There’s something wildly satisfying to me about a free-form tart. It’s not here for show, but here for flavor, and yet it’s still girl-next-door european suburbia beautiful. In my hometown, they would say “she ain’t fancy but she’s something”. This version of a galette leans savory, and is the ultimate ode to peak-season produce: colorful, rustic, and layered with an herby cheese spread that soaks up every bit of tomato goodness. Kinda like an upscale pizza you want every bite of.
If you’re looking for a dish that feels special but doesn’t require perfection, a galette is your best friend. The flaky, buttery crust hugs the juicy tomatoes and fresh herbs — perfect for brunch, a light lunch, or as a show-stopping side at your next garden party.
Serve this beauty warm or at room temperature alongside a crisp green salad and a glass of chilled white wine. It’s proof that simple, seasonal ingredients can create magic every single time.
And a note — this galette dough could be used time and time again in any galette – I left it pretty standard for that reason. Feel free to come back to the recipe and get creative on your own with summer sweet fruits like plums and peaches, or cherries and berries.
Herby Heirloom Galette
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Rolling Pin
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Sharp knife
- Pastry brush
Ingredients
For the Galette Dough:
- 1 ½ cups 190g all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ cup 1 stick, 115g unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ¼ cup 60ml ice water, plus more as needed
For the Filling:
- 3 –4 medium heirloom tomatoes varied colors, sliced ¼-inch thick
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt for draining tomatoes
- ½ cup whole-milk ricotta or soft goat cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme or oregano
- 1 garlic clove finely grated
- Zest of ½ lemon
- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
To Assemble:
- 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Flaky sea salt for garnish
- Extra fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Add the cold, cubed butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
- Drizzle in the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork until the dough just comes together.
- Shape the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Lay the sliced tomatoes on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Sprinkle evenly with the kosher salt and let them drain for 20 minutes. Pat dry to remove excess moisture.
- In a small bowl, combine the ricotta (or goat cheese), Parmesan, basil, thyme or oregano, garlic, lemon zest, and a generous pinch of black pepper. Mix until smooth and set aside.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a rough 12-inch circle. Transfer it to the prepared baking sheet.
- Spread the herby cheese mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 2-inch border around the edges.
- Arrange the tomato slices on top of the cheese, overlapping slightly. Drizzle with olive oil and season with extra black pepper.
- Fold the edges of the dough up and over the filling, pleating as needed to create a rustic edge. Brush the crust with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and the tomatoes are bubbling.
- Let the galette cool for 5–10 minutes. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and extra fresh herbs. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Video
@herbyeater If you’re a fan of pizza – who isn’t these days – and want to up the ante on your next craving, then switch it up and try this herby heirloom (tomato) galette. Galette’s have a rustic european charm with a flaky crispy buttery pastry crust, alongside a delicious and easy to put together filling. Sweet or savory. Serve in slices with a little arugula side salad sprinkled with fresh herbs and you’ve got one elegant twist on those classic “pizza” flavors. A dish well deserving of the gorgeous gorgeous ripened summer heirlooms. Truly no better tomato around. #herbyeats #vegetarian #galette #savorygalette #heirloomtomatoes #healthycomfortfood
♬ Better Together – Jack Johnson
Notes
Cheese Options: Ricotta keeps things light and creamy, while goat cheese adds a lovely tang.
Use a variety of heirloom tomatoes for the most stunning presentation — the more colors, the better!