Golden Caramelized Onion & Trio-Cheese Savory Tarts Recipe
These Golden Caramelized Onion & Trio-Cheese Savory Tarts combine sweet, slow-cooked onions with a rich blend of Gruyère, Parmesan, and cream cheese in a flaky pie crust. Perfect as an appetizer or light meal, these tarts offer a delightful balance of caramelized sweetness and cheesy indulgence, finished with optional fresh thyme and balsamic glaze for an elegant touch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Savory Tarts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Caramelized Onions:
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- ½ tsp balsamic vinegar
- ½ tsp dried thyme (or 1 tsp fresh)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 oz Gruyère cheese, grated
- 2 oz Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup heavy cream or crème fraîche
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
For the Tart Crust:
- 1 box (14.1 oz) refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade crust)
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh thyme sprigs
- Balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: Warm olive oil and butter in a heavy skillet over medium heat. Add thinly sliced onions and cook gently for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn a deep golden brown. During the last 10–15 minutes, stir in sugar, dried thyme, and balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Prepare the Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, grated Gruyère, grated Parmesan, egg, and heavy cream or crème fraîche. Beat together until smooth and creamy. Add a pinch of nutmeg if desired, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Assemble the Tarts: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unroll the pie crusts and cut into desired shapes or use them whole for a larger tart. Arrange crusts on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon the cooled caramelized onions evenly over the crusts, then spread the cheese filling on top, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Bake: Place the assembled tarts into the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese filling is lightly browned and set.
- Serve: Allow the tarts to cool for a few minutes after baking. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and a drizzle of balsamic glaze if desired before serving.
Notes
- Caramelizing onions slowly is key to developing their natural sweetness and rich flavor.
- You can substitute the refrigerated pie crust with a homemade or gluten-free crust depending on dietary needs.
- For a vegetarian option, ensure the cheeses used do not contain animal-derived rennet.
- The nutmeg is optional but adds a subtle warmth to the cheese filling.
- These tarts are best served warm but can be enjoyed at room temperature as well.
Keywords: caramelized onion tart, cheese tart, savory tarts, Gruyère recipes, French tarts, caramelized onion recipes
