card below for exact measurements.

Zucchini: Let’s start with the star of the show – the humble zucchini! 🥒 Don’t let its unassuming appearance fool you; this veggie packs a punch when it comes to flavor and nutrition. Fresh, crisp, and bursting with vitamins, zucchinis bring a delightful freshness to our tart. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile, making them a staple in many kitchens. Whether sliced thinly for a delicate topping or grated into the creamy cheese filling, zucchinis add a pop of color and a hint of sweetness that perfectly balances out the savory elements of our tart.

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Cream Cheese: Ah, cream cheese – is there anything it can’t do? 🧀 Creamy, tangy, and oh-so-indulgent, this versatile spread is the secret weapon in our tart recipe. With its rich texture and subtle flavor, cream cheese provides the perfect base for our filling, adding a luxurious creaminess that’s simply irresistible. Plus, it pairs beautifully with the fresh herbs and zucchinis, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that dance across your taste buds with every bite. So go ahead, spread it on thick – after all, life’s too short for skimpy cheese layers!

Puff Pastry: Now, let’s talk about the unsung hero of our tart – the all-butter puff pastry! 🥐 Light, airy, and impossibly flaky, this golden crust is the stuff dreams are made of. With its delicate layers and buttery goodness, puff pastry provides the perfect foundation for our savory creation. Simply roll it out, top it with our creamy cheese mixture and thinly sliced zucchinis, and watch as it transforms into a masterpiece of flavor and texture in the oven.

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What you’ll need to do…

PS. Refer the recipe card below for in process images for further reference.

1. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Lightly dust your work surface with flour and roll out the thawed puff pastry until it forms a rectangle roughly 10 by 14 inches in size. Carefully transfer the rolled pastry onto the prepared baking sheet.
3. Using a knife, create a border about half an inch from the edge of the pastry, and then prick holes all over the inside of this border using a fork. This helps the pastry bake evenly.
4. Pop the prepared puff pastry into the preheated oven and bake for around 15 minutes or until it turns a light golden brown and feels firm to the touch. Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes.
5. While the pastry is cooling, prepare the creamy cheese mixture. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cream cheese, 2 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese, chopped chives, dill, and 2 tablespoons of chopped basil. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste, then mix everything together until well combined.
6. Now, it’s time to prepare the zucchini. Using either a mandoline or a vegetable peeler, thinly slice the zucchini into delicate strips.
7. Once the pastry has cooled slightly, spread the creamy cheese mixture evenly inside the border of the pastry. Arrange the sliced zucchini on top of the cheese mixture, then sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese over the zucchini slices.
8. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk until frothy. Use a pastry brush to apply this egg wash all over the border of the puff pastry tart.
9. Return the tart to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the edges of the pastry turn a deep golden brown and the zucchini slices are tender.
10. Once baked to perfection, sprinkle the remaining chopped basil over the top of the tart. Allow it to cool slightly before slicing it into serving portions and enjoying every delicious bite!

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Some substitution suggestions

Here are some substitution and improvisation ideas for the recipe:

1. Pastry Base: Instead of using puff pastry, you can try using store-bought or homemade pie crust for a different texture.
2. Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese such as goat cheese, feta, or mozzarella for a distinct flavor profile.
3. Herbs: Don’t be afraid to switch up the herbs based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Try using parsley, cilantro, or thyme instead of dill or basil.
4. Vegetables: While zucchini works wonderfully in this recipe, you can also try other thinly sliced vegetables such as tomatoes, eggplant, or bell peppers for variety and color.
5. Protein: Add some cooked and crumbled bacon, diced ham, or shredded chicken to the cheese mixture for added protein and flavor.
6. Spices: Experiment with different spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika to give the tart an extra kick of flavor.
7. Nuts: Sprinkle some chopped nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or pine nuts on top of the tart before baking for added crunch and texture.
8. Sauce: Drizzle some balsamic glaze or pesto over the finished tart before serving for an extra burst of flavor.
9. Vegan/Vegetarian: To make this recipe vegan, substitute the cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative and use a plant-based milk for the egg wash. You can also omit the egg wash altogether or use a vegan egg wash substitute.
10. Gluten-Free: If you’re gluten-sensitive or following a gluten-free diet, look for gluten-free puff pastry or use a gluten-free pie crust as a substitute.

Feel free to get creative and tailor the recipe to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs!

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Some useful tips…

Here are some useful tips to ensure success with your Zucchini and Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Tart:

1. Thaw Puff Pastry Properly: Thaw the puff pastry according to package instructions, preferably in the refrigerator overnight, to ensure it rolls out easily without becoming too soft or sticky.
2. Keep Work Surface Floured: When rolling out the puff pastry, keep your work surface lightly floured to prevent sticking. This ensures the pastry remains easy to handle.
3. Use Even Thickness: Roll the puff pastry into a rectangle with even thickness to ensure uniform baking. This helps prevent any parts from becoming undercooked or overly browned.
4. Score the Border: Scoring a border around the pastry with a knife creates a neat edge and helps the border puff up nicely during baking, giving your tart an attractive presentation.
5. Prick Holes Inside Border: Pricking holes inside the border with a fork prevents the pastry from puffing up too much in the center, ensuring an even bake and providing a flat surface for the toppings.
6. Thinly Slice Zucchini: Use a mandoline or a sharp knife to thinly slice the zucchini. This ensures the zucchini cooks evenly and blends seamlessly with the other flavors.
7. Season Cream Cheese Mixture Well: Season the cream cheese mixture generously with salt and pepper to enhance its flavor. Taste and adjust the seasoning according to your preference before spreading it on the pastry.
8. Apply Egg Wash Carefully: Brush the egg wash onto the border of the pastry tart gently and evenly. This helps achieve a golden-brown crust with a beautiful shine.
9. Layer Ingredients Evenly: Distribute the cream cheese mixture and zucchini slices evenly over the puff pastry to ensure each bite is packed with flavor and texture.
10. Allow to Cool Before Serving: Let the tart cool for a few minutes after baking before slicing and serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and prevents the filling from being too runny.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious and visually stunning Zucchini and Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Tart every time!

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Some serving suggestions…

Here are some serving suggestions to complement your Zucchini and Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Tart:

1. Side Salad: Serve the tart alongside a fresh green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette. The crispness of the salad will contrast beautifully with the creamy tart.
2. Soup: Pair the tart with a warm bowl of soup, such as tomato basil soup or roasted vegetable soup. The combination of textures and flavors will make for a satisfying meal.
3. Antipasto Platter: Create an antipasto platter with an assortment of cured meats, olives, roasted vegetables, and crusty bread. The tart can be sliced and served as part of this flavorful spread.
4. Brunch Spread: Include the tart as part of a brunch spread alongside dishes like quiche, fruit salad, and breakfast potatoes. It’s perfect for both casual gatherings and special occasions.
5. Tapas Party: Cut the tart into bite-sized pieces and serve it as part of a tapas-style spread with other small plates like Spanish tortilla, stuffed mushrooms, and marinated olives.
6. Afternoon Tea: Serve the tart as part of an elegant afternoon tea spread with a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and assorted pastries.
7. Picnic Fare: Pack the tart for a picnic along with some crusty bread, cheese, grapes, and chilled beverages. It’s a portable and crowd-pleasing option for outdoor dining.
8. Mezze Platter: Include the tart as part of a Mediterranean-inspired mezze platter with hummus, tzatziki, falafel, stuffed grape leaves, and pita bread. The flavors will complement each other beautifully.
9. Wine Pairing: Serve the tart with a glass of crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. The acidity of the wine will balance the richness of the tart.
10. Dessert Buffet: Offer the tart as part of a dessert buffet alongside sweet treats like fruit tarts, mini cupcakes, and chocolate-dipped strawberries. It’s a delightful way to end any meal on a sweet note.

Feel free to mix and match these serving suggestions to suit your taste and occasion. The versatility of the tart makes it a fantastic addition to any meal or gathering!

Storage suggestions…

Here are some storage suggestions to help you preserve your Zucchini and Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Tart:

1. Refrigeration: If you have any leftovers, store the tart in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
2. Freezing: If you want to freeze the tart for longer storage, wrap individual slices or the whole tart tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
3. Reheating: To reheat the refrigerated tart, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tart on a baking sheet and warm it in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This will help crisp up the pastry and revive the flavors.
4. Thawing Frozen Tart: When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen tart, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Once thawed, reheat it following the same instructions as for refrigerated leftovers.
5. Individual Portions: If you prefer, you can portion the tart before storing it to make reheating easier. Simply cut it into slices or squares before refrigerating or freezing.
6. Quality Check: Before reheating or serving any leftover or frozen portions, give the tart a quick visual and smell check to ensure it hasn’t developed any signs of spoilage.

By following these storage suggestions, you can enjoy your Zucchini and Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Tart for several days or even weeks after it’s been baked, ensuring that none of its deliciousness goes to waste!

And that’s wrap, folks – my Zucchini and Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Tart is ready to steal the show! I hope you had as much fun making it as I did sharing the recipe with you. Whether you’re enjoying it solo on a lazy Sunday or impressing your friends at a potluck, remember: good food doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious. So, keep cooking, keep smiling, and keep spreading those kitchen vibes! Until next time, happy eating!

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Zucchini and Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Tart

This simple savory puff pastry tart has a beautiful crisp crust that is topped with perfectly blended herb cream cheese spread and thinly sliced zucchini. It is great to serve as an appetizer or as a light meal. It tastes great hot, cold or at room temperature making it ideal to pack for a picnic in the park or to serve at special occasions such as luncheons, bridal or baby showers.

Cooking Method: Baked Cuisine: American Courses: Appetizers, Brunch, Dinner, Lunch, Snack Recipe Keys: Quick Meals V Vegetarian

Print Recipe

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Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 30 mins Total Time 45 mins Difficulty: Intermediate Cooking Temp: 400  F Servings: 8 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Best Season: Summer

Ingredients

Servings

• 1 all-butter frozen puff pastry, thawed
• All-purpose flour, for rolling the puff pastry
• 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
• 4 tbsp grated parmesan cheese, divided
• 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
• 3 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• ¹⁄₄ cup fresh basil, chopped and divided
• 2 medium zucchini
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp milk
• Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400° F and line a large, rimmed baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper.

2. Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the thawed puff pastry into a 10 by 14-inch rectangle. Transfer the rolled-out pastry to the prepared baking sheet.

    

3. Using a knife, score a one-half inch border around the edges of the pastry and prick holes all over the inside of the border with a fork.

   

4. Place the puff pastry into the oven and bake until lightly browned and firm to the touch, approximately 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes.

    

   

5. In the meantime, in a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, 2 tablespoons of grated parmesan, chives, dill, and 2 tablespoons of basil. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste and mix well.

   

   

6. Slice the zucchini into very thin strips using a mandoline or a vegetable peeler.

   

7. Evenly spread the cream cheese inside the border of the puff pastry and layer the zucchini slices on top. Sprinkle on the remaining parmesan cheese.

   

   

   

8. In a small bowl, whisk the egg with the tablespoon of milk until frothy. Brush the egg mixture all over the border of the puff pastry tart.

   

   

9. Place the puff pastry in the oven and bake until the edges are deeply golden-brown and the zucchini is tender, approximately 20-25 minutes.

    

   

10. Top with the remaining basil and allow to cool before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

    

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