There is something truly special about the way fresh produce and creamy cheese come together in the Heirloom Carrot and Whipped Ricotta Tart Recipe. This vibrant dish celebrates the natural sweetness and vibrant colors of heirloom carrots while balancing their earthiness with a luscious whipped ricotta and cream cheese blend. The flaky puff pastry base adds that perfect buttery crunch, making it a crowd-pleaser whether served as a sophisticated appetizer or a light main course. Every bite feels like a little celebration of spring’s best offerings!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because it requires simple, fresh ingredients that you likely have on hand or can easily find. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether it’s the flaky texture of the puff pastry, the creamy tang of ricotta, or the bright zing from lemon zest and thyme that elevates the entire tart.
- Puff pastry (1 sheet, thawed): Provides a flaky and buttery base that crisps beautifully when baked.
- Ricotta cheese (1 cup): Adds a creamy, mild richness that balances the sweetness of the carrots.
- Cream cheese (2 tablespoons, softened): Enhances the cheese filling’s smoothness and tang.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon plus extra for drizzling): Brings a fruity depth and helps roast the carrots beautifully.
- Lemon zest (1 teaspoon): Adds a fresh citrus brightness to cut through the cheese’s richness.
- Fresh thyme leaves (1 teaspoon) or dried (½ teaspoon): Infuses a subtle herbal aroma that complements the carrots wonderfully.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Seasoning is key to bring all flavors into harmony.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a gentle warmth and spice.
- Heirloom carrots (1 bunch, peeled and halved or quartered lengthwise): The star of the dish offering natural sweetness, color, and texture.
- Egg (1, beaten): Used as an egg wash to give the puff pastry a golden finish.
- Fresh herbs or microgreens (optional): For an elegant, fresh garnish to finish the tart.
How to Make Heirloom Carrot and Whipped Ricotta Tart Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry Base
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Roll out your thawed puff pastry into a 10 by 12-inch rectangle, then place it carefully onto the baking sheet. Use a knife to lightly score a half-inch border around the edge — this border will act as a barrier to keep your delicious toppings neatly contained while allowing the edges to puff up gloriously. Don’t cut all the way through. Next, prick the center of the pastry with a fork to stop it from puffing too much in the middle and warping the tart’s structure.
Step 2: Whip the Ricotta Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, olive oil, lemon zest, thyme leaves, salt, and black pepper. Using a hand mixer or a whisk, beat everything until the mixture becomes luxuriously smooth and creamy. This whipped ricotta filling will provide a silky counterpoint to the earthy carrots and flaky crust, so take a minute to get it perfectly blended.
Step 3: Assemble the Tart
Spread the whipped ricotta mixture evenly within the scored border on the puff pastry. Arrange the peeled heirloom carrot halves or quarters neatly over the ricotta, slightly overlapping pieces if needed to create a visually appealing pattern. Next, brush the exposed edges of the puff pastry with the beaten egg to ensure a shiny, golden finish after baking. Finally, drizzle olive oil lightly over the carrots and sprinkle a little more salt and freshly ground black pepper to boost their natural flavors.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place your assembled tart into the preheated oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. You want the pastry to be golden brown and fully puffed, with the carrots tender but still holding their shape. Once baked, allow the tart to cool slightly before slicing; this resting time helps everything set nicely for clean cuts.
How to Serve Heirloom Carrot and Whipped Ricotta Tart Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, or rosemary make beautiful and aromatic garnishes. Microgreens can add a delicate crunch and pop of color that elevate the dish’s presentation to something truly special. Adding these simple touches makes the tart feel fresh, bright, and inviting.
Side Dishes
This tart is versatile enough to pair with crisp green salads, light soups, or even roasted vegetables for a fuller meal. Serving it alongside a citrusy arugula salad complements the earthy sweetness of the carrots and refreshes the palate. For brunch, pair it with avocado toast or poached eggs to keep things balanced yet indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning centerpiece, consider arranging the carrot pieces in a spiral or fan pattern, showcasing their vibrant colors. You can also cut the tart into small squares or rectangles as elegant finger food for parties. Another fun idea is to add a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze just before serving for a sweet-savory contrast that surprises and delights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any tart left, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator where it will keep well for up to three days. Reheat it gently to maintain the flaky texture of the pastry without drying it out.
Freezing
While this tart tastes best fresh, you can freeze it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to one month. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in a low oven to help restore crispness without overcooking the delicate carrots.
Reheating
To reheat, place the tart on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through and the pastry regains some of its original crispiness. Avoid the microwave to keep texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes! While ricotta’s mild creaminess works beautifully, you can experiment with mascarpone or goat cheese blends for a slightly tangier or richer flavor. Just adjust seasoning accordingly.
Do I need to blanch the heirloom carrots before baking?
Blanching isn’t necessary but can help tenderize especially thick carrot pieces, ensuring they cook through without drying out. If you choose to blanch, just boil them for 2–3 minutes, then shock in ice water before arranging on the tart.
Is puff pastry the only option for the crust?
Puff pastry gives this tart its signature flaky texture, but you could also try a savory shortcrust pastry or even phyllo sheets for a different texture profile, keeping in mind baking times may vary.
Can I make this tart vegan?
Making a fully vegan version would require substituting ricotta and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives and using a vegan puff pastry. The overall flavor will change, but it can still be delicious with the right dairy-free cheeses.
How far ahead can I prepare the tart before baking?
You can assemble the tart a few hours before baking and keep it refrigerated, tightly covered. Just bring it back to room temperature for about 20 minutes before popping it in the oven for the best puff and texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that is both visually stunning and bursting with natural, fresh flavors, you absolutely have to try the Heirloom Carrot and Whipped Ricotta Tart Recipe. It’s easy to make, versatile, and sure to impress your friends and family whether it’s brunch, dinner, or a special occasion. Once you make it, this tart might just become one of your new favorite go-to recipes for showcasing seasonal vegetables with style and heart.
Print
Heirloom Carrot and Whipped Ricotta Tart Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Modern American, Vegetarian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Heirloom Carrot and Whipped Ricotta Tart is a stunning and savory dish featuring tender heirloom carrots nestled atop a creamy whipped ricotta and cream cheese base, all baked in a flaky puff pastry crust. Perfect for brunch, appetizers, or an elegant side, this tart combines fresh herbs, lemon zest, and a hint of thyme to create a light yet flavorful dish that showcases spring’s best produce.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese (softened)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables and Toppings
- 1 bunch heirloom carrots (peeled and halved or quartered lengthwise)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Fresh herbs or microgreens (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare and score puff pastry: Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the thawed puff pastry into a 10×12-inch rectangle and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Use a knife to score a ½-inch border around the edge of the pastry without cutting all the way through. Prick the center area with a fork to prevent the pastry from puffing up excessively in the middle during baking.
- Make the whipped ricotta mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, olive oil, lemon zest, thyme leaves, salt, and black pepper. Beat or whip the mixture until smooth, creamy, and well blended to ensure a luscious spread.
- Assemble the tart: Evenly spread the whipped ricotta mixture inside the scored border of the puff pastry, leaving the border clear. Arrange the peeled and halved or quartered heirloom carrots on top of the cheese layer, slightly overlapping them for a visually appealing presentation. Brush the exposed pastry edges with the beaten egg to help create a shiny golden crust when baked. Drizzle the carrot arrangement lightly with olive oil and season with a sprinkle of extra salt and pepper.
- Bake the tart: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the puff pastry is golden brown, puffed up, and the carrots are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Finish and serve: Remove the tart from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Garnish with fresh herbs or microgreens if desired. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature as a delightful brunch item, appetizer, or side dish.
Notes
- Use rainbow heirloom carrots for a colorful, visually striking presentation.
- Blanch thicker carrot pieces briefly before assembling to ensure they become tender during baking.
- This tart works well as a savory brunch dish, appetizer, or an elegant vegetable side.
