Upside Down Onion Tarts Recipe
These Upside Down Onion Tarts feature sweet caramelized onions layered with Swiss and Parmesan cheese, all encased in golden, flaky puff pastry. Enhanced with a touch of balsamic glaze and garlic powder, these tarts are perfect as an elegant appetizer or savory snack. They bake to a crisp, golden finish and are served flipped upside down for a beautiful presentation.
- Author: Victoria
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 tarts 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Puff Pastry and Bases
- 1 17 oz box puff pastry, thawed
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons premade balsamic glaze, plus extra for drizzling
Onion Layer
- 1–2 medium sweet onions, sliced into rounds
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Layer
- 12 slices Swiss cheese
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Finishing
- 1 egg white, for brushing
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to ensure even baking.
- Prepare pastry squares: Cut each puff pastry sheet into six equal squares, creating twelve squares total. Set these aside for assembling the tarts.
- Create olive oil and balsamic bases: On each prepared baking sheet, spoon twelve small pools of olive oil (approximately twelve in total across both sheets). Drizzle a small amount of balsamic glaze over each olive oil pool to add sweetness and depth.
- Layer onions and season: Place one sweet onion round on top of each olive oil and balsamic pool. Evenly sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the onions for enhanced flavor.
- Add cheese layers: Place one slice of Swiss cheese on top of each onion round, then sprinkle each with a bit of shredded Parmesan cheese to add richness and a savory touch.
- Seal with puff pastry: Carefully place a puff pastry square over each cheese-topped onion stack. Press down firmly around the edges to seal the tarts and prevent filling from leaking out during baking.
- Brush with egg white: Lightly brush the surface of each pastry with egg white. This will help the tarts achieve a beautiful golden brown and glossy finish once baked.
- Bake the tarts: Bake the prepared baking sheets in the oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is fully puffed and turns a deep golden brown color.
- Cool and flip: Remove the tarts from the oven and allow them to cool for about 5 minutes. Carefully flip each tart upside down to reveal the caramelized onion and cheese topping.
- Optional glazing: For an extra burst of flavor and attractive presentation, drizzle additional balsamic glaze over the tops of the flipped tarts before serving.
Notes
- You can add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the onion layer for an aromatic twist.
- Ensure the puff pastry is properly thawed before cutting to avoid cracking or tearing.
- Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter for clean pastry squares.
- Serve these tarts warm for the best texture and flavor.
- Leftover tarts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispness.
Keywords: upside down onion tarts, puff pastry tarts, savory tarts, Swiss cheese tarts, easy appetizer recipes, balsamic glaze tarts, onion cheese pastry