Caramelized Onion Tart is a savory pastry that combines the rich, sweet flavors of slowly caramelized onions with a buttery, flaky crust. It’s a perfect appetizer, side dish, or even a light main course. The sweetness of the onions balances beautifully with the richness of cheese and herbs, creating a decadent yet simple dish.
Here’s a recipe for a Caramelized Onion Tart that is easy to make but feels indulgent.
Ingredients:
For the Caramelized Onions:
- 3 large onions (yellow or red), thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon sugar (to help caramelize)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
For the Tart:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup grated cheese (Gruyère, sharp cheddar, or goat cheese)
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme (or 1 tablespoon dried thyme)
- 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling, optional)
Instructions:
1. Caramelize the Onions:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions, salt, and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes. Reduce the heat to low once the onions begin to soften. Stir every few minutes to ensure they don’t burn.
- After the onions start to soften, add the sugar to help them caramelize. Continue cooking for another 15-20 minutes until they are golden brown and sweet.
- Once the onions are caramelized, you can deglaze the pan with 2 teaspoons of balsamic vinegar (optional) for added depth. Stir and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the vinegar is absorbed and the onions are sticky and caramelized. Remove from heat.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out your puff pastry onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You can trim the edges to form a rectangle or leave it as a round shape, depending on your preference.
- If you like, you can score a border around the edges (about 1 inch) with a knife, to create a raised edge once baked.
- Optional: If you want a golden finish, lightly brush the edges of the puff pastry with 1 beaten egg (egg wash).
3. Assemble the Tart:
- Spread the caramelized onions evenly over the center of the puff pastry, leaving about 1-inch border around the edges.
- Sprinkle the grated cheese over the onions. If you’re using a strong cheese like Gruyère or sharp cheddar, the flavor will complement the sweetness of the onions beautifully.
- Sprinkle fresh thyme evenly over the tart for an herbal note.
4. Bake the Tart:
- Place the tart in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and puffed up, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- If you used an egg wash, the edges should be beautifully golden and shiny.
5. Serve:
- Once the tart is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing.
- Optionally, drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top for extra richness, or garnish with more fresh thyme for color.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions:
- As an appetizer: Cut the tart into smaller squares and serve as an appetizer for a party or dinner gathering.
- With a salad: Pair it with a light green salad (like arugula or mixed greens) dressed with a lemony vinaigrette to balance the richness of the tart.
- For a main course: Serve the tart with a side of roasted vegetables or sautéed greens for a light lunch or dinner.
Tips:
- Cheese options: You can experiment with different cheeses like feta, blue cheese, or cream cheese for variation. The more pungent cheeses pair well with the sweetness of the onions.
- Crust variation: If you prefer a more substantial crust, you can make your own shortcrust pastry instead of using puff pastry.
- Make-ahead: You can prepare the caramelized onions a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Assemble the tart just before baking.
- Vegan option: To make this tart vegan, substitute the butter and cheese with olive oil and vegan cheese (or skip the cheese altogether for a lighter version).
Enjoy your Caramelized Onion Tart!
This tart is a delightful blend of flavors with the sweetness of the onions, the richness of the cheese, and the crispiness of the pastry. It’s a wonderful dish for any occasion and will surely be a hit with your guests!
