Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe
These irresistible caramelized onion and goat cheese tarts combine sweet, jammy onions with creamy tangy goat cheese atop flaky puff pastry. With just three simple steps—caramelizing onions slowly, assembling with fresh thyme, and baking to golden perfection—this elegant appetizer or snack is easy to make and impressively delicious.
- 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
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed but still cold)
Caramelized Onions
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced (yellow or sweet)
- 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
- Extra fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- 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 slowly, stirring only occasionally, allowing the onions to brown and become jammy, about 20 minutes total. Add the balsamic vinegar and fresh thyme, cooking another 5 minutes until fragrant and caramelized. Deglaze with a splash of water if the onions begin sticking.
- Assemble the Tarts: Roll out the cold puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut into six rectangles. Spread the cooled caramelized onions evenly on each piece, leaving a border for the edges to puff. Generously crumble goat cheese over the onions and sprinkle with additional thyme for a pretty finish.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the assembled tarts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and puffed and the goat cheese is melted and slightly browned. Watch closely after 15 minutes to avoid burning. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use cold puff pastry to ensure the best flaky rise during baking.
- Be patient caramelizing onions on medium heat for deep, sweet flavor; rushing this step will reduce richness.
- Fresh thyme adds brightness but dried thyme can be used if fresh is not available.
- Deglaze the pan with water if onions stick to lift those caramelized bits and enhance flavor.
- Serve warm for the best texture and taste, but tarts also taste great at room temperature.
Keywords: caramelized onion tart, goat cheese tart, puff pastry appetizer, easy tart recipe, vegetarian appetizers
