These caramelized onion tartlets are small bites of joy filled with sweet, golden onions and a flaky crust. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in!
They’re so easy to make, even I can whip them up! Just top some pastry with delicious onions, bake, and voilà! Get ready for some happy taste buds! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the star of the tartlets! A store-bought frozen puff pastry makes life easier and gives you that flaky texture. For a healthier twist, look for whole wheat or gluten-free options.
Onions: Sweet onions, like Vidalia, are great for caramelizing due to their natural sweetness. If you’re short on onions, you can also mix in shallots or leeks for added flavor!
Butter & Olive Oil: I like to use a mix of both for cooking the onions. The butter adds flavor, and the olive oil prevents burning. If you want to keep it dairy-free, use a plant-based butter instead.
Goat Cheese: I love the tanginess of goat cheese in these tartlets. If you’re not a fan, cream cheese or ricotta makes a great substitute. For a dairy-free option, try a nut-based cheese!
How Do I Get My Onions Perfectly Caramelized?
Caramelizing onions requires patience but pays off with rich flavors. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with medium heat. If it’s too high, the onions can burn instead of caramelizing.
- Add the sliced onions and stir to coat them in the oil and butter.
- Cook them slowly for 25–30 minutes, stirring regularly. This allows the natural sugars to develop.
- Halfway through, sprinkle in sugar to boost caramelization. If you want to brighten the flavor, add balsamic vinegar near the end!
- Keep seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance the taste as you go.
With these tips, you’ll get beautifully caramelized onions that elevate your tartlets! Enjoy your cooking!
Caramelized Onion Tartlets
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
Filling:
- 3 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 oz goat cheese or cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
- 1 small clove garlic, minced (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
The total time for this recipe is about 1 hour. It includes around 10 minutes for preparation, 30 minutes for caramelizing the onions, and 20-25 minutes for baking the tartlets. With a little patience, you’ll have delicious bites ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start off by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a mini tartlet pan or muffin tin to make it easier to remove the tartlets later.
2. Cook the Onions:
In a large skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Once melted, add the sliced onions and stir them to coat evenly. Cook the onions slowly, stirring often, for about 25–30 minutes. They should become deeply golden and caramelized. Halfway through cooking, sprinkle in the sugar to help with the caramelization process.
3. Season and Cool:
If you’re using balsamic vinegar, stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking. Season your onions with salt and pepper to taste. Once they’re flavorful and nicely caramelized, remove them from heat and let them cool slightly.
4. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry. Cut it into rounds that are slightly larger than your tartlet molds. Press the rounds of pastry into the tartlet molds or pans, trimming off any excess pastry that hangs over the edges.
5. Mix the Cheese:
In a bowl, combine the softened goat cheese (or cream cheese) with minced garlic if you’re using it. Mix well. Spread a spoonful of this creamy mixture evenly into the bottom of each tartlet shell.
6. Assemble the Tartlets:
Now, top the cheese in each tartlet shell with a generous amount of the caramelized onions. Make sure to fill them nicely to enjoy every bit of flavor!
7. Bake:
Place your tartlets in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes or until the pastry is golden and crisp. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
8. Cool and Garnish:
Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before carefully taking them out of the molds. Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley to finish.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Your caramelized onion tartlets are ready! Enjoy them warm or at room temperature as a delightful appetizer or snack!
Can I Use Store-Bought Pastry for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Using frozen puff pastry is a great time-saver and offers a delicious flaky texture. Just make sure it’s fully thawed before rolling it out!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Tartlets?
Store any leftover tartlets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) until warm—this helps maintain their crispiness!
Can I Make the Onions Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can caramelize the onions a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just let them cool completely before sealing them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to assemble the tartlets, reheat the onions slightly to make spreading easier.
What Can I Substitute for Goat Cheese?
If goat cheese isn’t your favorite, you can easily use cream cheese, ricotta, or even a vegan cheese alternative. Just adjust the quantity as needed based on the firmness of the substitute!
