Toy Box Tomato & Ricotta Torta: A Burst of Summer Flavor in Every Slice
Summer’s bounty is overflowing, and what better way to celebrate the season than with a vibrant, flavorful Toy Box Tomato & Ricotta Torta? This recipe showcases the sweetness and beauty of small, colorful tomatoes, pairing them with creamy ricotta cheese and flaky puff pastry for a show-stopping dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. It’s perfect for a light lunch, a sophisticated appetizer, or even a stunning addition to a summer potluck. Get ready to impress with this recipe!
**Why Toy Box Tomatoes?**
Toy Box tomatoes, also known as grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes, are a diverse collection of small, bite-sized tomatoes that come in a rainbow of colors – red, yellow, orange, and even purple. Their sweetness is concentrated, and their firm texture holds up beautifully when baked. They’re also incredibly visually appealing, making this torta a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. If you can’t find Toy Box tomatoes specifically, a mix of colorful cherry or grape tomatoes will work just as well.
**Key Ingredients:**
* **Puff Pastry:** The foundation of our torta. We’re using store-bought puff pastry for convenience, but feel free to make your own if you’re feeling ambitious. Look for an all-butter puff pastry for the best flavor.
* **Ricotta Cheese:** Provides a creamy, rich base for the tomatoes. Use whole-milk ricotta for the best texture and flavor. Drain the ricotta well to prevent a soggy torta.
* **Toy Box Tomatoes:** The stars of the show! A colorful mix of these sweet tomatoes adds visual appeal and a burst of flavor.
* **Garlic:** Infuses the ricotta with a subtle savory note.
* **Fresh Basil:** Adds a touch of freshness and complements the tomatoes beautifully.
* **Olive Oil:** Used to drizzle over the tomatoes and brush the puff pastry.
* **Egg Wash:** Gives the puff pastry a golden-brown, glossy finish.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** Adds a salty, savory element.
* **Salt & Pepper:** To season everything to perfection.
**Equipment You’ll Need:**
* **Baking Sheet:** To bake the torta.
* **Parchment Paper:** To line the baking sheet and prevent sticking.
* **Mixing Bowl:** For the ricotta filling.
* **Garlic Press (Optional):** For mincing the garlic.
* **Sharp Knife:** For slicing the tomatoes.
* **Pastry Brush:** For brushing the egg wash.
* **Fork:** For docking the puff pastry.
* **9-inch Springform Pan (Optional):** For a perfectly shaped torta.
**The Recipe: Toy Box Tomato & Ricotta Torta**
**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep Time:** 30 minutes
**Cook Time:** 35-40 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 1 sheet (14.1 oz) puff pastry, thawed
* 15 oz whole-milk ricotta cheese, drained well
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
* 1 pint Toy Box tomatoes (or a mix of colorful cherry/grape tomatoes), halved or quartered if large
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
**1. Prepare the Ricotta Filling:**
* In a medium mixing bowl, combine the drained ricotta cheese, beaten egg, minced garlic, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh basil.
* Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
* Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. The filling should be flavorful but not overly salty. Remember that the Parmesan will add saltiness during baking.
**2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:**
* Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
* Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. If using a springform pan, gently press the pastry into the bottom and up the sides, trimming any excess. Alternatively, leave the pastry as a rectangle or square on the baking sheet.
* *Docking the pastry:* Use a fork to prick the bottom of the puff pastry all over. This will prevent it from puffing up too much during baking and creating air pockets.
**3. Assemble the Torta:**
* Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the prepared puff pastry, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges.
* Arrange the halved or quartered Toy Box tomatoes on top of the ricotta filling, creating a colorful and visually appealing pattern. Gently press the tomatoes into the ricotta.
* Drizzle the tomatoes with olive oil. This will help them roast and caramelize in the oven.
* Brush the exposed puff pastry border with the beaten egg (egg wash). This will give it a beautiful golden-brown color and a glossy finish.
* Sprinkle the top with additional grated Parmesan cheese.
**4. Bake the Torta:**
* Carefully transfer the baking sheet with the assembled torta to the preheated oven.
* Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the tomatoes are softened and slightly caramelized. The ricotta filling should be set and slightly browned around the edges.
* If the puff pastry is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the torta with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
**5. Cool and Serve:**
* Once the torta is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the filling to set up and the flavors to meld together.
* If you used a springform pan, carefully release the sides of the pan before slicing.
* Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
* Serve warm or at room temperature.
**Tips for Success:**
* **Drain the Ricotta:** This is crucial to prevent a soggy torta. Place the ricotta in a cheesecloth-lined strainer over a bowl and let it drain in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight. You can also gently press out the excess moisture with a paper towel.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Tomatoes:** While you want to create a beautiful arrangement, avoid overcrowding the tomatoes on top of the ricotta. Too many tomatoes can release excess moisture and make the torta soggy.
* **Use High-Quality Puff Pastry:** All-butter puff pastry will give you the best flavor and texture. Look for it in the refrigerated section of your grocery store.
* **Adjust Baking Time:** Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on the torta while it’s baking. Adjust the baking time as needed to ensure the puff pastry is golden brown and the tomatoes are cooked through.
* **Let it Cool:** Allowing the torta to cool slightly before slicing will help the filling set up and make it easier to cut into clean slices.
**Variations and Additions:**
* **Add Other Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the torta, such as thinly sliced zucchini, bell peppers, or onions. Sauté them lightly before adding them to the torta to soften them slightly.
* **Use Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different cheeses in the filling. Goat cheese, feta cheese, or mozzarella cheese would all be delicious additions or substitutes for the ricotta.
* **Add Herbs:** In addition to basil, try adding other fresh herbs, such as oregano, thyme, or rosemary.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ricotta filling for a little heat.
* **Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze:** A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a touch of sweetness and acidity that complements the tomatoes beautifully.
**Serving Suggestions:**
* **Lunch:** Serve a slice of the torta with a side salad for a light and satisfying lunch.
* **Appetizer:** Cut the torta into small squares and serve as an appetizer at your next party.
* **Potluck:** This torta is a stunning and delicious addition to any potluck or gathering.
* **Brunch:** Serve alongside other brunch favorites, such as frittatas, quiches, and pastries.
**Make-Ahead Tips:**
* The ricotta filling can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out.
* The torta can be assembled (but not baked) up to a few hours ahead of time. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Add the egg wash just before baking.
**Storage:**
* Leftover torta can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
This Toy Box Tomato & Ricotta Torta is a celebration of summer flavors and a delightful addition to any occasion. With its vibrant colors, creamy filling, and flaky crust, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!
**Enjoyed this Recipe? Here are some other recipes you might like!**
* Sun-Dried Tomato and Pesto Tart
* Roasted Vegetable and Goat Cheese Galette
* Classic Tomato Bruschetta
Let me know if you try the recipe in the comments! I’d love to hear how it turns out!