Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tarts in 3 Easy Steps Recipe

Introduction

These caramelized onion and goat cheese tarts are a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors on a flaky puff pastry base. Easy to make in just three steps, they’re an impressive yet simple appetizer or snack for any occasion. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed but still cold)
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced (yellow or sweet onions recommended)
• 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 without stirring constantly, letting the onions caramelize for about 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes. Once golden, stir in balsamic vinegar and thyme leaves, then cook another 5 minutes until jammy and sweet. If onions stick, add a splash of water to deglaze.
2. Step 2: Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut into 6 rectangles. Spread the caramelized onions evenly on each piece, leaving a small border. Crumble goat cheese generously over the onions and sprinkle a little extra thyme on top.
3. Step 3: Bake the tarts in a preheated 400°F oven for 15 minutes or until the pastry is golden and puffed and the cheese is melting and slightly browned. Check every 2 minutes if extra time is needed to avoid burning. Let cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Pat caramelized onions with paper towels to remove excess moisture and prevent soggy pastry.
• Chill assembled tarts in the fridge for 10 minutes before baking to help achieve extra flaky layers.
• Use fresh thyme for the best flavor, or rub dried thyme between your fingers if using dried.
• Spread onions to the edges of the pastry for maximum flavor in every bite.

Storage

Store leftover tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the pastry flaky.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, feta or ricotta can be nice alternatives if you prefer a milder or creamier cheese, but goat cheese provides the best balance of tang and creaminess for this recipe.

Can I prepare the onions ahead of time?

Absolutely! Caramelized onions can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat gently before assembling the tarts.

Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tarts in 3 Easy Steps Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 58 reviews

Delight in these irresistible caramelized onion and goat cheese tarts crafted with flaky puff pastry, sweet jammy onions, tangy goat cheese, and a hint of fresh thyme. Perfectly balanced with a touch of balsamic vinegar, these elegant yet simple tarts are an ideal appetizer or light meal, making gourmet flavor easy to achieve in just three straightforward steps.

• Author: Victoria
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 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)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled (creamier log-style)
• 1 teaspoon 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 thinly sliced onions, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes between occasional stirs to allow golden caramelization. After roughly 15 minutes, once the onions turn golden, add balsamic vinegar and fresh thyme, and cook for another 5 minutes until jammy and aromatic. Add a splash of water if onions stick to deglaze.
2. Assemble the Tarts: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry and cut into 6 rectangles. Spread the cooled caramelized onions evenly on each piece, leaving a border for puffed edges. Generously crumble goat cheese over the onions and sprinkle extra thyme on top for a fresh finish.
3. Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Place assembled tarts on a baking tray and bake for 15 minutes until the pastry is golden brown, puffed, and the goat cheese is slightly melted and browned. Check every 2 minutes if additional time is needed to prevent burning. Allow tarts to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• Pat the caramelized onions with paper towels after cooking to remove excess moisture for crispier pastry.
• Chill assembled tarts in the refrigerator for 10 minutes before baking to enhance puff pastry flakiness.
• Use fresh thyme for best flavor, but dried can be used if rubbed between fingers first to release oils.
• Spread onions fully to the edges for maximum flavor with every bite.
• Resist stirring onions constantly during caramelization to develop deep flavor and color.

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