Zesty Ham & Ricotta Tart: A Flaky Pastry Recipe That Dazzles

Crafting a mouthwatering savory ricotta, ham, and scallion tart might just become your new weekend culinary adventure.

Pastry lovers appreciate how simple ingredients can create stunning results.

Crisp, golden layers promise a delightful experience that goes beyond ordinary meal preparations.

Mediterranean influences shine through in this elegant dish, blending creamy cheese with delicate herb notes.

Soft ricotta melts beautifully against salty ham, creating complex flavor profiles.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike will find this recipe both approachable and impressive.

Surprising your dinner companions with this tart guarantees delighted smiles and requests for seconds.

Why This Savory Tart Is a Must-Try

• Customize with Ease: Swap ham for other proteins like bacon or chicken, making this tart adaptable to your pantry and taste preferences.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults will love the creamy texture and savory flavors, perfect for a weekend brunch or casual dinner gathering.
• Quick Prep Magic: Combine ingredients in one bowl, pour into a pre-made crust, and bake – minimal effort delivers maximum deliciousness with this simple recipe.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with rich cheeses and herbs, this tart offers a satisfying meal that feels gourmet but comes together in under an hour.

What Goes Into Ricotta, Ham, and Scallion Tart

• Pie Crust: A buttery and flaky base that provides a delicate and crisp foundation for the tart.
• Ricotta Cheese: A creamy and mild Italian cheese that adds richness and smooth texture to the filling.
• Mozzarella Cheese: A soft cheese that melts beautifully and contributes to the tart's gooey consistency.
• Ham: A savory protein that brings depth and saltiness to the overall flavor profile.
• Scallions: Fresh green onions that provide a mild, sharp bite and bright color to the tart.

• Eggs: Essential for creating a custard-like texture and helping the filling set properly.
• Heavy Cream: A rich dairy component that adds luxurious smoothness to the filling.

• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance and balance the tart's overall taste.

Baking the Perfect Savory Ricotta Tart

Step 1: Prepare Oven And Pastry

Warm your oven to 375°F. Gently roll out the pie crust and carefully press it into a tart pan.

Use a fork to create small holes across the base, which prevents unwanted puffing during baking.

Step 2: Create Creamy Filling

• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Eggs
• Heavy cream

Season the mixture with salt and pepper, creating a smooth and rich base.

Step 3: Add Savory Elements

Fold in diced ham and chopped scallions, stirring until evenly distributed throughout the creamy mixture.

Step 4: Fill And Bake The Tart

Pour the filling into the prepared pastry crust, using a spatula to spread it evenly.

Slide the tart into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Watch for a golden-brown top and a filling that’s set and slightly firm.

Step 5: Cool And Serve

Allow the tart to rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven. Slice into wedges and serve while still warm, revealing the delicious layers of cheese, ham, and flaky pastry.

Tips for Crisp Crust and Creamy Filling

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, even mixing and better flavor blending.
• Choose high-quality ham like prosciutto or Black Forest ham for richer taste and more sophisticated profile.
• Blind bake the pie crust for 10 minutes before adding filling to prevent a soggy bottom and maintain crispy texture.
• Replace heavy cream with whole milk for a lighter version, or swap ham with crispy bacon for different flavor variations.
• Consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or chives to enhance the overall taste and provide a subtle aromatic touch.

Twists to Customize Your Savory Tart

• Mediterranean Veggie Fusion: Replace ham with roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and crumbled feta cheese for a vibrant vegetarian option.
• Bacon and Spinach Upgrade: Swap ham with crispy bacon pieces and add wilted spinach for a rich, earthy flavor profile.
• Smoked Salmon Elegance: Substitute ham with delicate smoked salmon and fresh dill for an upscale breakfast or brunch tart.
• Mushroom and Thyme Rustic: Use sautéed wild mushrooms and fresh thyme instead of ham, creating an aromatic woodland-inspired variation.

What Pairs Well with This Flaky Savory Tart

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, acidic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the richness of the ricotta and ham, enhancing the tart's delicate flavors.
• Complement with Fresh Salad: Create a zesty green salad with mixed arugula, lemon vinaigrette, and light herbs to balance the tart's creamy texture and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Match with Charcuterie Board: Serve alongside a selection of cured meats, olives, and pickled vegetables to amplify the tart's savory ham profile and add variety to the dining experience.

How to Keep Your Tart Fresh for Later

• Refrigerate: Store leftover tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Reheat in Oven: Warm slices at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to restore crispy crust and maintain creamy filling texture. Cover loosely with foil to prevent burning.
• Microwave Option: Quickly reheat individual slices for 30-45 seconds on medium power. Add a small splash of water to keep filling moist and prevent rubbery edges.
• Freeze Method: Wrap completely cooled tart slices in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

Tart Questions You Might Be Wondering About

• Can I use a different type of cheese instead of ricotta and mozzarella?

Yes, you can substitute with similar soft cheeses like cottage cheese or goat cheese for a different flavor profile.

• Is this tart suitable for vegetarians?

No, the recipe contains ham. To make it vegetarian, replace ham with roasted vegetables or mushrooms.

• How do I know when the tart is fully cooked?

The tart is done when the top is golden brown and the center is set, with no liquid wiggling when you gently shake the pan.

• Can I make this tart ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the tart a day in advance and reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes before serving.

Savory Ricotta, Ham, and Scallion Tart with Flaky Pastry Recipe

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4.8 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ricotta, ham, and scallion tart whisks you into a French countryside kitchen with its golden, buttery crust and creamy filling. Crisp layers and delicate herbs promise a delightful culinary escape that combines rustic charm with elegant simplicity.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pre-made pie crust
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) grated mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) ham, diced
• 3 scallions, thinly sliced

Eggs and Dairy:

• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream

Seasonings:

• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare a tart pan and roll out the pie crust with precision, gently pressing it into the pan’s contours and creating small perforations across the base to prevent unwanted rising during baking.
2. Combine ricotta, mozzarella, eggs, and heavy cream in a spacious mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly until the mixture achieves a smooth, uniform consistency.
3. Season the creamy blend with salt and pepper, carefully adjusting the flavors to create a balanced taste profile.
4. Incorporate diced ham and finely chopped scallions into the dairy mixture, ensuring even distribution throughout the filling.
5. Transfer the enriched mixture into the prepared pie crust, using a spatula to spread it evenly and create a level surface.
6. Position the tart in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C), allowing it to bake for 30-35 minutes until the top turns a delicate golden brown and the center sets completely.
7. Remove from the oven and permit the tart to rest for a brief period, allowing the filling to stabilize before slicing and presenting this elegant culinary creation.

Notes

• Customize the crust by using gluten-free pie dough for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delightful tart.
• Add a pinch of fresh herbs like thyme or chives to elevate the flavor profile and introduce an aromatic dimension to the savory filling.
• Experiment with different protein options such as crispy bacon, turkey, or vegetarian alternatives like roasted mushrooms to suit varied dietary preferences.
• Serve the tart slightly warm or at room temperature for optimal taste and texture, making it perfect for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 365
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 380 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg