Irresistible Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe

Introduction

These irresistible caramelized onion and goat cheese tarts combine sweet, savory flavors with a flaky puff pastry base. Perfect as an appetizer or light meal, they offer a delightful balance of creamy and tangy with a touch of fresh thyme.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
• 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil and butter in a pan over medium heat until melted and combined.
3. Step 3: Add the thinly sliced onions, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook gently, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and caramelized, about 20 minutes.
4. Step 4: Stir in the balsamic vinegar and fresh thyme leaves, then remove the pan from heat.
5. Step 5: Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut into squares of your preferred size.
6. Step 6: Place a spoonful of the caramelized onions onto each pastry square, then sprinkle with crumbled goat cheese.
7. Step 7: Arrange the tarts on a baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes, until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
8. Step 8: Serve the tarts warm, fresh from the oven for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

• Use red onions for a sweeter, milder flavor in your caramelized onions.
• Add a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and richness.
• For a vegetarian option with extra depth, drizzle a little honey over the tarts before baking.
• If fresh thyme isn’t available, substitute with rosemary or oregano for a different herbal note.

Storage

Store any leftover tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving to keep the pastry flaky.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the caramelized onions ahead of time?

Yes, caramelized onions can be made up to 3 days in advance and refrigerated. Simply reheat lightly before assembling the tarts.

Is puff pastry gluten-free?

Most store-bought puff pastry contains wheat flour and is not gluten-free. Look for specialty gluten-free puff pastry if needed.

Irresistible Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 76 reviews

These Irresistible Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tarts combine the sweet, deeply caramelized flavor of onions with creamy goat cheese on a flaky puff pastry base. Perfect for an elegant appetizer or a savory snack, they’re easy to prepare and bake to golden perfection in under 30 minutes.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 tarts 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pastry

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

Caramelized Onions

• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Topping

• 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the tarts.
2. Caramelize the Onions: Heat the olive oil and butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions along with sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown, about 20 minutes.
3. Add Flavorings: Stir in the balsamic vinegar and fresh thyme leaves into the caramelized onions, mixing well. Remove the pan from heat to preserve the fresh herb flavor.
4. Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface and cut it into evenly sized squares suitable for tarts.
5. Assemble the Tarts: Place the caramelized onions on each puff pastry square, then generously top with crumbled goat cheese.
6. Bake: Arrange the assembled tarts on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the puff pastry is puffed up and golden brown.
7. Serve Warm: Remove the tarts from the oven and serve warm to enjoy the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and savory flavors.

Notes

• Make sure the puff pastry is fully thawed before rolling to prevent cracking.
• Cook onions slowly and patiently for best caramelization and flavor.
• Use fresh thyme to enhance the herbal notes; dried thyme can be substituted but use half the amount.
• These tarts are best enjoyed warm but can be reheated gently in the oven.
• Experiment with toppings like adding a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for variation.

Keywords: caramelized onion tarts, goat cheese tarts, puff pastry appetizers, savory tarts, easy vegetarian appetizers