Culinary Corner, Family Favorite Recipes, Seasonal

Summer Favorite: Basil Tomato Tart

Posted by jessicawright59 on

The garden is overflowing right now, and I have more ripe tomatoes than I know what to do with. 🍅 One of my absolute favorite ways to use them is in this basil tomato tart—it’s rich, savory, and so full of summer flavor.

This recipe has been a family favorite for years, and it actually comes from the kitchen of our dear friend, Mrs. Smartt. Funny story: for her 50th wedding anniversary surprise party, we needed to make sure she’d show up to the decoy event. So she was asked her to make four of these tomato tarts—and of course she did! That’s how much everyone loves them.

It’s the perfect way to use up fresh basil and garden tomatoes, and it works beautifully as an appetizer or even a light main course.

🌿 Ingredients

For the Tart

  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 3–4 Roma tomatoes
  • 1 cup loosely packed fresh basil
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ⅛ tsp ground white pepper

For the Crust (homemade option)

  • 1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
  • ⅓ cup vegetable oil
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 Tbsp cold water

🥧 Instructions

Make the Crust

  1. In a bowl, mix flour, oil, salt, and water until a dough forms.
  2. Roll out and fit into an 8-inch pie or tart pan.
  3. Par-bake at 375°F for 15 minutes.

(No time for homemade crust? A store‑bought crust works too!)

Prep the Filling

  1. In a food processor, blend the fresh basil and garlic until finely chopped.
  2. Slice the tomatoes into wedges.
  3. Toss the basil mixture with the tomato wedges.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of the mozzarella, mayonnaise, Parmesan, and pepper.

Assemble & Bake

  1. Spread the cheese mixture over the par‑baked crust.
  2. Spoon the tomato and basil mixture evenly on top.
  3. Bake at 375°F for about 35 minutes.
  4. When it comes out of the oven, sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella while it’s still hot so it melts beautifully.

✨ Serve & Enjoy

This tart is everything you want in a summer dish—fresh, flavorful, and a little indulgent. Serve it warm as a starter or pair it with a green salad for a light and delicious meal.

If you try it, let me know! I’d love to see your version—tag me over on Instagram @wrightathome_nc.