Caramelized Onion and Gruyère Tart

A savory tart featuring deeply caramelized onions and nutty Gruyère cheese baked on buttery puff pastry—a taste reminiscent of French onion soup in tart form. Don’t Go Bacon My HeartAllrecipes+8Spicy Southern Kitchen+8Lost in Food+8Whisked Away KitchenSpicy Southern Kitchen+4Lost in Food+4Lost in Food+4Lost in FoodOh My Veggies+6holisticfoodie.com+6Kendall-Jackson Wines+6

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Soul-warming and comforting, sophisticated yet simple.
  • Make-ahead components—onions or pastry can be prepped earlier.
  • Elegant enough for gatherings, casual enough for weeknights. holisticfoodie.com

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Puff pastry sheet (store-bought all-butter recommended)
  • Sweet onions, thinly sliced
  • Butter and olive oil
  • Garlic, minced
  • Gruyère cheese, grated
  • Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Thyme (fresh or dried), salt, pepper
  • Optional: a splash of wine (e.g., Chardonnay), brown sugar

directions

  1. Cook onions slowly in butter and oil until soft, golden, deeply caramelized (30–45 min); add garlic toward the end. Craving Something HealthyWhole Food Bellies+3Kendall-Jackson Wines+3Brooklyn Supper+3RedditBeyond The Chicken Coop
  2. Unroll pastry onto baking sheet; optionally brush edges with mustard or milk for browning. Kendall-Jackson WinesBon Appétit
  3. Spread onions evenly over pastry; top with Gruyère—and Parmesan if desired.
  4. Bake until pastry is crisp and cheese melted (approx. 15–20 minutes at ~200 °C/400 °F).
  5. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

  • Servings: About 6 portions.
  • Prep Time: ~15 minutes (plus onion caramelizing time).
  • Cook Time: ~15–20 minutes pastry bake.
  • Total Time: ~60–70 minutes including onion cooking. Kendall-Jackson Wines+2holisticfoodie.com+2

Variations

storage/reheating

  • Store in refrigerator for up to 2–3 days.
  • Reheat in a low oven until warmed and crisp.

FAQs

Can I caramelize onions ahead of time?

Yes—onions can be made up to a week in advance and refrigerated. Bon Appétit

What pastry works best?

All-butter puff pastry offers the flakiest, most buttery result; store-bought is perfectly fine.

Can I use different cheese?

Gruyère is ideal, but Swiss, Emmental, Jarlsberg, or cheddar can work. Kendall-Jackson Wines+3Brooklyn Supper+3Brown Eyed Baker+3Craving Something Healthy

How do I prevent soggy pastry?

Let onions cool slightly before layering to allow juices to reduce.

Can I add mustard to the base?

Yes—a thin layer of mustard adds depth and balances sweetness. Bon Appétit

Can I make mini tarts?

Absolutely—cut pastry into rounds or squares, layer filling, and bake for bite-size versions. Whole Food Bellies

What’s a good side pairing?

A crisp green salad or charcuterie makes an elegant match.

How to store leftovers?

Refrigerate up to 2–3 days; reheat gently to maintain crispness.

Can I omit garlic?

Yes—only onions and cheese still yield a flavorful result.

Conclusion

This caramelized onion and Gruyère tart is a refined yet comforting dish—perfect as an elegant appetizer or a light entrée alongside salad. Its rich flavors and simple prep make it a kitchen staple.

Print
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Caramelized Onion and Gruyère Tart

Caramelized Onion and Gruyère Tart

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  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 slices 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: French
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A savory tart featuring sweet caramelized onions and nutty Gruyère cheese nestled in a flaky pastry crust. Ideal for brunches, appetizers, or light dinners.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
  • 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring often, for 25-30 minutes until onions are deeply golden and caramelized. Stir in thyme if using. Set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Score a 1-inch border around the edge with a sharp knife (do not cut all the way through).
  4. Spread the caramelized onions evenly within the border, then sprinkle Gruyère cheese on top.
  5. Brush the pastry edges with the beaten egg.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
  7. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Use a mandoline for evenly sliced onions to ensure uniform caramelization.
  • Tart can be made ahead and reheated in a low oven before serving.
  • Try adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving for extra depth of flavor.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 19g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

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