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
- 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
- Unroll pastry onto baking sheet; optionally brush edges with mustard or milk for browning. Kendall-Jackson WinesBon Appétit
- Spread onions evenly over pastry; top with Gruyère—and Parmesan if desired.
- Bake until pastry is crisp and cheese melted (approx. 15–20 minutes at ~200 °C/400 °F).
- 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
- Substitute goat cheese or mix in a layer of fig jam for sweetness. The Guardian+5The Cozy Plum+5The Kitchn+5
- Add sliced mushrooms or fresh herbs like sage or tarragon for complexity. Brown Eyed BakerNot Quite NigellaBrooklyn Supper
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
Caramelized Onion and Gruyère Tart
- 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
- 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
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 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.
- 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).
- Spread the caramelized onions evenly within the border, then sprinkle Gruyère cheese on top.
- Brush the pastry edges with the beaten egg.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- 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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