These Caramelized Onion Tartlets are little bites of joy! With sweet, golden onions baked in a flaky crust, they make a perfect snack for any occasion.
Trust me, one or two won’t be enough! I often whip these up for parties, and they vanish fast. Plus, they’re super easy to make—just caramelize the onions and fill your pastry! Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Onions: Yellow onions are perfect for caramelizing due to their sweetness. If you’re looking for a different flavor, try using sweet onions, like Vidalias, or even red onions for a more colorful tart.
Puff Pastry: The flaky texture of puff pastry is key. You can substitute with phyllo dough for a lighter option, just brush each layer with butter. For gluten-free options, look for gluten-free puff pastry at your local store.
Cheese: I love adding goat cheese for its tangy flavor, but cream cheese works just as well for a creamier texture. If you’re vegan, use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
Heavy Cream: You can switch this out for half-and-half or milk if you want a lighter filling. Coconut cream is great for a non-dairy option, which adds a subtle sweetness.
How Do I Caramelize Onions Perfectly?
Caramelizing onions can seem tricky, but it’s all about patience! Start with medium-low heat to allow the natural sugars to develop slowly. Here’s how to do it right:
- Add sliced onions to a skillet with olive oil and butter, then sprinkle with sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Cook low and slow for about 30-40 minutes, stirring regularly to prevent sticking.
- When they turn a deep golden brown, they’re done! Just remove them from heat and let them cool before adding to your tartlets.
Taking your time here will give you that sweet, rich flavor that makes these tartlets shine!
How to Make Caramelized Onion Tartlets
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 4 oz (115g) goat cheese or cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg, beaten
For Garnish:
- Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe should take you about 10 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to bake, making it a total of about 35 minutes. Plus, you may want to let the tartlets cool for a few minutes before digging in, but trust me, it’ll be worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your tartlets will bake evenly and get that lovely golden color.
2. Caramelize the Onions:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions, then sprinkle in the sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 30-40 minutes. You want the onions to be soft, sweet, and caramelized to a beautiful golden brown. Once they’re done, remove them from heat and set aside to cool.
3. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
While your onions are caramelizing, lightly flour your work surface. Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet. Use a round cookie cutter (approximately 3 inches in diameter) to cut out circles that will fit into a mini tartlet pan or a muffin tin. Gently press the pastry circles into the cups of your pan.
4. Make the Cheese Filling:
In a small bowl, mix the softened goat cheese (or cream cheese) with the heavy cream until smooth and creamy. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
5. Assemble the Tartlets:
Spoon a small amount of the cheese mixture into each pastry shell, spreading it evenly. Then, top with 1-2 tablespoons of the caramelized onions, allowing them to nestle into the cheese.
6. Finish with Egg Wash:
For a beautiful golden finish, brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg using a pastry brush.
7. Bake the Tartlets:
Place your tartlets in the preheated oven, and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the pastry is puffed up and golden brown. The smell will be irresistible!
8. Cool and Garnish:
Once done, remove the tartlets from the oven and let them cool slightly before taking them out of the pan. If you like, garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for a touch of color and flavor.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
These tartlets are delicious warm or at room temperature. Serve them at your next gathering or enjoy them as a tasty snack. Bon appétit!
Can I Use Different Types of Onions?
Absolutely! While yellow onions are perfect for caramelizing, you can use sweet onions like Vidalia for extra sweetness, or red onions for a bolder color and flavor. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly based on the onion type.
How Can I Make These Tartlets Vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian as it focuses on onions and cheese. Just ensure that your cheese is made without animal rennet if you’re strict about vegetarian options.
Can I Make These Tartlets Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the caramelized onions and the cheese mixture ahead of time. Store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, assemble and bake them fresh!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover tartlets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.