Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tart

Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tart is a sophisticated, savory dish that combines the deep, sweet flavors of caramelized onions with the creamy tanginess of goat cheese, all encased in a buttery, flaky tart crust. This recipe is perfect for a wide range of occasions—from brunches and casual gatherings to elegant dinner parties. Its rustic charm and complex flavor profile make it both impressive and comforting, while its straightforward preparation keeps it approachable for both beginner and seasoned cooks.

Caramelizing the onions takes time, but the reward is worth it: soft, golden-brown onions that are sweet and flavorful, almost like jam. Paired with the creamy, slightly tangy goat cheese, this tart strikes a perfect balance between savory and sweet. Finished with a touch of fresh thyme or rosemary for a bit of earthiness, each slice is packed with flavor, making it ideal for a main course or a sophisticated appetizer. Serve it warm or at room temperature, and pair it with a fresh salad or a glass of wine to create a complete meal experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tart is a showstopper both in flavor and presentation. You’ll love the way the onions melt in your mouth, releasing their caramelized sweetness with each bite, and how the goat cheese adds a creamy, tangy contrast. The tart crust, golden and buttery, brings everything together with a delightful crispness. This recipe is also flexible: you can prepare it ahead of time and serve it at any temperature, making it perfect for entertaining. With its blend of flavors and textures, this tart will quickly become a favorite recipe for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings
• Serving Size: 1 slice

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 7g
• Fat: 24g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 7g

Ingredients

For the Tart Crust

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3-4 tablespoons ice water

For the Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Filling

• 3 large onions, thinly sliced (yellow or sweet onions work best)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for extra caramelization)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 4 ounces goat cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or crème fraîche
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped
• Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs for garnish

For Serving (Optional)

• Mixed greens or arugula salad
• A drizzle of balsamic reduction or honey

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Tart Crust

1. Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold butter cubes, and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Add Ice Water: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently after each addition, until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should still have small bits of butter for a flaky crust.
3. Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step helps relax the gluten and makes the dough easier to roll out.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

1. Heat Oil and Butter: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until melted.
2. Add Onions and Seasoning: Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt, stirring to coat the onions in the oil and butter. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 40-50 minutes, or until the onions are deep golden brown and caramelized. If desired, add sugar to help with caramelization.
3. Adjust Seasoning: Once the onions are caramelized, season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

1. Combine Goat Cheese, Cream, and Eggs: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the goat cheese, heavy cream (or crème fraîche), and eggs until smooth and well combined.
2. Add Herbs: Stir in the chopped thyme or rosemary. This adds a subtle earthy flavor that complements the caramelized onions and goat cheese.

Step 4: Assemble the Tart

1. Roll Out the Dough: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a circle large enough to fit a 9-inch tart pan. Press the dough into the pan, trimming any excess.
2. Blind Bake the Crust: Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment paper and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden.
3. Add the Filling: Spread the caramelized onions evenly over the bottom of the baked crust. Pour the goat cheese mixture over the onions, smoothing it out with a spatula if necessary.

Step 5: Bake the Tart

1. Bake: Bake the tart in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is lightly golden. The center should be just set but still have a slight jiggle.
2. Cool Slightly: Let the tart cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the filling to set and makes it easier to slice.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish: Garnish the tart with fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs for a pop of color and extra aroma.
2. Serve: Slice the tart and serve warm or at room temperature. For a more decadent experience, drizzle with balsamic reduction or honey just before serving. A side salad with mixed greens or arugula pairs beautifully with this tart.

Ingredient Background

The key ingredients in this tart are simple but packed with flavor. Caramelized onions add a deep, sweet-savory flavor that’s almost jam-like, while goat cheese contributes a creamy, tangy richness. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary add an earthy note, and heavy cream or crème fraîche gives the filling a luxurious texture. The tart crust is buttery and flaky, providing the perfect vessel for the savory filling.

Technique Tips

• Caramelize Slowly: Caramelizing onions takes time. Cook them low and slow for the best flavor and texture. Rushing this step can result in burnt or unevenly cooked onions.
• Chill the Dough: Cold dough is easier to work with and results in a flakier crust. Chilling the dough before rolling out is essential.
• Use Pie Weights: Blind baking the crust with pie weights prevents it from puffing up and ensures a crisp base.
• Avoid Overbaking: Bake the tart until the filling is just set. Overbaking can make the filling dry.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Mini Tarts: Use a muffin tin or mini tart pans to create individual caramelized onion and goat cheese tarts. Perfect for appetizers or hors d’oeuvres.
• Galette Style: Instead of a tart pan, shape the dough into a rustic galette. Spread the filling in the center and fold the edges over the filling.
• Layered Tart: Add layers of thinly sliced potatoes or tomatoes for added texture and flavor. Place them on top of the caramelized onions before adding the goat cheese mixture.
• Puff Pastry Tart: Use store-bought puff pastry for a quicker version. Roll out the puff pastry, score a border, and bake with the filling directly on top.

Additional Tips for Success

• Thinly Slice Onions: Thinly sliced onions caramelize more evenly. A mandoline or sharp knife can be helpful here.
• Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: Caramelize onions in a wide skillet to prevent overcrowding, which can steam rather than caramelize them.
• Serve with a Salad: The richness of the tart pairs well with a simple salad of mixed greens or arugula dressed with a light vinaigrette.
• Store Leftovers Properly: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven to retain the crispiness of the crust.

Recipe Variations

• Onion and Blue Cheese Tart: Substitute blue cheese for goat cheese for a more intense, tangy flavor.
• Caramelized Onion and Mushroom Tart: Add sautéed mushrooms to the filling for an earthy twist.
• Herb Crust: Add chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the tart crust for an extra layer of flavor.
• Vegetarian Tart with Spinach and Feta: Add sautéed spinach and substitute feta cheese for goat cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired tart.

Freezing and Storage

• Storing Leftovers: Store leftover tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.
• Freezing: You can freeze the baked tart. Let it cool completely, then wrap in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat directly from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
• Freezing Unbaked Crust: Prepare the tart crust, wrap it well, and freeze it for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Use Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier, fiber-rich crust.
• Reduce Cream: Use a lighter cream or half-and-half to reduce the fat content.
• Add More Vegetables: Add sautéed spinach, kale, or bell peppers to the filling for added nutrients.
• Omit Sugar: Skip the sugar while caramelizing onions for a more naturally sweet flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Brunch Gathering: This tart is perfect for a brunch buffet, served alongside fresh fruit, pastries, and mimosas.
• Holiday Appetizer: Cut the tart into small squares and serve as a sophisticated appetizer at holiday gatherings.
• Elegant Dinner Party: Pair a slice of tart with a glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc for a refined first course.
• Picnic or Potluck: Serve this tart at room temperature, making it easy to transport for picnics or potluck events.

Special Equipment

• Tart Pan: A 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom is ideal for this recipe, allowing easy removal and a crisp crust.
• Mandoline: For thinly slicing the onions evenly.
• Pastry Cutter: A pastry cutter makes it easy to blend the butter into the flour for the crust.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Yes, a store-bought pie crust or puff pastry can be used as a time-saving alternative.

2. Can I make this tart gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the crust to make the tart gluten-free.

3. Can I substitute crème fraîche for heavy cream?
Yes, crème fraîche adds a slightly tangier flavor and creamy texture, which works well in this recipe.

4. How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Blind baking the crust ensures it remains crispy, and using firmer onions can help reduce moisture.

5. Can I use different onions?
Sweet onions, yellow onions, or even red onions all work well for caramelization.

6. How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.

7. Can I prepare this tart in advance?
Yes, you can caramelize the onions and make the crust ahead of time. Assemble and bake before serving.

8. Can I add bacon or ham to this tart?
Absolutely! Add cooked bacon or ham to the filling for a richer, savory tart.

Conclusion

The Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tart is a savory masterpiece that combines a buttery, flaky crust with a rich, flavorful filling. With the sweetness of caramelized onions, the creamy tang of goat cheese, and the hint of fresh herbs, this tart is both elegant and comforting. It’s perfect for brunches, holiday gatherings, or anytime you want to impress with minimal effort. Whether served warm or at room temperature, each slice offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures that’s sure to leave a lasting impression. Serve it with a simple salad, a glass of wine, and enjoy every delicious bite of this French-inspired tart.

Print