Imagine a culinary masterpiece that combines the rich, velvety smoothness of cream, the bold punch of garlic, and the melting decadence of cheese - all nestled in a perfectly golden crust. This Creamy Garlic and Cheese Tart isn't just a recipe; it's a journey through French cuisine that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience that will have your guests begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheese (e.g., Gruyère or cheddar)
- 3 large eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the pre-made pie crust from refrigeration and allow it to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to prevent cracking.
- Carefully place the pie crust into a 9-inch tart pan, gently pressing it into the bottom and sides. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges using kitchen scissors or a knife.
- Using a fork, prick the bottom of the pie crust several times to prevent air bubbles from forming during baking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, minced garlic, eggs, salt, and pepper until well combined and smooth.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese evenly across the bottom of the pie crust.
- Pour the cream and egg mixture over the cheese, ensuring an even distribution.
- Top the tart with the remaining shredded cheese, creating a uniform layer.
- Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown and slightly puffy.
- Remove from the oven and let the tart cool for 10-15 minutes to allow the filling to stabilize.
- Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped herbs like thyme or parsley before serving.
- Slice into wedges and serve warm or at room temperature as an appetizer or light main course.
Tips
- Room temperature ingredients are key! Let your eggs and cream sit out for about 30 minutes before mixing to ensure a smoother, more consistent filling.
- For an extra crispy crust, blind bake the pie crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling. This prevents a soggy bottom and adds a delightful crunch.
- Choose a high-quality cheese like Gruyère for authentic French flavor, but feel free to experiment with cheddar or a blend for different taste profiles.
- Don't overbake! The tart is done when it's slightly puffy and golden, with a gentle wobble in the center that will set as it cools.
- Let the tart rest for at least 10-15 minutes after baking - this helps the filling set and makes slicing much easier.
- Fresh herbs aren't just a garnish - they add a burst of flavor and beautiful color. Thyme or parsley work wonderfully with this tart.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 204kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 118mg
