Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
