Best Carrot Tart Recipe – Easy, Elegant, and Ready in 30 Minutes
This simple dish elevates humble roots with sweet roasting and creamy, savory layers.
Best Carrot Tart Recipe – An Elegant, Easy Dish for Any Occasion
There’s something magical about a dish that’s both visually stunning and deceptively simple to make. This carrot tart recipe, featuring roasted carrots, creamy cheese, and flaky puff pastry, is just that—a colorful, flavorful centerpiece that’s ready in only 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Carrot Tart
Carrots might be a humble pantry staple, but when roasted, they develop a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with rich, herbed cheese and buttery pastry. This tart is a showstopper for Easter brunch or any spring celebration, but its ingredients are available year-round, making it a versatile addition to your recipe rotation.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Medium-sized carrots | ¾ lb (about 5 carrots) |
| Olive oil | 1 Tbsp |
| Kosher salt | ½ tsp |
| Ground black pepper | ¼ tsp |
| Puff pastry sheet | 1 (from 17 oz package), thawed |
| Garlic & herb cheese (e.g. Boursin) | 1 (5–6 oz) |
| Monterey Jack cheese, grated | ½ cup |
| Fresh dill or chives, chopped | 1 Tbsp |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Roast Carrots
- Preheat your oven to 400°F with racks in the upper and lower thirds.
- Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil. Scrub or peel the carrots and quarter them lengthwise.
- Toss the carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then arrange them in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast on the top rack for 15–20 minutes, until lightly browned. Let them cool slightly while you prepare the pastry.
Step 2: Prep the Puff Pastry
- Line another baking sheet with parchment paper. Unfold the puff pastry into a 9-inch square, floury side down.
- Use a paring knife to mark a ½-inch border along each edge of the pastry. Prick the center area 8–9 times with a fork.
- Bake on the bottom rack (while carrots are on the top) for 12–14 minutes, until the edges are golden. If the center puffs up, re-cut the border and press it down with a fork, being careful of steam.
Step 3: Assemble the Tart
- Crumble the garlic-herb cheese into small pieces and scatter over the baked pastry (within the border). Gently spread it to cover.
- Sprinkle grated Monterey Jack cheese on top.
- Arrange the roasted carrots over the cheese layer, then return the tart to the bottom rack of the oven for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are deep golden and the cheese is melty.
- Let the tart cool slightly on a rack, then finish with chopped fresh dill or chives. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature—it’s delicious either way!
Doubling the Recipe
This tart is easy to scale up for a crowd. Double the amount of carrots and roast them on a large sheet tray on the top rack, while baking two puff pastry sheets side by side on separate baking sheets on the bottom rack.
Carrot FAQs
Should I Peel My Carrots Before Roasting?
Peeling carrots removes dirt from the outer layer, but scrubbing them well with a clean sponge is sufficient. The skin is edible, so choose your preference based on convenience and texture.
Should I Cover Vegetables When Roasting?
No, covering vegetables traps steam and prevents caramelization—roasting uncovered allows them to develop color and flavor.
Do Multi-Colored Carrots Taste Different Than Orange Carrots?
While multi-colored carrots may have subtle differences in texture and flavor, they generally taste and cook similarly to orange carrots. The biggest advantage of mixed colors is the visual impact they bring to your dish, though orange carrots are a perfectly fine substitute if you can’t find rainbow varieties.
What others are reading
Serving Suggestions
- Slice into small rectangles for a colorful appetizer.
- Double the recipe for generous main-dish servings, ideal for a vegetarian meal.
- Pair with a crisp green salad or a light soup for a complete brunch or lunch.
Variations and Tips
- Try different cheeses—goat cheese or herbed cream cheese work beautifully alongside the Boursin.
- Add a drizzle of honey or a balsamic glaze for a sweet-savory flavor boost.
- Sprinkle with toasted nuts (such as almonds or walnuts) for crunch.
- Mix in other roasted root vegetables (parsnips, beets) for even more color and texture.
Why Carrots Shine in Spring
Carrots are available year-round but are especially tender and sweet in spring, making them the star of this tart. Their natural sugars caramelize during roasting, enhancing their sweetness and complementing the savory cheese.
Tips for Perfect Puff Pastry
- Always thaw frozen puff pastry in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture.
- Use a sharp knife to score the pastry border—shallow cuts prevent the edges from puffing too much.
- Pricking the center with a fork helps keep the tart base flat and crisp.
- Bake the pastry until just golden before adding toppings—this prevents sogginess.
Nutritional Benefits
Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, fiber, and antioxidants. This tart offers a plant-based main or side that’s both nutritious and indulgent, thanks to the cheese and buttery pastry.
Additional Resources and Recipes
If you love carrots, explore more creative recipes like Carrot-Thyme Soup, Quick Pickled Carrots, and Whiskey-Glazed Carrots. These dishes showcase the versatility and sweetness of this root vegetable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I make this tart ahead of time?
A: You can roast the carrots and prepare the pastry base ahead of time, but assemble and bake the tart just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Q: Can I use store-bought pesto instead of herbed cheese?
A: While herbed cheese adds a creamy texture, you can spread the pastry with a thin layer of pesto before adding other cheeses for a different flavor profile.
Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–10 minutes to restore crispness.
Q: Can I freeze this tart?
A: Freezing the fully assembled tart is possible, though the puff pastry may lose some crispness. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Q: How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Swap the puff pastry for a gluten-free alternative, such as gluten-free pie dough or a sheet of gluten-free puff pastry.
Conclusion
This easy carrot tart is a testament to how a few simple ingredients—carrots, cheese, and puff pastry—can transform into a stunning, flavorful dish that’s as suitable for a special brunch as it is for a casual weeknight dinner. With minimal prep and maximum wow factor, it’s a recipe you’ll return to for every season—proof that sometimes, the simplest things are the most impressive.
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a39038888/carrot-tart-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a64460844/easy-summer-vegetable-tarts-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g39372056/carrot-recipes/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g41956782/puff-pastry-recipes/
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