If you love tomatoes and adore playful, flavorful appetizers, the Heirloom Tomato Flight is about to become your new favorite obsession! Imagine thick slices of peak-season heirloom tomatoes, each one crowned with an array of irresistible toppings — it’s a celebration of color, texture, and taste, all in just a few easy steps.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Stunning Presentation: The Heirloom Tomato Flight looks as gorgeous as it tastes, making it ideal for dinner parties or a special summer lunch.
- Burst of Fresh Flavors: Each “flight” features a unique combination of creamy, spicy, savory, and sweet — it’s a little tour of irresistible tastes in every bite.
- Quick & Easy: You’ll pull this entire platter together in about 10 minutes, with minimal effort and maximum flavor payoff.
- Completely Customizable: Mix and match toppings according to what’s on hand (or your latest cravings!), for a fresh new experience every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about how a handful of vibrant, carefully chosen ingredients can make the Heirloom Tomato Flight shine. Each component brings something essential: juicy tomatoes, creamy cheeses, zippy oils, and crunchy nuts—all combining for unforgettable, snackable slices.
- Heirloom tomato: Look for a big, ripe tomato—rainbow colors and unique shapes welcome! Their natural sweetness and acidity are the star of the whole dish.
- Flaky salt: A generous sprinkle lifts the tomato flavor and adds a delicate crunch to every bite.
- Basil pesto (Flight 1): A spoonful brings herbaceous depth and vibrant green color (store-bought or homemade both shine here).
- Cottage cheese or ricotta (Flight 1): Creamy, mild cheese adds lusciousness—choose whichever you love or have on hand.
- Hot pepper oil (Flight 1): A spicy drizzle wakes up all the senses, but feel free to go as mild or wild as you like.
- Coppa or prosciutto (Flight 2): Thin, salty slices of Italian cured meat add savory, rich contrast to the tomato’s freshness.
- Fior di latte cheese or any mozzarella (Flight 2): A milky, delicate cheese that melts in your mouth and pairs perfectly with tomatoes.
- Crushed pistachios or walnuts (Flight 2): For a crave-worthy crunch and nutty finish (go with whatever you have or love).
- Hot honey (Flight 2): A sweet-meets-spicy drizzle turns every bite into something seriously addictive.
- Baked feta egg salad or any egg salad (Flight 3): Creamy, tangy, and smoky if you use baked feta—absolute comfort on a tomato slice.
Variations
The Heirloom Tomato Flight is endlessly adaptable—think of these flights as a delicious jumping-off point. Feel free to swap, add, or skip toppings depending on what’s in your fridge, your garden, or your imagination!
- Go Plant-Based: Skip the meats and choose vegan pesto, plant-based cheeses, or a super herby hummus for a bright, satisfying vegetarian (or vegan) version.
- Explore World Flavors: Try adding a swipe of za’atar yogurt, a crumble of chèvre, or even a dash of Japanese furikake for an international twist on your tomato flight.
- Herb Garden Galore: Switch up the basil with dill, tarragon, or chives to highlight whatever fresh herbs you’ve got overflowing.
- Grilled Tomato Flight: Lightly grill your tomato slices for a smoky, summery upgrade that takes the flavor to new heights!
How to Make Heirloom Tomato Flight
Step 1: Slice and Season the Tomatoes
Grab your ripest, juiciest heirloom tomato and, using a sharp knife, slice it into thick, sturdy rounds — they’re your serving “canvas” for the flights. Arrange them on a platter and generously sprinkle each slice with flaky salt to draw out their gorgeous flavor and juices.
Step 2: Top Each Slice with a Flight Combo
Turn each tomato round into its own mini masterpiece with distinct toppings. For Flight 1, swirl on some pesto, dollop with cottage cheese or ricotta, and give it a cheeky drizzle of hot pepper oil. For Flight 2, lay down Coppa or prosciutto, add a gentle blanket of mozzarella, sprinkle with nuts, and finish with a kiss of hot honey. For Flight 3, top with a hearty scoop of baked feta egg salad or your favorite egg salad! Each one is a burst of personality.
Step 3: Arrange and Serve
Once each slice is topped with its unique blend, arrange them on a pretty platter for maximum impact. Serve immediately so the tomatoes are at their freshest and the toppings hold their lovely textures. If you’d like, finish with a scatter of microgreens, fresh herbs, or a grind of black pepper for eye-catching flair!
Pro Tips for Making Heirloom Tomato Flight
- Pick the Ripest Tomatoes: Heirlooms are at their best when deeply colored and fragrant—don’t be afraid to gently squeeze for ripeness at the market!
- Layer for Texture: Start with creamy or spreadable elements first, then pile on crisp, chopped nuts and finish with drizzles just before serving for maximum contrast.
- Serve Chilled or at Room Temp: Tomatoes taste sweetest when not ice cold, so let them sit out for 15 minutes before prepping your Heirloom Tomato Flight.
- Prep Everything First: Have all your toppings ready to go before you slice the tomatoes—this prevents soggy slices and makes assembly snappy!
How to Serve Heirloom Tomato Flight
Garnishes
Sprinkle your Heirloom Tomato Flight with microgreens, fresh herbs like basil, dill, or chives, or a crack of black pepper for added aroma and visual punch. A tiny zest of lemon over the egg salad version is bright and unexpected!
Side Dishes
This dish sings alongside crusty sourdough bread, a crisp leafy salad, or even a light pasta with olive oil. For heartier appetites, consider a cheese board or charcuterie spread—the people will swoon over a full Heirloom Tomato Flight feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Layer the flights on a wooden board for a rustic, casual look, or opt for individual cooling racks for a quirky, modern feel. Serve in mini cocktail glasses for a whimsical appetizer or as passed hors d’oeuvres at a party—guaranteed to be the first platter to disappear!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is a big “if”!), gently cover and refrigerate the tomato slices for up to a day. The toppings may soften, but the flavors will meld beautifully. For best results, store toppings and tomatoes separately and assemble just before serving next time.
Freezing
The Heirloom Tomato Flight is best enjoyed fresh—freezing is not recommended, as tomatoes will turn watery and mushy. For a burst of tomato flavor in winter, try roasting and freezing plain tomatoes (without toppings) for later use in sauces!
Reheating
No reheating needed here—your tomato flights are meant to be served cold or at room temperature. If you’d like, you can refresh the flavors with a new sprinkle of salt and a fresh drizzle of oil before serving any extras.
FAQs
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Do I have to use heirloom tomatoes for this tomato flight?
Heirloom tomatoes really make this dish sing, thanks to their color and complex flavors. That said, if you can’t find them, try large, ripe beefsteak or vine tomatoes for a similar effect—the toppings are so fun, almost any excellent tomato will work!
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Can I make the Heirloom Tomato Flight in advance?
For the freshest results, assemble your flights right before serving. You can prep all your toppings and slice your tomatoes a couple of hours ahead, then quickly put everything together just before presenting.
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Is there a way to bulk this up and serve it as a meal?
Absolutely! Turn your Heirloom Tomato Flight into a hearty entrée by adding a generous bed of mixed greens, a scoop of grains like farro or quinoa, a few more proteins, or even serving with grilled chicken or shrimp on the side.
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Which topping combinations work best for picky eaters or kids?
For a kid-friendly spin, go simple: a swipe of cream cheese or plain ricotta, halved cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of mild shredded cheese. Let kids build their own Heirloom Tomato Flight creations to make it extra interactive and fun!
Final Thoughts
When the tomato season is in full swing, there’s simply nothing better than a colorful, flavor-packed Heirloom Tomato Flight to share with friends and family. Let yourself play with toppings, adjust every flight to suit your own taste, and savor every bite — you might be surprised how quickly these beautiful tomato slices disappear!
Print
Heirloom Tomato Flight Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Assembling
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a delightful Heirloom Tomato Flight showcasing the vibrant flavors of summer. This recipe offers three unique topping combinations that elevate the simple heirloom tomato slices into a gourmet treat.
Ingredients
Heirloom Tomato:
- 1 heirloom tomato, sliced
- flaky salt, generous sprinkle on each slice
Flight 1:
- 1 teaspoon basil pesto, or any pesto
- 1/4 cup cottage cheese, or ricotta
- hot pepper oil, drizzle as much as you’d like
Flight 2:
- 2 slices Coppa, or prosciutto
- 1 slice Fior di latte cheese, any mozzarella
- 1 teaspoon crushed pistachios, or walnuts
- hot honey, drizzle as much as you’d like
Flight 3:
- 1/2 cup baked feta egg salad, or any egg salad of choice
Instructions
- Slice the Tomato: Slice a ripe heirloom tomato into thick rounds and sprinkle each slice with a pinch of salt to bring out the natural flavor.
- Assemble: Top each slice with one of the following combos:
Flight 1: Basil pesto + cottage cheese (or ricotta) + a drizzle of hot pepper oil
Flight 2: Coppa or prosciutto + crushed pistachios or walnuts + a drizzle of hot honey
Flight 3: A generous scoop of egg salad - Serve: Arrange the topped slices on a platter and serve immediately. Optional: garnish with fresh herbs or microgreens for extra flair!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
