Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe
These irresistible caramelized onion and goat cheese tarts combine sweet, jammy onions with tangy creamy goat cheese on a flaky puff pastry base. With just three easy steps, you’ll create a gourmet appetizer or light meal that impresses every time. The caramelization brings out deep flavors, enhanced by a hint of balsamic and fresh thyme, finished with golden, puffed pastry baked to perfection.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 tarts 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
Scale
For the Tarts
- 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
- Caramelize the Onions: 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 them sit for about 5 minutes at a time before stirring. After 15 minutes, when the onions turn golden, add balsamic vinegar and thyme. Cook for another 5 minutes until onions are soft and jammy. Use a splash of water if they start to stick.
- Assemble the Tarts: Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut into 6 rectangles. Spread caramelized onions evenly on each piece, leaving a border around edges. Crumble goat cheese over the onions and sprinkle with extra thyme.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the assembled tarts on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 15 minutes. The pastry should be golden and puffed, with the cheese melted and slightly browned. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Pat caramelized onions with paper towels before assembling to avoid soggy pastry.
- Chill assembled tarts in the fridge for 10 minutes before baking for flakier layers.
- Fresh thyme enhances flavor better than dried; if using dried, rub between fingers before adding.
- Distribute onions evenly and thinly to maintain crispness.
- For variations, try swapping goat cheese for feta or brie, adding sautéed mushrooms or roasted garlic, or drizzling honey before baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.
Keywords: caramelized onion tarts, goat cheese tarts, puff pastry, easy appetizer, savory tarts
