Irresistible Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tarts in 3 Easy Steps Recipe

Introduction

These caramelized onion and goat cheese tarts combine sweet, savory flavors with a flaky puff pastry base. Perfect as an elegant appetizer or a light meal, they come together in just a few simple steps that anyone can master.

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) to prepare for baking the tarts.
2. Step 2: In a pan over medium heat, warm the olive oil and butter together. Add the sliced onions, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown, about 20 minutes.
3. Step 3: Stir in the balsamic vinegar and fresh thyme leaves, then remove the pan from heat. Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface and cut it into squares. Top each square with a generous spoonful of the caramelized onions and sprinkle with crumbled goat cheese. Bake the tarts for 15-20 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For added crunch, sprinkle chopped walnuts or toasted pine nuts on top before baking.
• Use red onions for a sweeter, milder flavor in the caramelized onions.
• Swap goat cheese for feta or ricotta if you prefer a different cheese texture.
• To make mini tarts, cut the puff pastry into smaller squares for bite-sized treats.

Storage

Store any leftover tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the caramelized onions in advance?

Yes, caramelized onions can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This can save time when assembling the tarts later.

What if I don’t have puff pastry?

You can use phyllo dough or biscuit dough as alternatives, but puff pastry gives the best flaky texture for these tarts.

Irresistible Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tarts in 3 Easy Steps Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 122 reviews

These Irresistible Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tarts are a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors wrapped in flaky puff pastry. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create an elegant appetizer or a delightful snack that impresses every time. The slow-cooked onions develop a rich caramel flavor complemented by creamy goat cheese and aromatic thyme, all baked to golden perfection.

• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 tart squares 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French-inspired
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Puff 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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the tarts.
2. Caramelize Onions: In a medium pan, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add sliced onions, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until onions turn a deep golden brown and are caramelized, about 20 minutes.
3. Add Flavor: Stir in balsamic vinegar and fresh thyme leaves into the caramelized onions, then remove the pan from heat to let the flavors meld.
4. Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface and cut it into squares of desired size, typically 3×3 inches.
5. Assemble Tarts: Top each puff pastry square evenly with a generous spoonful of the caramelized onion mixture, then sprinkle crumbled goat cheese on top.
6. Bake: Place the prepared tart squares on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until pastry is puffed and golden brown.
7. Serve: Remove from oven and serve the tarts warm, perfect as an appetizer or light snack.

Notes

• Ensure onions are cooked slowly to achieve the perfect caramelization without burning.
• Use fresh thyme for best flavor but dried can be substituted in a pinch.
• Allow puff pastry to thaw completely before rolling and cutting to prevent cracking.
• For a tangier flavor, increase the balsamic vinegar slightly.
• These tarts are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated gently in the oven.

Keywords: caramelized onion tart, goat cheese tart, puff pastry appetizer, vegetarian tart, easy appetizer recipe, French-style tarts