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A golden round of puff pastry is filled with a tangy goat cheese custard and 40 cloves of garlic caramelized in a mixture of balsamic vinegar, thyme and rosemary. In other words, heaven. Several weeks ago, I was on quite the tart binge, and too be honest, this one is my favorite. Well, my favorite savory tart at least.
The filling for this tart is a bit involved, but you can certainly make the caramelized garlic mixture in advance. You can actually make this entire tart in advance and rewarm when needed. Packed with bold flavor, this Caramelized Garlic Tart would fit perfectly in any brunch spread, or could be eaten for dinner with a light, acidic salad. If you love garlic as much as I do, then you will surely go crazy for this tart. So yum. Continue reading for the recipe.
Caramelized Garlic Tart
Ingredients
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (9" x 9" square), thawed
- 40 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 3/4 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
- Kosher salt
- 9 oz goat cheese (I used an even mix of chèvre and gouda)
- 2 eggs
- 6 1/2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 6 1/2 tablespoons crème fraîche
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh thyme sprigs, for topping
Instructions
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Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured work surface until large enough to line the bottom and sides of an 11-inch fluted tart pan. The tart pan should have a removable bottom. Using your rolling pin, trim away the pastry by rolling across the top of the tart pan. Line the pastry with parchment, then fill with pie weights, rice or dried beans. Rest in the fridge for at least 20 minutes.
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While the tart shell is resting, preheat the oven to 350°F and bring a small saucepan of water to a boil. Cook the tart shell in the oven for 20 minutes. Remove the parchment and weights, then bake until the crust is golden brown (about 7 - 10 minutes more). Set baked tart shell aside to cool.
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Add garlic cloves to the boiling water and cook for 3 minutes. Drain the garlic cloves, let cool a bit, then peel. Dry the saucepan, and add the peeled garlic back into it with the olive oil. Fry the garlic cloves for 2 minutes over high heat. They will start to turn golden brown. Carefully add the balsamic vinegar and water (it will splatter, so stand back). Bring the mixture to a boil, then drop the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Add the sugar, rosemary, thyme, and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, stirring to combine. Continue simmering on medium until the liquid reduces down to a thick, dark syrup (10 - 15 minutes). Remove from the heat and set aside.
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Using your hands, tear the goat cheese into pieces and scatter across the bottom of the tart shell. Spoon the garlic (with syrup) evenly over the cheese. In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, crème fraîche, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and several turns of black pepper. Pour this mixture over the cheese and garlic cloves.
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Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F and cook the tart on the middle rack for 35 - 45 minutes. The filling will set (not jiggly) and the top will turn golden brown. Let the tart cool a bit before serving. Top with a few sprigs of thyme and serve warm.
Related recipes and articles:
Summer Crostini with Whipped Roasted Garlic Goat Cheese
Stone Fruit Galette with Ginger and Vanilla
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Deanna @ DB and Jelly says
I love pretty much anything with garlic…this looks amazing!
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks Deanna!
J.S. @ Sun Diego Eats says
The filling for this looks incredible….I have not encountered enough goat cheese custards in my life.
Brandon Matzek says
You need to try it!! So tangy and delicious.
sippitysup says
Such a good idea. GREG
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks Greg!
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com says
40 cloves of roasted garlic in a tart?! Mind blowing! Bet the vampire’s are on high alert 😀
Brandon Matzek says
Haha yes! Edward Cullen will definitely have to stay away.
kelly says
Love a bold flavored tart like this. Anything with onions and garlic. I can imagine making it ahead would make the flavor even more appealing for garlic lovers. Perfect party food.
Brandon Matzek says
This tart has big bold flavors. Tangy, creamy and of course, garlicy!
Carol says
Just reading the recipe makes my mouth water. Can’t wait to try this one!!!
Many thanks for another great recipe.
Warmly, Carol from Chicago
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks Carol. Enjoy!