Provençal Tart is a beautiful French savory tart inspired by the vibrant flavors of Provence. Made with a flaky buttery pastry, ripe tomatoes, zucchini, bell peppers, onions, creamy goat cheese, and aromatic Herbes de Provence, this Mediterranean favorite is both elegant and rustic. Finished with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and fresh basil, it's perfect for brunch, lunch, dinner, or entertaining guests.

Whether served warm or at room temperature, Provençal Tart captures the essence of southern France with every bite. Pair it with a crisp green salad or a bowl of soup for a complete and satisfying meal.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Flaky, buttery crust
  • Fresh Mediterranean vegetables
  • Creamy goat cheese
  • Fragrant Provençal herbs
  • Perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner
  • Beautiful presentation
  • Great served warm or cold
  • Easy to customize with seasonal vegetables

What is Provençal Tart?

Provençal Tart is a savory French tart featuring seasonal vegetables layered over a crisp pastry crust with cheese and herbs. Inspired by the cuisine of Provence, it highlights ingredients such as tomatoes, zucchini, garlic, olive oil, basil, thyme, and goat cheese.

Traditional Provençal flavors include:

  • Tomatoes
  • Zucchini
  • Bell peppers
  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Goat cheese
  • Olive oil
  • Herbes de Provence
  • Fresh basil
  • Thyme

The tart is baked until the vegetables are tender and lightly caramelized, while the pastry becomes crisp and golden.

Ingredients

For the Pastry

  • 1 sheet (about 250 g / 9 oz) ready-made puff pastry or shortcrust pastry, thawed if frozen
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

For the Filling

  • 2 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced
  • 1 small zucchini, thinly sliced
  • 1 small yellow squash, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 150 g (5 oz) soft goat cheese, crumbled
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Herbes de Provence
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Garnish

  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Fresh thyme sprigs
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Balsamic glaze (optional)
  • Cracked black pepper

Kitchen Equipment

  • 9-inch tart pan or baking sheet
  • Rolling pin (if needed)
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Pastry brush
  • Baking paper

Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
  • Total Time: 60 minutes

Serves: 6

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).

Roll out the pastry if needed and place it into a tart pan or onto a parchment-lined baking tray.

Fold or crimp the edges to create a raised border.

Prick the base with a fork to help prevent puffing during baking.

Brush the edges with the beaten egg for a golden finish.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

Slice the tomatoes, zucchini, squash (if using), bell pepper, and onion into thin, even slices.

Pat the tomato slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps keep the pastry crisp.

Step 3: Assemble the Tart

Sprinkle half of the Parmesan cheese over the pastry base.

Arrange the vegetables in overlapping rows or concentric circles for an attractive presentation.

Scatter the minced garlic and crumbled goat cheese evenly over the vegetables.

Drizzle with the olive oil.

Sprinkle with:

  • Remaining Parmesan cheese
  • Herbes de Provence
  • Thyme
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Step 4: Bake

Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until:

  • The pastry is puffed and golden brown.
  • The vegetables are tender.
  • The cheese is lightly browned.

If the edges brown too quickly, loosely cover them with foil during the final 10 minutes.

Step 5: Rest

Allow the tart to cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing.

This helps the filling settle and makes serving easier.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top with:

  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Thyme sprigs
  • A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
  • Balsamic glaze (optional)
  • Freshly cracked black pepper

Serve warm or at room temperature.

Flavor Profile

This Provençal Tart offers:

  • Flaky, buttery pastry
  • Sweet roasted tomatoes
  • Tender zucchini and peppers
  • Creamy tangy goat cheese
  • Nutty Parmesan
  • Aromatic Mediterranean herbs
  • Fresh basil finish
  • Rich olive oil flavor

Best Side Dishes

Serve Provençal Tart with:

  • Mixed green salad
  • Caesar salad
  • Provençal vegetable soup
  • Tomato basil soup
  • Roasted asparagus
  • Steamed green beans
  • Garlic-roasted potatoes
  • Fresh fruit salad
  • Crusty French bread
  • Lemon vinaigrette salad

Tips for Perfect Provençal Tart

Use Fresh, Seasonal Vegetables

The better the vegetables, the better the tart. Summer tomatoes and zucchini provide the sweetest flavor.

Remove Excess Moisture

Pat tomatoes dry before assembling to prevent a soggy crust.

Don't Overload the Tart

Arrange the vegetables in a single layer so they cook evenly and the pastry remains crisp.

Bake Until Deep Golden

A well-browned pastry adds flavor and ensures a crisp texture.

Garnish After Baking

Fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil added just before serving brighten the finished tart.

Delicious Variations

Mediterranean Provençal Tart

Add sliced olives, artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, and crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist.

Mushroom Provençal Tart

Sauté sliced mushrooms before adding them to the tart for an earthy depth of flavor.

Spinach and Goat Cheese Tart

Layer fresh spinach beneath the vegetables for extra color and nutrition.

Seafood Provençal Tart

Top the baked tart with grilled shrimp or smoked salmon before serving.

Vegan Provençal Tart

Use a plant-based pastry and vegan cheese alternatives to create a dairy-free version.

Storage

Store leftover tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

For the best texture, keep the tart uncovered until completely cool before refrigerating.

Reheating

Reheat in a 180°C (350°F) oven for 8–10 minutes to restore the pastry's crispness.

Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can soften the crust.

Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)

  • Calories: 360
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 430 mg

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade pastry?

Yes. Homemade shortcrust or puff pastry works wonderfully and allows you to customize the flavor and texture.

What cheese can I use instead of goat cheese?

Feta, ricotta, mozzarella, Gruyère, or even cream cheese are excellent alternatives.

Can I prepare the tart ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the tart a few hours in advance and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake.

Can I freeze Provençal Tart?

Yes. Bake the tart, let it cool completely, wrap it well, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.

What is the best way to keep the crust crisp?

Pat the tomatoes dry, avoid overcrowding the vegetables, and sprinkle a thin layer of Parmesan on the pastry before adding the filling to help create a moisture barrier.

Final Thoughts

Provençal Tart is a rustic French classic that showcases the fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, creamy goat cheese, and flaky pastry that define the cuisine of Provence. Elegant enough for entertaining yet simple enough for everyday meals, this colorful tart delivers vibrant Mediterranean flavors in every slice. Serve it with a crisp salad or a bowl of soup for a delicious and memorable meal that brings the charm of southern France to your table.