Caramelized Onion Goat Cheese Tartlets (Printable)

Flaky pastry with caramelized onions and goat cheese. Elegant starter, perfect for entertaining or snacking.

# Components:

→ Pastry

01 - 1 sheet puff pastry (approximately 8.8 ounces), thawed if frozen

→ Caramelized Onions

02 - 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
03 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
04 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
05 - 1 tablespoon brown sugar
06 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
07 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
08 - 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar

→ Filling

09 - 4.2 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
10 - 1 large egg
11 - 2 tablespoons heavy cream
12 - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, plus extra for garnish
13 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Method:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter with olive oil. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft, about 10 minutes.
03 - Stir in brown sugar, sea salt, and black pepper. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until onions are deeply golden and caramelized, approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Add balsamic vinegar and cook for 1 more minute. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
04 - Unroll the thawed puff pastry and cut into 8 equal squares or rounds. Lightly press each piece into a muffin tin or arrange on the prepared baking sheet to form shallow tartlet shells.
05 - In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg and heavy cream. Add crumbled goat cheese, thyme leaves, and a pinch of black pepper. Stir until combined.
06 - Distribute the caramelized onions evenly among the pastry shells. Spoon the goat cheese mixture over the onions.
07 - Transfer to oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the cheese filling is set.
08 - Allow tartlets to cool for 5 minutes before removing from tins. Garnish with extra thyme leaves and serve warm or at room temperature.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Easy to make ahead and bake just before guests arrive
  • Balanced flavor from sweet onions and tangy cheese
  • Elegant appetizer that feels fancy but uses simple ingredients
02 -
  • Vegetarian friendly and a hit at parties of all sizes
  • Bakes beautifully from chilled or freshly filled
  • Can be made ahead then warmed before serving
03 -
  • Always give onions enough time to fully caramelize for the richest taste
  • Let tartlets rest for five minutes out of the oven so the filling sets and they release easily
  • Sprinkle a few toasted pine nuts over the top before serving for extra flavor and crunch

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