Caramelized Onion Tartlets | Make Ahead Recipe
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These Caramelized Onion Tartlets feature sweet, golden onions baked in flaky pastry. Topped with cheese and fresh herbs, they’re a perfect appetizer. Easy to make and wonderfully savory, these tartlets bring out the rich flavor of caramelized onions in every bite.
We like to serve onion tarts with dirty martini shrimp.
Caramelized Onion Tartlets
Caramelized onion tartlets are a great appetizer for any occasion. Combining buttery pastry and rich, sweet onions creates a delicious bite. These tartlets are simple to prepare and can be made ahead of time for added convenience, making them perfect for any event.
Ingredients
The full recipe with ingredient amounts and instructions is at the bottom of this post. You can save a tree and the recipe to your personal and private recipe box here on Call Me PMc. This way, you’ll never misplace it.
For the caramelized onions
- onions, thinly sliced
- olive oil or
butter - balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper
For the tartlets
- puff pastry (store-bought)
- crème fraîche or sour cream
- grated Gruyère, Parmesan, or Cheddar
- fresh thyme leaves (optional)
PMc says:
Caramelized onion tartlets are versatile and work for casual gatherings or more formal occasions. A helpful tip is to caramelize your onions in advance and store them in the fridge. This saves time when assembling the tartlets and makes preparation stress-free.
Caramelized Onion Tartlets Tips
- Add balsamic reduction for an extra flavor boost, or top with arugula for some freshness. This will elevate your caramelized onion tartlets significantly.
- These tartlets are already vegetarian, but you can add roasted veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers for more variety.
- Store any leftover tartlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the pastry crispy.
- Cook onions slowly over low heat to bring out their natural sweetness. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Use pre-made pastry for convenience, or make your own if you prefer a homemade touch.
- To enhance the flavors, add a sprinkle of cheese or fresh herbs before baking. This simple step adds extra richness to your caramelized onion tartlets.
FAQs
- How long does it take to caramelize onions? It can take about 20 to 30 minutes to caramelize onions. Patience is key to the best flavor.
- Can these be made ahead? Yes, you can cook the onions early and refrigerate. You can also prepare the tartlets and reheat them in the oven before serving.
- What type of onions work best? Sweet onions are great for caramelizing, but yellow and white can also be used for different flavors.
- Can I freeze caramelized onion tarts? Yes, allow to cool down and freeze in an airtight container for up to 1 month. This makes it easy to have caramelized onion tartlets ready whenever you need them.
Conclusion
Caramelized onion tartlets are a simple appetizers that are easy to make and serve. The rich flavor of caramelized onions paired with buttery pastry makes these a hit every time. With the option to prepare parts of the recipe ahead, they’re a great choice for hosting or treating yourself to something special. Below are more recipes you’ll enjoy.
Caramelized Onion Tartlets | Easy Make Ahead Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
For the caramelized onions
- 2 tablespoons (about 1 fl oz / 30 mL) olive oil or butter
- 2 large (about 16 oz / 450 g onions I prefer Vidalia, thinly sliced
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon (about 0.5 fl oz / 15 mL) balsamic vinegar optional, for added sweetness
For the tartlets
- 1 sheet (about 8 oz / 225 g) puff pastry store-bought
- ½ cup (about 4 oz / 115 g) Crème fraîche or sour cream
- ¼ cup (about 1 oz / 28 g) parmesan cheese grated, or Gruyère or Cheddar
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
Instructions
Step 1: Caramelize the onions
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat.2 tablespoons (about 1 fl oz / 30 mL) olive oil
- Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt, cooking for 20-25 minutes until golden and soft, stirring occasionally. If using, add balsamic vinegar halfway through cooking for extra sweetness. Season with pepper, then set aside.2 large (about 16 oz / 450 g onions, salt and pepper to taste, 1 tablespoon (about 0.5 fl oz / 15 mL) balsamic vinegar
Step 2: Prepare the pastry
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a floured surface. Cut into small circles or squares, depending on your preference.1 sheet (about 8 oz / 225 g) puff pastry
- Place the pastry into tartlet pans or a muffin tin, gently pressing to fit.
Step 3: Assemble the tartlets
- Spread a thin layer of crème fraîche or sour cream in each pastry shell.½ cup (about 4 oz / 115 g) Crème fraîche
- Spoon the caramelized onions evenly into the pastry shells.
- Sprinkle with grated cheese and fresh thyme (if using). Season with salt and pepper.¼ cup (about 1 oz / 28 g) parmesan cheese , 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
Step 4: Bake
- Bake the tartlets for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and puffed, and the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
Step 5: Serve
- Let the tartlets cool for a few minutes before serving. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition
Nutritional information given is an automatic calculation and can vary based on the exact products you use and changes you make to the recipe. If these numbers are important to you, I recommend calculating them yourself.