This tasty savory tart is packed with ham and fresh broccoli, all nestled in a flaky crust. It’s great for a cozy lunch or a fun dinner!
Making this tart is super fun, especially when you see it puff up in the oven. I usually serve it warm with a side salad—perfect for impressing family and friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shortcrust Pastry: This is the base for your tart. You can use store-bought pastry for convenience. If you’re feeling adventurous, try making your own with flour, butter, and water!
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli gives the tart a lovely color and crunch. If you don’t have it, you can use frozen broccoli; just make sure to thaw and drain well before using.
Ham: Diced cooked ham adds a savory touch. If you’re vegetarian, consider substituting with cooked mushrooms or extra cheese for flavor.
Cheese: I recommend Gruyère for its melty goodness, but Swiss or cheddar works well too. You can mix and match according to your taste or what you have on hand!
How Do You Blind Bake Pastry?
Blind baking is essential for ensuring your tart crust cooks fully without becoming soggy once the filling is added. Here’s how to do it:
- After rolling out your pastry, place it in the tart pan and trim the edges. Use a fork to prick holes in the base—this prevents bubbles.
- Line the pastry with parchment paper, then fill with pie weights or beans. This will keep the crust from puffing up.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove the weights and parchment before adding your filling.
Taking the time to blind bake gives you a perfectly crispy base, essential for the delicious filling you’ll add!
How to Make a Delicious Savory Tart with Ham and Broccoli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Tart:
- 1 sheet shortcrust pastry (about 9-inch tart pan size)
For The Filling:
- 1 cup fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
- 1 cup shredded cheese (such as Gruyère, Swiss, or cheddar)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme leaves (optional), for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This savory tart takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 45 minutes to bake. It’s quick to prepare and makes for a lovely meal or snack. Don’t forget to let it cool for a few minutes before slicing!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Oven and Pastry:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Next, roll out the shortcrust pastry and line a 9-inch tart pan with it. Make sure to trim the edges neatly. Use a fork to prick holes in the base to prevent bubbling during baking.
2. Blind Baking the Crust:
To blind bake the pastry crust, place a sheet of parchment paper inside and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake it for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. This helps keep the crust crispy when you add the filling.
3. Cooking the Broccoli and Onion:
While the crust is baking, steam or blanch the broccoli florets for about 3-4 minutes until they’re tender but still bright green. Drain and set them aside. Then, in a skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until it’s translucent and fragrant—this will take about 4-5 minutes. Once done, remove from heat.
4. Mixing the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream (or milk), salt, and pepper until everything is nicely combined.
5. Assembling the Tart:
Start by sprinkling half of the shredded cheese evenly over the bottom of the partially baked tart shell. Next, spread the sautéed onions, broccoli florets, and diced ham over this cheese layer. Finally, pour the egg mixture over the filling, just enough to cover everything, then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
6. Baking the Tart:
Place the tart back in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is a beautiful golden brown. It should smell delicious by now!
7. Cooling and Serving:
Let the tart cool slightly before slicing it into wedges. If you’d like, garnish with fresh thyme leaves for a lovely presentation. Serve it warm or at room temperature, and it pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad.
Enjoy your hearty and delicious savory tart with ham and broccoli! It’s sure to be a hit at your table.
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli! Just make sure to fully thaw and drain it before adding it to the tart to prevent excess moisture from ruining the crust.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! While Gruyère, Swiss, or cheddar are great options, feel free to use any cheese you prefer or have on hand, like feta or mozzarella, for a different flavor profile.
What Should I Serve with This Tart?
This savory tart pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad, pickled vegetables, or even roasted potatoes for a heartier meal. Enjoy experimenting with sides that complement the flavors!
