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Crispy Savory Tomato Tart Recipe

Savory Tomato Crisp

Hooray — it’s officially summer! The next few months are always full of gatherings and celebrations. Between birthday parties, family dinners, and backyard get-togethers, warm weather seems to make everyone more social. I’m not complaining—I love hosting and entertaining.
 
For easy summer entertaining I keep things light, simple, and mostly make-ahead. Nobody wants to be stuck in a hot kitchen in July or August; the goal is to spend time outside on the patio while serving dishes that highlight seasonal ingredients.
 
This savory tomato crisp is one of my favorite summer recipes. It’s straightforward to prepare, can be served at room temperature, and works equally well for brunch, lunch, or as an elegant side at dinner.

Tomatoes

For the filling I like a mix of heirloom tomatoes. Different colors make the dish extra pretty, but all-red tomatoes work fine too. Chop or halve them, then toss with minced garlic, balsamic vinegar and a little cornstarch to thicken the juices while baking.

Cracker Crumb Topping

The star of this crisp is the topping: crunchy cracker crumbs, freshly grated Parmesan and just enough butter to bind it. I used flaky, buttery Breton-style crackers, which give a light, crisp texture and a rich flavor that pairs beautifully with roasted tomatoes.

Savory Tomato Crisp

Scatter the crumbly topping over the tomatoes and bake until the filling bubbles and the surface turns golden brown. The tomatoes become richly concentrated as juices mingle with the balsamic and garlic, while the buttery crumbs toast into a crunchy, savory layer. The contrast of silky tomato filling and crisp topping is irresistible.

Savory Tomato Crisp

Guests often assume this is a dessert when they first see it, then are delighted to find it’s a savory dish—tomatoes, crackers and cheese rather than sugar and fruit. It’s an easy, impressive option for summer gatherings.

Savory Tomato Crisp

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Savory Tomato Crisp
2016-06-21 23:38:30

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Serves 6
A savory tomato crisp topped with a buttery cracker crumble—perfect, easy and elegant for brunch, lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
  1. 6 cups tomatoes (a mix of cherry tomatoes and diced larger tomatoes)
  2. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  3. 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  4. 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  5. Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  6. 1 cup finely ground cracker crumbs (about 25 crackers)
  7. 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  8. 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  9. 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, diced
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a 1½- to 2-quart baking dish (an 8×8-inch pan works well), combine the tomatoes and garlic. Season with about 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. In a small bowl whisk the balsamic vinegar and cornstarch until smooth, then pour over the tomatoes and gently toss to coat.
  2. In a food processor, pulse together the cracker crumbs, flour, and Parmesan until coarsely ground. Add the diced butter and pulse until the mixture starts to clump and resembles wet sand.
  3. Scatter the topping evenly over the tomatoes. Bake until the filling is bubbling and the topping is golden brown, about 45 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.
By Turnip the Oven
Turnip the Oven
This savory tomato crisp is flavored with balsamic vinegar, fresh garlic, and loads of buttery cracker crumbles. It's the perfect easy, elegant, healthy vegetarian dish!

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are my own.