These tarts feature a flaky puff pastry base crowned with slowly caramelized onions that bring out a deep, sweet richness. The onions are cooked with a touch of sugar, butter, and balsamic vinegar to develop a rich, jammy texture, then layered with crumbled goat cheese and fresh thyme for a balanced, tangy finish. Baking until golden and puffed ensures a crisp, buttery crust that complements the savory toppings beautifully. They are perfect for sharing as appetizers or enjoying alongside a glass of wine, combining simple ingredients for a delightful flavor experience.
These caramelized onion and goat cheese tarts bring together sweet and savory flavors wrapped in a perfectly flaky puff pastry. They are ideal for serving as an elegant appetizer or enjoying as a simple treat alongside a glass of wine. The combination of slowly caramelized onions and tangy goat cheese creates a rich and satisfying bite that’s hard to resist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Uses simple pantry ingredients that are easy to find
Ready in just 40 minutes from start to finish
Perfectly balanced flavors of sweet onions and creamy cheese
I first made these tarts for a small gathering, and everyone asked for seconds. They have since become my go-to when I want something quick yet impressive on the table.
Ingredients
Puff pastry sheet: provides a light and flaky base, ensure it is thawed properly before use
Large onions: thinly sliced for even caramelization and sweetness development
Olive oil: adds a fruity depth to the onions, use extra virgin for best flavor
Butter: enriches the caramelization process, use unsalted to control seasoning
Sugar: helps speed up onion caramelization and enhances sweetness
Balsamic vinegar: adds a subtle tang and depth, look for a good quality aged balsamic
Goat cheese: crumbled for creamy tang, choose fresh and soft for better melting
Fresh thyme leaves: bring an herbal brightness that complements the onions and cheese
Salt and pepper: essential for seasoning and balancing flavors
Step-by-Step Instructions
Caramelize the Onions:
Heat olive oil and butter over medium heat in a large pan. Add the sliced onions along with sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir occasionally but allow the onions to cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes between stirs to promote browning. Continue cooking for 15 minutes until they turn a rich golden brown and become jammy in texture. Stir in balsamic vinegar and thyme leaves, then cook for another 5 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully.
Assemble the Tarts:
Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface and cut into six equal rectangles. Place the pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread a generous layer of caramelized onions on each piece, leaving a small border around the edges. Crumble goat cheese evenly on top of the onions and sprinkle additional thyme leaves for extra fragrance.
Bake to Perfection:
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake the assembled tarts for 15 to 20 minutes until the puff pastry is golden brown, puffed, and crisp around the edges. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving to allow the cheese to set just a bit.
A slice of pizza with cheese and onions.
Pin it
A slice of pizza with cheese and onions. | gracefulflavors.com
You Must Know
These tarts store well in the fridge for up to two days and can be reheated in a low oven to retain crispiness.
They freeze beautifully once baked and wrapped tightly, making them great for make-ahead parties.
The fresh thyme is my favorite ingredient in this recipe because it adds that green, fragrant lift that cuts through the rich sweetness of the onions. I remember making these with my mom and how the kitchen smelled of thyme and caramelizing onions, a warm memory I cherish.
Storage Tips
Store cooled tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat and revive the pastry’s crispness, pop them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 to 10 minutes until warm. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have goat cheese, a soft cheese like ricotta or feta can be tasty alternatives. Feel free to swap thyme for rosemary or sage for a different aromatic profile. For a vegan option, try a plant-based puff pastry and substitute goat cheese with a cashew-based spread.
Serving Suggestions
These tarts pair wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil. They also make an elegant starter alongside a glass of chilled white wine or a light red such as Pinot Noir. Leftover tarts can be chopped into smaller bites for cocktail parties.
Cultural Context
Caramelized onions have a rich tradition in French cooking and pair beautifully with goat cheese, which is also a staple of Mediterranean cuisine. Puff pastry itself is a classic French technique that creates light, buttery layers, making this recipe a lovely nod to European culinary influences that celebrate simplicity and flavor.
A pastry with blue cheese and onions on top.
Pin it
A pastry with blue cheese and onions on top. |
