This Easy Tomato Galette is the perfect summer dish, featuring juicy tomatoes nestled in a flaky, buttery crust. It captures all the sunny flavors of the season!
Fun fact: I love how it looks rustic yet fancy! It’s a simple way to impress friends at your next picnic. Just toss it in the oven and enjoy a slice of summer! 🌞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pie Crust: You can use a store-bought refrigerated pie crust for convenience. If you’re feeling adventurous, try making your own with flour, butter, and ice water. It adds a personal touch!
Tomatoes: A mix of red and yellow heirloom tomatoes brings great flavor and color. If you can’t find heirlooms, any other ripe summer tomatoes work well. Avoid using mealy or unripe ones for the best results.
Cream Cheese: This adds a creamy base. If you’re lactose intolerant, try a dairy-free cream cheese. Alternatively, ricotta cheese can be a lighter swap, giving a different but delightful texture.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil is fantastic, but thyme or oregano can work too! Dried herbs are fine in a pinch, but you’ll want to use less—about a teaspoon should be enough.
How Do I Ensure My Galette Crust is Perfectly Flaky?
The secret to a flaky crust lies in how you handle the dough. Avoid overworking it to keep those tender layers. Here’s how to do it right:
- Keep your ingredients cold, especially the butter or shortening. This helps create steam during baking, which leads to flakiness.
- Add ice water gradually, mixing just until it comes together. A little crumbly is fine; roll it out gently.
- Chill the dough before rolling it out for best results. This makes it easier to handle and helps retain that flaky texture.
With these simple tips, your galette will be a highlight of any summer gathering!
Easy Tomato Galette Recipe for Summer
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 refrigerated pie crust or homemade pie dough (about 9-10 inches)
- 2-3 medium to large ripe tomatoes (a mix of red and yellow/orange heirloom tomatoes works well), sliced about 1/4 inch thick
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or goat cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil or thyme, finely chopped
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 1 small garlic clove, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional garnish: chopped scallions or fresh herbs
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 35-40 minutes of baking time. It’s a total of around 1 hour, making it a quick yet impressive option for summer gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the galette bakes evenly and achieves that perfect golden crust.
2. Prepare the Dough:
Roll out your pie dough on a piece of parchment paper into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. Don’t worry about it being perfectly round; a rustic shape adds to the charm!
3. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped herbs, garlic powder (or minced garlic), and a bit of salt and pepper. Mix until it’s smooth and creamy—this will be the delicious base for your tomatoes.
4. Assemble the Galette:
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the center of the dough, leaving about a 2-inch border around the edges. This empty space is where you’ll fold the dough over the tomatoes.
5. Arrange the Tomatoes:
Layer the sliced tomatoes on top of the cream cheese mixture. Overlap them slightly for a beautiful presentation. Season with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil to enhance their natural flavors.
6. Fold the Dough Edges:
Gently fold the edges of the dough over the tomato filling, pleating as you go along to create a rustic look. It’s okay if some of the tomatoes are still peeking through!
7. Brush with Egg Wash:
Using a brush, apply the beaten egg to the edges of the dough. This helps achieve a lovely golden color as it bakes.
8. Bake to Perfection:
Carefully transfer the galette on the parchment paper to the baking sheet. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the tomatoes are nice and soft.
9. Cool and Garnish:
Once baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Before serving, feel free to sprinkle a little chopped scallions or additional fresh herbs on top for extra flavor.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the galette into wedges and enjoy it warm or at room temperature. It’s perfect for a light summer lunch, a picnic, or even as an appetizer for guests!
Enjoy this bright, fresh, and flaky tomato galette that beautifully showcases summer’s best tomatoes!
FAQ for Easy Tomato Galette Recipe
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While cream cheese and mozzarella or goat cheese are delicious, you can experiment with ricotta for a lighter option or even a sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor. Just make sure to keep the overall moisture level in check!
What Should I Do If I Have Leftover Galette?
Leftover galette can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through to maintain the crispiness of the crust!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! To make a vegan version, use a plant-based pie crust and swap the cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative. You can skip the egg wash or substitute it with a mixture of almond milk and a bit of maple syrup for a glossy finish.
How Do I Ensure My Galette Doesn’t Get Soggy?
To prevent a soggy bottom, you can sprinkle a thin layer of breadcrumbs or cornmeal on the dough before adding the cream cheese and tomatoes. This acts as a barrier and absorbs excess moisture from the tomatoes while baking.
