These caramelized onion tartlets are a tasty treat! With sweet, soft onions baked in crispy pastry, they are perfect for parties or a cozy night in.
I just love how easy they are to make and how the aroma fills the kitchen! Pair them with a light salad, and you’ll have a perfect meal that feels fancy. 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the star of our tartlets! It gives a flaky and buttery texture. If you can’t find puff pastry, you can use phyllo dough or even a shortcrust pastry for a different but still tasty base.
Yellow Onions: These onions are perfect for caramelizing due to their natural sweetness. If you need a substitute, try sweet onions or even shallots for a milder flavor.
Goat Cheese/Blue Cheese: I love using goat cheese for its creamy texture and tangy taste. If you’re not a fan, cream cheese is a great substitute, or you could use shredded mozzarella for a milder version.
Balsamic Vinegar: This adds a nice depth to the caramelized onions. You can swap it with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar if needed, but reduce the amount slightly for a less potent flavor.
How Do You Get the Perfectly Caramelized Onions?
Caramelizing onions can be a game-changer, but it requires patience! Start by slicing your onions thinly to ensure even cooking. The key is cooking them slowly to bring out their sweetness.
- Heat your butter and olive oil on medium-low heat, then add your onions along with a pinch of salt. This helps release moisture.
- Cook for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. If they start to brown too quickly, reduce the heat.
- Add brown sugar and balsamic vinegar towards the end to enhance the flavor. Cook for a couple more minutes until everything is nicely caramelized.
Don’t rush the process; the best onions take time to transform! 😊
Delicious Caramelized Onion Tartlets
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tartlet Shells:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
For the Caramelized Onion Filling:
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Assembly:
- 1/4 cup goat cheese or blue cheese, crumbled
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and 30-40 minutes to cook the onions, plus an additional 10-15 minutes to bake the tartlets. So in total, you’ll need about 1 hour, but trust me, the waiting will be worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pastry:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a floured surface, roll out your sheet of puff pastry slightly to flatten it. Using a round cutter or a glass, cut out circles that will fit into your tartlet pan or mini muffin tin. Gently press these circles into the wells to form tartlet shells.
2. Bake the Tartlet Shells:
Use a fork to prick the bottom of each pastry shell; this helps prevent them from puffing up while baking. Place the prepared pastry shells in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes until they’re lightly golden. Once they’re done, remove them from the oven and set them aside to cool.
3. Caramelize the Onions:
In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions along with a pinch of salt. Cook the onions slowly, stirring frequently. This process will take about 30-40 minutes, so be patient! You want them to become soft and deep golden brown.
4. Add Flavor to the Onions:
Once the onions are beautifully caramelized, stir in the brown sugar and balsamic vinegar, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the mixture looks glossy. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper!
5. Assemble the Tartlets:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Take each pre-baked tartlet shell and spoon a small amount of crumbled goat cheese or blue cheese into each one. Follow this by topping each shell with a generous spoonful of the caramelized onion mixture.
6. Final Bake:
Return the assembled tartlets to the oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes until the pastry is fully cooked, and the cheese is slightly melted. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t over-brown!
7. Garnish and Serve:
When done, remove the tartlets from the oven and allow them to cool for a few moments. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for a lovely touch! These tartlets can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature—perfect for sharing with friends and family!
Enjoy your sweet and savory caramelized onion tartlets! They’re a crowd favorite! 😊
Can I Use Pre-Caramelized Onions?
Absolutely! Store-bought caramelized onions are a great time-saver. If using them, simply heat them gently on the stove before adding to the tartlets to enhance their flavor.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Tartlets?
Leftover tartlets can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore the crispiness of the pastry.
Can I Freeze These Tartlets?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled but uncooked tartlets! Just place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually and then transfer them to an airtight container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What Other Cheeses Work Well in This Recipe?
If goat cheese or blue cheese isn’t your favorite, try using ricotta for a creamy texture or shredded mozzarella for a milder flavor. Each will give the tartlets a unique twist!
