Delicious Heirloom Tomato Galette Recipe

Ready in: 1 hour · Serves: 8 · Technique: Baking · Storage: 2-3 days in the fridge.

Quick Answer

To make a delicious heirloom tomato galette, layer sliced tomatoes and cheese on pie dough, fold the edges, and bake until golden brown.

Living in New York City as autumn settles in, there's an unmistakable shift in the air-crisp and bright, with the scent of falling leaves filling the streets. As I prepare for the upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas festivities, the produce section of my local farmer's market is overflowing with vibrant, ripe heirloom tomatoes. They remind me just how versatile and mouthwatering they are, especially when transformed into a delightful heirloom tomato galette. This rustic dish is perfect for serving a crowd, and it's a showstopper that brings together all the flavors of fall.

A Perfect Holiday Treat

This heirloom tomato galette not only celebrates the beauty of seasonal produce but also makes for an impressive yet easy-to-share dish during festive gatherings.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Using fresh, vibrant heirloom tomatoes enhances flavor and visual appeal.
• The rustic galette design is perfect for informal gatherings and is sure to impress guests.
• It's a versatile dish that allows for personal twists with different cheeses and herbs.
• Perfectly captures the essence of autumn with its comforting flavors.
• Simple steps make it easy to create a stunning dish that looks gourmet.

Ingredients

For this galette, you'll need:

Pie Dough

• 1 batch of pie dough (store-bought or homemade)

Filling

• 2-3 large heirloom tomatoes (varying colors)
• 1 cup of shredded cheese (Gruyère, mozzarella, or goat cheese)
• 2 tablespoon of fresh basil, chopped (optional)
• 1 teaspoon of sea salt, plus more to taste
• ½ teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil

How to Make Heirloom Tomato Galette (Step-by-Step)

This delightful galette combines the flavors of fall into a visually stunning dish.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out your pie dough on a flour-dusted surface, aiming for a 12-inch circle. This rustic edge adds to the galette's charm.

Step 2: Slice the Heirloom Tomatoes

Using a sharp knife, slice the heirloom tomatoes into thick rounds. A mix of colors adds visual and flavor complexity. Sprinkle them with sea salt and let sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.

Step 3: Layer the Cheese

Gently pat the tomato slices dry with a paper towel. Spread the shredded cheese evenly over the rolled dough, leaving about a 2-inch border to keep the crust from getting soggy.

Step 4: Arrange the Tomatoes

Layer the tomato slices in a spiral pattern, slightly overlapping them. Drizzle olive oil over the top and sprinkle with pepper and chopped basil if using.

Step 5: Fold the Edges

Carefully fold the edges of the dough over the tomatoes and pleat them to create a lovely frill, encasing the filling while keeping the center open.

Step 6: Bake

Transfer the galette to a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the tomatoes are bubbling. The aroma will be delightful!

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let the galette cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. It pairs perfectly with a light arugula salad on the side.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring Tomato Drainage: Skipping the step where you let the tomato slices sit with salt will result in a soggy galette.
• Overcrowding the Filling: While it may be tempting to pile on more tomatoes, overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and a mushy texture.
• Not Preheating the Oven: Always ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking to get that perfect golden crust.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Experiment with different cheeses for unique flavor profiles. A good feta can add a tangy twist.
• Consider adding a layer of mustard under the cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
• Fresh herbs can be swapped based on what you love; thyme and oregano also work wonderfully with tomatoes.

Variations

• Substitute Gruyère cheese with mozzarella or goat cheese.
• Add different types of heirloom tomatoes for varied flavors and colors.
• Include caramelized onions for sweetness.
• Top with a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving.

How to Serve

• Serve warm with a light arugula salad on the side.
• Pair with a glass of white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc.
• Offer a dollop of crème fraîche or yogurt for creaminess.

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: Prepare the galette dough and tomato filling in advance, then assemble just before baking.
• Storage: Cover leftover galette with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2-3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to restore crispness.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked galette on a baking sheet, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Bake from frozen, adding additional baking time.

Recipe Notes / What I Learned

This heirloom tomato galette is a fantastic crowd-pleaser, and it's incredibly satisfying to create a dish that not only looks stunning but tastes even better. Embracing the season's produce helps celebrate all that autumn has to offer!

Yield and Serving Size

Yield: 1 galette · Serving Size: 6 slices

Nutrition Snapshot

Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~250 calories · 10g protein · 25g carbs · 14g fat

Recipe by:

Dana Ramsey

Delicious Heirloom Tomato Galette

A rustic heirloom tomato galette bursting with autumn flavors, featuring fresh tomatoes, cheese, and a flaky crust.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Group: Ingredients

• 1 batch pie dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 2-3 large heirloom tomatoes (varying colors)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (Gruyère, mozzarella, or goat cheese)
• 2 Tbsp. fresh basil, chopped (optional)
• 1 tsp. sea salt
• ½ tsp. freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 Tbsp. olive oil

Equipment

• Oven
• Rolling Pin
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out your pie dough on a flour-dusted surface, aiming for a 12-inch circle.
2. Slice the heirloom tomatoes into thick rounds, sprinkle with sea salt, and let sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
3. Pat the tomato slices dry. Spread the cheese evenly over the dough, leaving about a 2-inch border.
4. Layer the tomato slices in a spiral pattern. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with pepper and chopped basil if using.
5. Fold the edges of the dough over the tomatoes, pleating to create a frill while keeping the center open.
6. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
7. Let cool for about 10 minutes before slicing and serve with a light arugula salad.

Notes

For best results, avoid overcrowding the filling and always preheat the oven to ensure a golden crust.

FAQs

What type of tomatoes are best for a galette?

Heirloom tomatoes are ideal for a galette due to their rich flavors and vibrant colors. However, you can also use other varieties like beefsteak or vine-ripened tomatoes to achieve a delicious result.

Can I make the galette ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the galette in advance. Assemble it up to a day ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

What is the best way to serve heirloom tomato galette?

This galette is best served warm, accompanied by a light salad, such as arugula, which complements its rich flavors. You can also drizzle some balsamic glaze for an extra touch.