A flaky golden tart crust filled with a creamy cheese custard and topped with perfectly caramelized sausage slices—this dish is the ultimate comfort bake for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. Rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, it’s a rustic yet elegant offering for any mealtime.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This savory tart combines the buttery crispness of pastry with the richness of a cheesy egg custard and the bold flavor of caramelized sausage. It’s simple to prepare yet has a gourmet flair that makes it ideal for entertaining or a cozy family meal. Versatile and hearty, it pairs wonderfully with salads, soups, or can be served on its own.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- sheet of puff pastry or shortcrust pastry
- large eggs
- heavy cream
- shredded cheddar cheese
- cooked sausage, sliced and browned
- olive oil
- smoked paprika
- garlic powder
- fresh thyme leaves (plus extra for garnish)
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the pastry and press it into a tart pan, trimming the edges. Prick the base with a fork.
- Blind bake the crust for 10 minutes using parchment paper and baking weights, then remove and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and add sausage slices. Cook until caramelized and slightly crispy. Set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, cream, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in shredded cheddar and fresh thyme.
- Pour the filling into the pre-baked crust. Arrange caramelized sausage slices evenly over the top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown.
- Let it cool slightly before garnishing with extra thyme and slicing.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Cheese Options: Try Swiss, Gruyère, or mozzarella for different textures and flavors.
- Vegetable Addition: Add sautéed onions, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra depth.
- Spicy Kick: Use spicy sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes to the custard mix.
- Mini Tarts: Use a muffin tin to create individual tartlets for parties or lunchboxes.
- Herb Substitutions: Use rosemary, sage, or parsley in place of thyme for variety.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, place slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving to preserve the tart’s crisp texture.
FAQs
Can I make this tart ahead of time?
Yes, the tart can be prepared a day in advance and reheated in the oven before serving.
Can I use a homemade pastry crust?
Absolutely. A homemade shortcrust or savory tart crust will work beautifully in this recipe.
What type of sausage works best?
Fully cooked, firm sausages like Italian, smoked, or bratwurst are ideal for caramelizing and slicing.
Can I freeze the tart?
Yes, cool it completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven from frozen or thaw overnight.
How do I know when the custard is set?
The center should no longer jiggle, and a knife inserted should come out mostly clean.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Whole milk can be used, but the tart will be slightly less rich and creamy.
Is this dish suitable for brunch gatherings?
Yes, it’s a great make-ahead dish and can be served warm or at room temperature, making it ideal for brunch.
How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Blind baking the crust and cooling it before adding the filling helps prevent sogginess.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, omit the sausage and add sautéed vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or leeks.
What should I serve with this tart?
A light green salad, roasted vegetables, or a bowl of soup makes an excellent accompaniment.
Conclusion
The Caramelized Sausage & Cheese Savory Tart is a rich, hearty dish that blends robust flavors with a comforting, home-baked appeal. Perfect for any meal of the day, it’s a reliable and versatile recipe to keep in your culinary rotation. Whether for a family dinner or a weekend brunch, this tart delivers delicious results every time.
Print
Caramelized Sausage & Cheese Savory Tart
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 1 tart (6–8 slices) 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
- Diet: Halal
Description
A savory tart with a flaky crust, rich cheese custard, and caramelized sausage slices—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet of puff pastry or shortcrust pastry
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked sausage, sliced and browned
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the pastry and press it into a tart pan, trimming the edges. Prick the base with a fork.
- Blind bake the crust for 10 minutes using parchment paper and baking weights, then remove and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and add sausage slices. Cook until caramelized and slightly crispy. Set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, cream, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in shredded cheddar and fresh thyme.
- Pour the filling into the pre-baked crust. Arrange caramelized sausage slices evenly over the top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown.
- Let it cool slightly before garnishing with extra thyme and slicing.
Notes
- You can substitute cheddar with gruyère or mozzarella for a different flavor.
- Use spicy sausage for an extra kick.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
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