Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe
Delight in these irresistible caramelized onion and goat cheese tarts, a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors encased in flaky puff pastry. Made in just 3 easy steps, these tarts are ideal for an elegant appetizer or a light meal, featuring slowly caramelized onions enriched with balsamic vinegar and fresh thyme, topped with creamy goat cheese and baked to golden perfection.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
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
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the tarts later.
- Caramelize the Onions: In a pan over medium heat, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the thinly sliced onions along with 1 teaspoon of sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook the onions slowly for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become soft, golden, and caramelized.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in 1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar and 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves into the caramelized onions, then remove the pan from heat to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface and cut it into even squares, roughly 3 to 4 inches on each side.
- Assemble the Tarts: Place the puff pastry squares on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Top each square generously with the caramelized onion mixture, then sprinkle crumbled goat cheese evenly on top.
- Bake the Tarts: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until the puff pastry turns golden brown and crisp.
- Serve: Remove the tarts from the oven, allow them to cool slightly, and serve warm for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- Use good quality puff pastry for the best flaky texture.
- Slicing onions thinly ensures even caramelization.
- Allow the caramelized onions to cool slightly before topping the pastry to avoid sogginess.
- Fresh thyme can be substituted with dried thyme if unavailable, though fresh offers better flavor.
- For a vegetarian option, confirm that the puff pastry does not contain animal-derived ingredients.
- These tarts are best enjoyed the day they are made but can be refrigerated and gently reheated.
Keywords: caramelized onion tarts, goat cheese tart, puff pastry appetizers, easy baking recipe, savory tarts