Name: Heirloom Tomato Galette with Mascarpone and Herbs Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 ½ cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled, 192g), plus more for sprinkling; 1 tbsp dried Italian herb blend; ½ cup salted butter; 5 tbsp ice cold water; 6 oz mascarpone (room temperature, or substitute cream cheese); 2 cloves fresh garlic (minced); 1 tsp lemon zest; ¼ tsp salt; ¼ tsp pepper; 1 egg (beaten); 1-2 lbs ripe heirloom tomatoes (sliced, assorted sizes); 3 tsp fresh herbs (chopped; e.g., basil, thyme, chives, Italian oregano, sage); 1 egg (beaten with 1 tbsp water, for egg wash); Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper (to taste)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 34 reviews

If you’re searching for a stunning, flavorful dish that brings the sunshine of summer right to your table, look no further than this vibrant Heirloom Tomato Galette with Mascarpone and Herbs Recipe. It’s a rustic yet elegant tart that balances the fresh sweetness of ripe heirloom tomatoes with the creamy richness of mascarpone cheese, all wrapped in a flaky, herbed crust. Whether you’re hosting a casual brunch or want to impress guests with minimal fuss, this galette combines simple ingredients into a melt-in-your-mouth experience that is as beautiful as it is delicious.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows several small clear glass bowls arranged on a white marbled surface. Starting from left to right, there is a small bowl of chopped green herbs, a small bowl of salt, a medium bowl of halved colorful cherry tomatoes including red, yellow, and dark purple, a medium bowl of beaten eggs with a bright yellow color, a small bowl of salt, a small bowl of red pepper flakes, and a small bowl of ground black pepper. On the right side, there is a white plate with three slices of red tomato and three slices of yellow tomato stacked together. Above the plate is a round piece of white cheese in silver foil, and next to it is a long, cylindrical wrapped item in clear plastic. On the far right, a medium bowl of shredded yellow cheese is positioned. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this recipe is thoughtfully chosen to create layers of texture and depth of flavor. From the buttery, herb-infused crust to the luscious mascarpone filling and the jewel-like heirloom tomatoes, every component plays a crucial role.

All-purpose flour (1 ½ cup): The foundation for a tender, flaky crust that holds everything together perfectly.

Dried Italian herb blend (1 tbsp): Infuses the dough with a fragrant mix of herbs, adding complexity throughout.
Salted butter (½ cup): Provides richness and flakiness to the crust, best when cold and cut in carefully.
Ice-cold water (5 tbsp): Brings the dough together without warming the butter, crucial for flakiness.

Mascarpone (6 oz): Creates the creamy, tangy filling that beautifully complements the tomatoes; cream cheese can be a substitute if needed.
Fresh garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds a subtle punch that brightens the mascarpone filling.
Lemon zest (1 tsp): Lifts the flavors with its fresh citrus aroma.

Salt and pepper (¼ teaspoon each): Essential seasonings that balance sweetness and enhance all the ingredients.
Egg (2, beaten): One for binding the filling and one mixed with water to create a glossy egg wash for the crust.
Heirloom tomatoes (1-2 lbs): The star ingredient—sliced in assorted sizes to create a colorful and flavorful filling.

Fresh herbs (3 tsp, chopped): Basil, thyme, chives, Italian oregano, and sage add fresh, aromatic notes to the tomatoes.
Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper: To finish and season the dish perfectly.

How to Make Heirloom Tomato Galette with Mascarpone and Herbs Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Herb Galette Crust

Start by combining the all-purpose flour and dried Italian herb blend in a large mixing bowl or food processor. The herbs in the dough provide subtle but irresistible flavor that makes this galette distinctively delicious.

Step 2: Cut in the Butter

Cut the chilled salted butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This ensures the crust will be flaky and rich, giving you that perfect texture every time.

Step 3: Mix in the Water

Gradually add the ice-cold water to the flour and butter mixture, mixing gently just until the dough begins to come together. Overworking the dough can make it tough, so be gentle and patient.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Shape the dough into a 6-inch disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill it for at least 2 hours or up to 2 days. This chilling step relaxes the gluten and keeps the butter cold, crucial for a flaky crust.

Step 5: Prepare the Mascarpone Filling and Tomatoes

While the dough chills, mix the softened mascarpone with lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and one beaten egg in a bowl to create a creamy, zesty filling that pairs fantastically with the sweet tomatoes.

Step 6: Roll Out the Dough

Once chilled, roll out the dough on a floured surface or parchment paper into a 13-inch circle, making the edges a little thinner to fold over the filling later.

Step 7: Assemble the Galette

Spread the mascarpone filling in a circle on the dough, leaving about 1 to 2 inches at the edge free. Arrange sliced heirloom tomatoes over the filling, overlapping and filling any gaps to showcase the natural beauty and color of each tomato slice.

Step 8: Add Herbs and Seasoning

Sprinkle your fresh chopped herbs over the tomatoes, then season everything with a generous pinch of sea salt and freshly cracked pepper to bring all the flavors together.

Step 9: Fold and Egg Wash

Fold the dough edges over the tomatoes, pleating as needed to create a rustic border. Brush the crust edge with the egg beaten with water for a golden, shiny finish once baked.

Step 10: Chill Before Baking

Place the galette on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then chill it in the freezer for 10 minutes while preheating your oven to 400°F. This helps the crust hold its shape during baking.

Step 11: Bake and Serve

Bake the galette at 400°F for about 40 minutes, or until the crust is golden and sounds hollow when tapped. Let it cool slightly before slicing, then serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

How to Serve Heirloom Tomato Galette with Mascarpone and Herbs Recipe

This image shows a rustic galette on parchment paper over a white marbled surface. The galette has one thick, golden brown, flaky crust layer folded over the edges, creating a thick border. Inside, the first visible layer is a light creamy cheese spread, topped by thin slices of red tomatoes arranged close together. Scattered on top are large, fresh, dark green basil leaves and flecks of herbs, adding texture and color contrast. Two triangular slices are cut from the galette, positioned to show the layers inside. Around the galette on the parchment are a few green herb sprigs for decoration. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Heirloom Tomato Galette with Mascarpone and Herbs Recipe, garnish with fresh microgreens or tiny basil leaves for a vibrant pop of green. A drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil right before serving adds a luscious finish.

Side Dishes

This galette pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or a light soup, like chilled cucumber or gazpacho, making it a delightful meal for warm days or elegant luncheons.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the galette into wedges and serve on rustic wooden boards or individual plates scattered with extra herbs. For a crowd, consider making mini galettes in muffin tins for adorable handheld bites that maintain all the deliciousness of the classic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover any leftover galette with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy its fresh flavors with minimal effort the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze the galette before baking by assembling it on a parchment-lined tray, wrapping it tightly, and placing it in the freezer. When ready, bake from frozen adding a few extra minutes to the baking time for a fresh-from-the-oven taste anytime.

Reheating

Reheat slices gently in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave to keep the crust flaky and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use regular cream cheese instead of mascarpone in this Heirloom Tomato Galette with Mascarpone and Herbs Recipe?

Yes, cream cheese is a great substitute if mascarpone is not available. Just make sure it’s softened to blend smoothly with the other ingredients to maintain the creamy texture.

What herbs work best in this recipe?

The recipe shines with Italian herbs like basil, thyme, oregano, sage, and chives, but feel free to experiment with fresher options you love. They should complement the sweetness of the heirloom tomatoes without overpowering them.

Is it necessary to chill the dough for 2 hours?

Chilling the dough is important to relax the gluten and keep the butter cold, which both contribute to a flaky crust. While 2 hours is ideal, chilling it for at least 30 minutes will still give good results.

Can I make individual galettes instead of one large one?

Absolutely! Mini galettes are a fantastic way to serve this dish for parties or appetizers. Use smaller rounds of dough and adjust the baking time accordingly for perfectly baked mini treats.

How ripe should the heirloom tomatoes be?

Choose ripe but firm heirloom tomatoes to ensure they hold their shape and don't release too much juice during baking, which could overly soften the crust.

Final Thoughts

I encourage you to try this Heirloom Tomato Galette with Mascarpone and Herbs Recipe — it’s truly a celebration of fresh ingredients and simple techniques that deliver incredible flavor. Once you experience the buttery crust paired with sweet, aromatic tomatoes and creamy mascarpone, this dish will quickly become a favorite go-to for gatherings or a special treat anytime. Happy baking and savor every bite!

Heirloom Tomato Galette with Mascarpone and Herbs Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need