A rustic, free-form pastry filled with ripe heirloom tomatoes, fresh herb pesto, and creamy cheese—baked to golden perfection for a vibrant, savory treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bursting with summertime color and flavor, this galette celebrates seasonal tomatoes and aromatic herbs. Its flaky crust and silky cheese make for an effortless yet visually stunning dish ideal for brunch, lunch, or light dinner.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Ice water
Salt
Heirloom tomatoes, thinly sliced
Cheese (such as mozzarella, goat cheese, or ricotta)
Fresh herb pesto (basil, parsley, or arugula-based)
Egg wash (egg beaten with water)
Olive oil
Salt and ground black pepper
Optional: fresh herbs to finish

directions

Prepare crust: In a food processor or bowl, cut cold butter into flour and salt until pea-sized crumbs form. Add ice water, mix until dough just comes together. Flatten into a disk, wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 400 °F (200 °C).
Roll out dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into a 12‑inch circle. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Assemble base: Spread a thin layer of cheese over the dough, leaving a 2‑inch border.
Layer tomatoes: Arrange heirloom tomato slices in overlapping concentric rings over the cheese. Season generously with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Fold edges: Gently fold the dough edges over the tomato filling, pleating as necessary. Brush the edges with egg wash.
Bake for 30–35 minutes until the crust is golden and the tomatoes are tender.
Finish & serve: Dollop spoonfuls of herb pesto over the hot galette. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

Yield: 6–8 servings
Prep time: 20 minutes (plus 30 minutes chilling)
Bake time: 30–35 minutes
Total time: Approximately 1 hour 25 minutes

Variations

Cheese options: Use feta, burrata, or shaved Parmesan for different flavor profiles.
Add-ins: Scatter olives, caramelized onions, or prosciutto over the tomatoes before baking.
Gluten-free crust: Use a pre-made or homemade gluten-free pastry crust.
Spice it up: Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on tomatoes before baking for heat.

storage/reheating

Room temperature: Store on the counter for up to 4 hours.
Refrigeration: Cover and refrigerate slices for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Warm in a 350 °F oven for 8–10 minutes to re-crisp the crust.

FAQs

Can I use regular tomatoes instead of heirlooms?

Yes—ripe beefsteak or vine-ripened tomatoes work well, though heirlooms offer more color variety.

How do I prevent a soggy crust?

Pat tomato slices dry before layering and ensure a cheese barrier is present. Bake until crust is fully golden.

Can the pesto be substituted?

Absolutely—drizzle with olive tapenade, basil oil, or a balsamic reduction for different flavor profiles.

Can I freeze the galette?

Yes—freeze unbaked, assembled galette for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

Is it vegetarian?

Yes—this recipe is naturally vegetarian. For vegan, omit cheese or use plant-based alternatives.

Can I make the crust ahead of time?

Yes—prepare and refrigerate the dough up to 2 days ahead or freeze for up to a month.

How do I transport it for picnics?

Bake fully, cool completely, then wrap loosely in parchment paper and foil to maintain crispness and ease transport.

Can I make mini galettes?

Yes—portion dough into smaller rounds (6–8 inches) for individual servings, adjusting bake time to 25–30 minutes.

What herbs work best in pesto?

Basil is classic, but parsley, tarragon, or arugula create lovely variations.

Can I serve this hot?

Yes—it’s delightful both warm or at room temperature.

Conclusion

The Heirloom Tomato Galette with Herb Pesto brings together rustic charm, fresh produce, and savory richness for a crowd-pleasing dish. Effortless to prepare, visually striking, and endlessly customizable, it’s a perfect way to showcase summer’s best flavors—enjoy every savory, flaky bite!