These caramelized onion tartlets are little bites of happiness! With sweet, golden onions baked in flaky pastry, they make a perfect snack or appetizer.
Every time I make these, I can’t help but snack on the filling—it’s just so sweet and tasty! Pair them with a fresh salad, and you’ve got a lovely treat ready to impress!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: Try to use high-quality puff pastry for a light and flaky texture. If you need a gluten-free option, frozen gluten-free pastry sheets are available. You can also make a simple shortcrust pastry if you’re up for it!
Onions: Yellow onions are best for caramelizing, as they become sweet when cooked down. If you’re in a pinch, red onions can work too, offering a slightly different flavor. Shallots are also a lovely choice if you want a milder onion taste.
Cheese: Blue cheese gives a strong flavor contrast to the onions, but feel free to swap it for goat cheese for a creamier, milder taste. Feta or even shredded mozzarella are also delicious alternatives!
Fresh Thyme: Fresh thyme adds a nice herbal note. If you don’t have it, dried thyme can work, but use less, as dried herbs are stronger. Other herbs like rosemary or parsley can also be nice substitutes.
How Can I Achieve Perfectly Caramelized Onions?
Caramelizing onions is all about patience! Here’s how to do it right:
- Use a large skillet over medium-low heat. This allows the onions to cook gently without burning.
- Add a pinch of salt to help draw out moisture, which aids in the caramelization.
- Stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking, but not too often—let them sit a bit for better coloring!
- Once they start browning, sprinkle in the sugar. This enhances the caramel flavor and richness.
- Cook until they are deeply golden and sweet, about 30-35 minutes total.
Your patience will really pay off with sweet, rich flavor in each tartlet!
Caramelized Onion Tartlets
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 3 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (or goat cheese for a milder flavor)
- Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take you about 15 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to cook. You’ll have sweet, savory tartlets ready in just about 35 minutes—a great addition to any gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). It’s always best to have your oven ready to go to make sure those tartlets bake evenly.
2. Caramelize the Onions:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions along with a pinch of salt. Cook them slowly, stirring occasionally, until they soften and turn a rich, golden brown. This should take about 25-30 minutes. Be patient—the sweeter they caramelize, the tastier they’ll be!
3. Enhance the Flavor:
Once the onions are beautifully caramelized, stir in the granulated sugar. This will help deepen their sweetness. Let them cook for another 5 minutes, and then remove from heat and set aside.
4. Prepare the Pastry Shells:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your thawed puff pastry to make it smooth. Cut circles that are about 2.5-3 inches in diameter. Carefully press the circles into a lightly greased mini muffin tin to create your tartlet shells.
5. Add Cheese:
Evenly sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese (or your choice of cheese) into each pastry shell, making for a scrumptious layer.
6. Fill with Onions:
Next, spoon the caramelized onions generously on top of the cheese in each tartlet. Fill them up nicely, but don’t overfill to prevent spills!
7. Bake the Tartlets:
Pop the muffin tin into your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. They are ready when the pastry is golden and puffed up beautifully.
8. Cool and Garnish:
Once out of the oven, let the tartlets cool for a few minutes in the pan. This will make them easier to remove. Just before serving, top each tartlet with a small sprig of fresh thyme for a touch of elegance and flavor.
Enjoy these sweet, savory tartlets as an appetizer or party snack! They are sure to impress your guests with their deliciousness!
Can I Use Frozen Onions?
Frozen onions can be a convenient option, but keep in mind that they may release more moisture when cooked, which can affect caramelization. If using frozen, thaw them beforehand and pat dry to reduce excess water.
Can I Make These Tartlets Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the caramelized onions and pre-bake the pastry shells a day in advance. Just assemble and fill them before baking when you’re ready to serve. They bake up beautifully fresh!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover tartlets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crisp again.
Can I Customize the Cheese in This Recipe?
Yes, you can! If blue cheese isn’t your thing, goat cheese, feta, or even a mild cheddar can work well. Try different cheeses to find your perfect flavor combination!
