This Ricotta, Ham, and Scallion Tart is a deliciously savory dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for brunch or a light meal. Made with a crispy pizza dough crust, creamy ricotta filling, and flavorful ham and scallions, it’s a great way to enjoy a quick yet elegant tart.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 (13.8-ounce) tube refrigerated pizza crust dough
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 large egg
• 2 to 3 bunches scallions
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill or tarragon
• Freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 5 ounces deli-sliced ham, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

Directions

1. Preheat & Prepare: Preheat the oven to 425°F and place a baking sheet on the top rack. Grease a 9-inch fluted tart pan with 1 tablespoon butter. Press the pizza dough into the pan, trimming any excess.
2. Make the Filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together ricotta, heavy cream, and egg. Mince 2 tablespoons of scallion tops and add them to the mixture along with parsley, dill, and a pinch of pepper.
3. Cook the Scallions & Ham: Slice the remaining scallions into small pieces. Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over high heat. Add scallions and 2 tablespoons of water, cooking until tender (about 3 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in ham.
4. Assemble the Tart: Spread most of the scallion-ham mixture onto the crust. Pour in the ricotta mixture, then scatter the remaining scallions and ham on top.
5. Bake & Serve: Bake on the preheated baking sheet for 20 minutes or until the crust is golden and the filling is set. Let the tart rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrients (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: 280
• Total Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Protein: 12g
• Sodium: 450mg

Why You’ll Love This Ricotta, Ham, and Scallion Tart

This tart isn’t just delicious—it’s also an excellent choice for a variety of occasions. Here’s why you should try it:

• Quick and Easy: Thanks to store-bought pizza dough, there’s no need for rolling out homemade pastry, making preparation a breeze.
• Perfect for Brunch or Light Meals: The creamy, savory filling makes this dish ideal for brunches, lunches, or even an appetizer for dinner parties.
• Great for Entertaining: It looks beautiful when served and can be made ahead of time, making it stress-free for hosts.
• A Balanced Flavor Profile: The combination of mild ricotta, smoky ham, fresh scallions, and aromatic herbs creates a harmonious and satisfying bite.
• Customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe by swapping ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

The Magic of Ricotta in Savory Tarts

Ricotta cheese is often associated with Italian desserts, but it also shines in savory dishes like this tart. Its mild, slightly sweet flavor and smooth texture create a perfect base for a light yet creamy filling. When combined with heavy cream and eggs, ricotta becomes rich and custardy, making the tart decadent without being too heavy.

Unlike other cheeses, ricotta doesn’t melt the way mozzarella or cheddar does. Instead, it retains a soft, fluffy texture, which contrasts beautifully with the crispy crust and slightly caramelized scallions on top. This balance of textures is what makes the tart so satisfying and delicious.

Ham and Scallions: A Perfect Pairing

The addition of ham and scallions elevates the tart with layers of flavor:

• Ham adds a savory, slightly smoky richness, giving the dish more depth. The saltiness of the ham pairs beautifully with the creamy ricotta, ensuring every bite is well-seasoned.
• Scallions bring freshness and a mild onion flavor, balancing the richness of the cheese and ham. Cooking them lightly softens their sharpness while enhancing their natural sweetness.

Together, these ingredients create a well-balanced dish that is both light and satisfying, making it ideal for any meal of the day.

How to Achieve the Perfect Crust

One of the key elements of a great tart is its crust. While traditional tarts often use buttery pastry dough, this recipe opts for a pizza dough crust, which is both convenient and delicious.

To ensure the crust turns out crispy and golden, follow these tips:

• Pre-bake the crust slightly if needed – If you prefer an extra-crispy base, you can partially bake the crust before adding the filling. Simply place it in the oven for 5–7 minutes before assembling the tart.
• Use a tart pan with a removable bottom – This helps the tart bake evenly and makes it easier to remove for serving.
• Press the dough firmly into the pan – This prevents the crust from puffing up too much during baking.

Customization Ideas for the Ricotta, Ham, and Scallion Tart

One of the best things about this tart is how versatile it is. Here are a few ways to make it your own:

1. Swap the Protein

• Bacon or Pancetta – If you want a crispier, more intense flavor, swap the ham for crispy bacon or pancetta.
• Smoked Salmon – For a more sophisticated brunch dish, replace ham with smoked salmon and add a touch of lemon zest to the ricotta mixture.
• Vegetarian Option – Skip the ham and add sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes for a vegetarian version.

2. Experiment with Different Cheeses

• Goat Cheese – Adds a tangy, creamy contrast to the mild ricotta.
• Parmesan or Gruyère – Sprinkling a small amount on top before baking will add a nutty, umami depth of flavor.
• Feta Cheese – For a Mediterranean twist, use crumbled feta instead of ham and add olives.

3. Add More Herbs and Spices

• Thyme, rosemary, or basil can enhance the flavor.
• A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a gentle heat.
• A drizzle of truffle oil after baking gives it a gourmet touch.

Serving Suggestions

This tart is versatile enough to be served in different ways depending on the occasion:

• As a Brunch Dish: Serve it alongside a fresh fruit salad and mimosas for a delightful morning meal.
• With a Side Salad for Lunch: Pair it with a simple green salad with vinaigrette to keep the meal light yet satisfying.
• As an Appetizer: Cut the tart into small squares or wedges and serve it on a platter with a variety of cheeses and olives.

Since the tart tastes great warm or at room temperature, it’s also a great option for picnics or potlucks.

How to Store and Reheat the Tart

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and enjoy them later:

• Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm slices in a 350°F oven for 5–10 minutes to keep the crust crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the crust soggy.
• Freeze: You can freeze the baked tart for up to 1 month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then reheat in the oven before serving.

Conclusion: A Simple Yet Elegant Dish for Any Occasion

The Ricotta, Ham, and Scallion Tart is a wonderfully simple yet refined dish that brings together savory flavors, a creamy filling, and a crispy crust. Whether you’re serving it for brunch, lunch, or as a light dinner, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

What makes this tart truly special is its ease of preparation combined with an impressive presentation. Using store-bought pizza dough saves time without compromising on taste, while the ricotta, ham, and scallions provide a rich and flavorful filling. Plus, with so many customization options, you can adapt this tart to suit any occasion or dietary preference.