Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe

Introduction

These caramelized onion and goat cheese tarts are a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Easy to make yet impressive, they’re great for a snack, appetizer, or light meal. You’ll love how simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed but still cold)
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced (yellow or sweet)
• 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: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook without stirring too often, letting the onions caramelize gently. Stir occasionally, about every 5 minutes, for 15 minutes. Then add the balsamic vinegar and thyme, cooking another 5 minutes until jammy and sweet. Add a splash of water if onions stick.
2. Step 2: Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut into 6 rectangles. Spread the cooled caramelized onions evenly on each piece, leaving a small border. Crumble goat cheese over the onions and sprinkle extra thyme on top.
3. Step 3: Bake the tarts in a preheated 400°F oven for about 15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and puffed and the cheese begins to brown. Check every 2 minutes if baking longer to avoid burning. Let cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh thyme for the best flavor, but dried thyme works well in a pinch. For a twist, add a few chopped walnuts or a drizzle of honey before serving.

Storage

Store leftover tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or toaster oven to keep the pastry crisp. Avoid microwaving for best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese instead of goat cheese?

Yes, soft cheeses like ricotta, feta, or cream cheese can work, but goat cheese provides a unique tang that pairs wonderfully with the sweet onions.

Can I prepare the onions ahead of time?

Absolutely. The caramelized onions can be made a day ahead and refrigerated, which helps deepen their flavor and makes assembly quick.

Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 58 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 only three simple steps—caramelizing onions to golden perfection, assembling with creamy goat cheese and fresh thyme, then baking until beautifully puffed—this recipe offers an elegant appetizer or light meal that’s surprisingly easy to make.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Tarts

• 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed but still cold)
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced (yellow or sweet onions preferred)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
• 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled (log-style recommended)
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions: Heat olive oil and butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions along with sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook without stirring constantly, letting the onions caramelize undisturbed for about 5 minutes intervals before stirring. After 15 minutes, when the onions turn a golden color, add the balsamic vinegar and fresh thyme leaves. Stir and cook for another 5 minutes until the onions are jammy and sweet. If the mixture begins to stick, add a splash of water to deglaze.
2. Assemble the Tarts: Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut it into 6 rectangles. Spread the caramelized onions evenly on each piece, leaving a border around the edges. Generously crumble goat cheese over the onions and sprinkle additional thyme on top for a fresh finish.
3. Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the assembled tarts on a baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown, puffed, and the cheese begins to melt and lightly brown. Check every 2 minutes if extending baking time to avoid burning. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• Using thawed but cold puff pastry helps achieve the best rise and flakiness.
• Patience during caramelizing will bring out the onions’ natural sweetness.
• Balsamic vinegar adds a rich, tangy depth that enhances the flavor.
• Fresh thyme gives a superior aromatic quality compared to dried.
• Serve warm for the best flavor and texture experience.

Keywords: caramelized onion tarts, goat cheese tarts, puff pastry tarts, easy appetizer, French appetizer, savory tarts