Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe

Introduction

These caramelized onion and goat cheese tarts are a delightful combination of sweet, jammy onions and tangy creamy cheese tucked inside flaky puff pastry. Perfect for entertaining or a special treat, they come together effortlessly yet look and taste like a gourmet appetizer.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed but still cold)
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced (yellow or sweet)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil and butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook the onions without stirring constantly, allowing them to caramelize for about 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes. When they turn golden, add balsamic vinegar and thyme, then cook for another 5 minutes until the onions are jammy and sweet. Add a splash of water if they start sticking.
2. Step 2: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut it into 6 rectangles. Spread the caramelized onions evenly over each piece, leaving a small border. Crumble the goat cheese over the onions and sprinkle a little extra thyme on top.
3. Step 3: Bake the tarts in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, until the pastry is golden brown and puffed, and the cheese begins to brown. Check every 2 minutes if needed to avoid burning. Let cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh thyme for the best flavor, but dried thyme can be substituted if needed.
• Try adding a drizzle of honey or a few toasted walnuts on top for extra texture and sweetness.
• For a gluten-free option, substitute puff pastry with a suitable gluten-free pastry sheet.
• Caramelize the onions a day ahead and store in the fridge to save time on the day of serving.

Storage

Store any leftover tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or toaster oven to keep the pastry crisp. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the pastry soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use red onions instead of yellow onions?

Yes, red onions can be used and will add a slightly different sweetness and color, but yellow or sweet onions are preferred for their balance of flavor.

How do I prevent the puff pastry from getting soggy?

Leaving a small border around the edges of the pastry when adding the toppings helps the edges puff nicely. Also, avoid adding too much liquid; caramelize onions thoroughly and drain excess moisture before assembling.

Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 57 reviews

These irresistible caramelized onion and goat cheese tarts combine sweet, jammy onions with tangy goat cheese nestled in flaky, buttery puff pastry. Perfect as an elegant appetizer or a savory snack, they are simple to prepare yet packed with flavor. The recipe is vegetarian-friendly and ideal for gatherings, offering a delightful balance of sweet and savory with an easy step-by-step approach.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pastry

• 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed but still cold)

Caramelized Onions

• 2 large onions, thinly sliced (yellow or sweet onions)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Topping

• 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled (creamy, log-style)
• Additional fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions: Heat olive oil and butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add thinly sliced onions, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook the onions undisturbed for about 5 minutes between occasional stirs. Continue cooking for about 15 minutes until onions turn golden. Add balsamic vinegar and fresh thyme, then cook for another 5 minutes until the onions become jammy and sweet. If onions stick, add a splash of water to deglaze the pan.
2. Assemble the Tarts: While onions cool slightly, roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut the pastry into 6 rectangles. Spread caramelized onions evenly over each piece, leaving a small border around the edges. Crumble goat cheese generously over the onions and sprinkle a little extra thyme on top for garnish.
3. Bake to Perfection: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the assembled tarts on a baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and puffed, and the goat cheese begins to melt and brown in spots. Check every 2 minutes if additional time is needed to avoid burning. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• Use high-quality puff pastry for the best flaky texture.
• Caramelize onions patiently over medium heat for deeper flavor; avoid high heat to prevent burning.
• Thyme can be substituted with rosemary or sage if preferred.
• Make the caramelized onions ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to assemble.
• Serve warm or at room temperature with a glass of white wine for an elegant appetizer.

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