This tart is a delightful mix of ham and broccoli, all wrapped in a flaky crust. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner and is sure to please both kids and adults!
I love how quick and easy it is to whip this up. Just layer the yummy filling, pop it in the oven, and voilà—dinner is served! You can even enjoy it cold the next day. 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tart Shell: A pre-made tart shell saves time and effort. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your own with flour, butter, and water. Just roll it out and blind-bake it for a flaky base!
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli gives the best flavor and texture. If you don’t have it, you can use frozen broccoli—just thaw and drain it well first. Other veggies like spinach or bell peppers can work too!
Ham: Diced cooked ham adds heartiness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, cooked chicken or turkey works too. For a vegetarian twist, remove the meat entirely and add more veggies.
Cream: Heavy cream creates a rich filling, but you can substitute it with whole milk or half-and-half for a lighter version. You could even use a dairy-free alternative like almond or coconut milk, but keep in mind it’ll change the flavor.
Cheese: I love using Swiss for its nutty flavor, but feel free to swap it for cheddar or any cheese you like. Feta or goat cheese can add a unique taste as well!
How Do You Get the Perfect Texture in This Tart?
Getting the right texture for your savory tart is key! Here’s how to achieve that perfect balance of flaky crust and creamy filling:
- Pre-bake the tart shell: This gives it a head start and keeps it from becoming soggy once you add the filling. Just 8 minutes will do it!
- Don’t overcook the broccoli: Sauté until just tender to ensure it retains some crunch and flavor.
- Mix the egg and cream well: Whisking them together ensures the filling is smooth and evenly cooked.
- Check the bake time: Keep an eye on it as it finishes baking; the filling should be set, but not overcooked. A golden top means it’s done!
Let the tart rest a bit before slicing. This helps everything set and makes serving easier.
Savory Tart with Ham and Broccoli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tart:
- 1 pre-made tart shell (9 to 10 inches)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small head broccoli, cut into small florets (about 1 ½ cups)
- 1 cup diced cooked ham
For the Filling:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Swiss, cheddar, or gruyère works well)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
For Garnish:
- Fresh herbs like parsley or chives (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 40 minutes to cook. You’ll spend about 8 minutes pre-baking the crust, followed by some simple assembling and baking, making it a quick and rewarding dish to create for lunch or dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Pre-baking the Crust:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the tart shell on a baking sheet and bake it for about 8 minutes, just until it’s lightly golden. This step helps keep the crust crispy later. Once done, take it out and set it aside to cool slightly.
2. Cooking the Broccoli:
Next, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the broccoli florets and sauté them for about 4-5 minutes. You want them to turn bright green and become a little tender but still have some bite. After cooking, take them off the heat and set them aside.
3. Whisking the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them together with the heavy cream (or half-and-half), Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Make sure everything is well combined to achieve that smoothness you want in your filling.
4. Assembling the Tart:
Spread the sautéed broccoli evenly over the pre-baked tart shell. Next, sprinkle the diced ham over the top, making sure it’s distributed nicely. Finally, carefully pour the egg mixture over the broccoli and ham, and then sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top—this is where the cheesy goodness comes in!
5. Baking the Tart:
Now, place the tart in the preheated oven and bake it for 30 to 35 minutes. It’s done when the filling is set and the top is golden brown. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
6. Cooling and Serving:
Once out of the oven, allow the tart to cool for about 5-10 minutes before slicing. This cooling time helps everything settle and makes it easier to cut. If you’d like, garnish with some fresh herbs right before serving.
7. Enjoying Your Tart:
Serve your savory ham and broccoli tart warm or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with a light salad or soup and makes for tasty leftovers that can be enjoyed cold or reheated!
This dish is perfect for a family meal or a special gathering. Enjoy every bite! 😊
Can I Use a Homemade Tart Shell?
Absolutely! A homemade tart shell can add a delightful touch to your dish. Just roll out your dough, fit it into the tart pan, and blind-bake it until lightly golden before adding the filling.
What Can I Substitute for the Ham?
If ham isn’t your thing, you can easily substitute it with diced cooked chicken or turkey. For a vegetarian option, leave out the meat and add extra veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms instead!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover tart in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through—great for that next-day lunch!
Can I Use Other Vegetables?
Yes, you can switch up the broccoli with other vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or asparagus. Just make sure to sauté them first to remove excess moisture and bring out their flavors!