Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tarts in 3 Easy Steps Recipe

Introduction

These caramelized onion and goat cheese tarts bring together sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in flaky puff pastry. Perfect for an elegant appetizer or a light meal, they are surprisingly easy to make and sure to impress. Let’s dive into this simple recipe that delivers big taste in just three steps.

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 the olive oil and butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook the onions gently, stirring only every 5 minutes, until they turn a golden, jammy color (about 20 minutes). Stir in the balsamic vinegar and thyme, then cook for another 5 minutes. If the onions start sticking, add a splash of water to loosen the browned bits.
2. Step 2: Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut into six rectangles. Spread the caramelized onions evenly over each piece, leaving a small border around the edges. Crumble the goat cheese generously on top and sprinkle with a little extra thyme.
3. Step 3: Bake the assembled tarts in a preheated 400°F oven for 15 minutes, until the pastry is golden and puffed and the cheese begins to brown. Check closely after 15 minutes to avoid burning. Let cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Using cold, thawed puff pastry helps it puff up nicely and creates flaky edges.
• Substitute dried thyme if fresh isn’t available, but add it earlier during cooking to release its flavor.
• Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for a spicy kick.
• Swap goat cheese with feta for a slightly saltier flavor.
• For extra richness, drizzle a little honey over the tarts just before serving.

Storage

Store leftover tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the caramelized onions ahead of time?

Yes, caramelized onions keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently before assembling the tarts.

What if I don’t have puff pastry?

You can use phyllo dough or a homemade tart crust, but puff pastry gives the light, flaky texture that makes these tarts special.

Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tarts in 3 Easy Steps Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 53 reviews

Delight in the perfect blend of sweet caramelized onions and tangy goat cheese atop flaky puff pastry with these easy-to-make tarts. Featuring simple ingredients like fresh thyme and balsamic vinegar, this recipe transforms everyday components into an elegant appetizer or snack that’s both crowd-pleasing and quick to prepare.

• Author: Nora
• 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

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 (or dried if fresh unavailable)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Topping

• 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
• Extra fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions: Heat olive oil and butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add sliced onions, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook without constant stirring, allowing the onions to cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes before stirring. Continue cooking and stirring intermittently for approximately 15 minutes until onions turn golden. Add balsamic vinegar and thyme, then cook an additional 5 minutes until onions are jammy and sweet, adding a splash of water if sticking occurs.
2. Assemble the Tarts: Let the caramelized onions cool slightly. Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface and cut into 6 rectangles. Spread onions evenly onto each piece, leaving a border. Crumble goat cheese over the onions, and sprinkle with extra thyme leaves for presentation.
3. Bake to Perfection: Place the assembled tarts onto a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and puffed and the cheese begins to melt and brown slightly. Check every 2 minutes after 15 minutes to prevent burning. Let cool briefly before serving.

Notes

• Keep puff pastry cold until ready to use to ensure maximum flakiness.
• Use a mix of olive oil and butter for deeper onion flavor and better caramelization.
• Be patient with the onion caramelization process for the best sweetness and texture.
• If onions stick to the pan, add a splash of water to deglaze and prevent burning.
• Feel free to use dried thyme if fresh is unavailable, but fresh thyme provides better aroma and flavor.
• These tarts are best served warm but can be enjoyed at room temperature.

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