A bread tart is a delightful culinary creation that marries the comforting essence of bread with the rich, flavorful profile of a savory tart. It boasts a crispy, golden bread crust that encases a mouthwatering medley of ingredients, making it a versatile dish suitable for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or a light dinner. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the process of crafting a savory bread tart that’s not only delicious but also visually appealing, perfect for impressing your family and guests.
INGREDIENTS
For the Bread Tart Crust:
- 6-8 slices of day-old French bread or baguette
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or Gruyère)
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or chives) for garnish (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the oven rack in the center position.
- Prepare the Bread Crust: Take the slices of day-old French bread or baguette and brush both sides with the melted unsalted butter. Arrange the slices in a circular or rectangular pattern in a tart pan or a baking dish, pressing them down to form a solid crust. Make sure to cover the entire base and create a slight lip along the edge.
- Season the Crust: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the bread crust. Next, season the crust with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to taste. The Parmesan cheese adds a savory depth of flavor to the crust.
- Bake the Crust: Place the prepared bread crust in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until it turns golden brown and crisp. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-browning. Once done, remove the crust from the oven and set it aside.
- Prepare the Filling: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the diced red and yellow bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, and minced garlic. Cook the mixture for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables become tender and any liquid from the mushrooms evaporates. If using ham, add it to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Layer the Filling: Spread the cooked vegetable and ham mixture evenly over the pre-baked bread crust. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and whole milk or heavy cream until well combined. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the filling in the tart crust.
- Bake the Tart: Return the assembled tart to the oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is lightly golden brown.
- Cool and Garnish: Once the bread tart is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. If desired, garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme, or chives for an added burst of flavor and visual appeal.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice your savory bread tart into wedges or squares and serve it warm. This dish is perfect for any time of day and pairs wonderfully with a crisp salad or a side of fresh fruit.
This savory bread tart is a delightful creation that combines the rustic charm of a bread crust with the savory richness of a tart filling. Whether enjoyed as a brunch centerpiece or a satisfying dinner, it offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will have your taste buds dancing. So, embrace the art of bread tarts, and savor the joy of creating and indulging in this versatile and delicious dish.
