These tarts strike the perfect balance between savory and sweet, making them a crowd-pleaser at any event. They look impressive but are surprisingly easy to prepare. The rich flavors and sophisticated presentation make them ideal for entertaining, brunch, or even a unique vegetarian entrée. Plus, they can be made ahead of time, making them incredibly convenient.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Puff pastry sheets (thawed if frozen)
Yellow onions, thinly sliced
Olive oil or butter (for caramelizing)
Fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Goat cheese (soft and creamy)
Salt
Black pepper
Balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling)
Egg (for egg wash, optional)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil or butter and the sliced onions. Cook slowly, stirring often, until the onions are deeply golden and caramelized, about 30-40 minutes. Add salt, pepper, and thyme toward the end.
While the onions are caramelizing, roll out the puff pastry and cut into squares or circles, depending on your preference. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Score a smaller square or circle inside each pastry piece, about ½ inch from the edge, to form a border. Prick the center with a fork.
Spoon a generous amount of caramelized onions onto each pastry, staying within the scored border.
Crumble goat cheese over the onions.
(Optional) Brush the edges of the pastry with a beaten egg for a golden finish.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
Let cool slightly, then drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 6–8 small tarts or 4 medium-sized tarts, depending on how you cut the pastry. Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 40 minutes (includes caramelizing onions) Bake time: 20–25 minutes Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Variations
Use different cheese: Swap goat cheese with feta, blue cheese, or brie for a different flavor.
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey for a kick.
Try a tart pan: Use mini tart pans for a more structured shape and elegant presentation.
Add herbs: Incorporate rosemary or sage for a deeper aromatic profile.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes until warmed through and the pastry is crisp again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy.
FAQs
How long does it take to caramelize onions?
Caramelizing onions properly takes about 30–40 minutes over medium to low heat. This slow process brings out their natural sweetness.
Can I use store-bought caramelized onions?
Yes, store-bought caramelized onions can be used for convenience, but homemade offers a richer, more authentic flavor.
What type of goat cheese should I use?
Use soft, creamy goat cheese for the best texture and tang. Avoid hard-aged goat cheese for this recipe.
Can I make these tarts ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the tarts a day ahead and reheat them in the oven before serving. They also taste great at room temperature.
Can I freeze the tarts?
It’s best to freeze the unbaked, assembled tarts. When ready to serve, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What if I don’t have puff pastry?
You can substitute with phyllo dough or pie crust, but the texture and flakiness will vary.
Can I make this into one large tart?
Absolutely. Assemble everything on a full sheet of puff pastry and bake as a single tart. Slice into squares before serving.
Is balsamic glaze necessary?
It’s optional, but it adds a nice tangy sweetness that complements the richness of the onions and cheese.
What’s the best way to cut onions for this recipe?
Slice the onions thinly and evenly for consistent caramelization and even cooking.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, roasted red peppers, mushrooms, or spinach can be added for extra flavor and variety.
Conclusion
Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tarts are the perfect blend of sweet, savory, creamy, and crisp. They’re elegant yet easy to make, and their versatility makes them ideal for many occasions. Whether served as an appetizer, part of a brunch spread, or a light vegetarian meal, these tarts will impress every time.
Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tarts are a savory and elegant appetizer or light vegetarian meal featuring sweet caramelized onions and tangy goat cheese on a flaky puff pastry base. Perfect for entertaining or casual indulgence.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:40 minutes
Total Time:1 hour 15 minutes
Yield:6–8 small tarts or 4 medium tarts
Category:Appetizer
Method:Baking
Cuisine:French
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
2 sheets puff pastry, thawed if frozen
3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
4 ounces goat cheese, soft and creamy
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Balsamic glaze, for drizzling (optional)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash, optional)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil or butter and sliced onions. Cook slowly, stirring often, until onions are deeply golden and caramelized, about 30–40 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme toward the end.
While the onions cook, roll out the puff pastry and cut into 6–8 squares or 4 medium circles. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Score a smaller border about ½ inch from the edge of each pastry and prick the center with a fork.
Spoon caramelized onions onto each pastry within the scored border.
Crumble goat cheese evenly over the onions.
Optional: Brush pastry edges with beaten egg for a golden finish.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until pastry is puffed and golden brown.
Let cool slightly, then drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Use store-bought caramelized onions for convenience, though homemade offers richer flavor.Swap goat cheese with brie, blue cheese, or feta for variation.Add roasted vegetables like peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor.Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.Freeze unbaked tarts and bake straight from frozen, adding extra time.
