Onion and Goat Cheese Tart

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This elegant tart combines slowly caramelized onions with creamy whipped goat cheese on a flaky puff pastry base. The onions are cooked until golden and jammy, then layered with a fluffy goat cheese mixture and swirls of sweet fig preserves. The pastry is scored and docked to ensure perfect rising around the savory-sweet filling. After baking until golden brown, the tart emerges with a beautiful contrast of flavors - the sweetness of the onions and fig jam balances perfectly with the tangy goat cheese.

marry from tastelikemagic.com
Updated on Sat, 19 Apr 2025 13:17:24 GMT
A tray of quiches with onions. Pin it
A tray of quiches with onions. | tastelikemagic.com

This caramelized onion and goat cheese tart transforms simple ingredients into an elegant dish that never fails to impress at gatherings. The combination of sweet, jammy onions with tangy goat cheese creates a perfect balance of flavors atop buttery puff pastry that looks sophisticated but requires minimal effort.

I first made this tart for a last-minute dinner party and was amazed at how something so simple could earn such enthusiastic compliments. Now it's my go-to recipe whenever I want to seem like I put in more effort than I actually did.

Ingredients

  • Olive oil: Adds richness and helps caramelize the onions properly without burning
  • Yellow onions: The star ingredient that transforms into sweet golden goodness when cooked slowly
  • Fresh thyme: Provides an earthy aromatic quality that complements the sweetness of the onions
  • Goat cheese: Offers tangy creaminess that balances the sweet elements in the tart
  • Heavy cream: Helps create a spreadable goat cheese base with luxurious texture
  • Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and brings out the sweetness in the onions
  • Puff pastry: Provides a buttery, flaky base that puffs beautifully around the edges
  • Fig jam: Adds a sweet fruity element that pairs wonderfully with the goat cheese
  • Egg: Creates a golden glossy finish on the pastry edges

Step-by-Step Instructions

Caramelize the Onions:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add thinly sliced onions and toss to coat. Let cook for 5 minutes, toss again, then reduce heat to low. Continue cooking for 30-40 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes until onions develop a deep golden brown color and jammy consistency. Add minced thyme halfway through when onions begin turning golden. Remove from heat and cool completely.
Create the Creamy Base:
Whip room temperature goat cheese with cold heavy cream and kosher salt until light and fluffy, about one minute. You can use a hand mixer, stand mixer, or food processor for this step. The mixture should be easily spreadable but still hold its shape.
Prepare the Pastry:
Preheat oven to 400°F and line a large sheet pan with parchment paper. Roll out thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface until it's about ⅛" thick. Transfer to the prepared sheet pan. Create a border by scoring a 1-inch frame around the edge, cutting lightly without going all the way through. Dock the inside area all over with a fork to prevent excessive rising.
Assemble the Tart:
Mix ⅓ of the cooled caramelized onions into the whipped goat cheese mixture. Spread this inside the scored border of the puff pastry. Swirl fig jam on top of the goat cheese layer, then evenly distribute the remaining caramelized onions over the entire surface.
Egg Wash and Bake:
Whisk an egg with a teaspoon of water and brush the mixture over the exposed puff pastry border. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the pastry is deeply golden brown. For extra crispness, move the pan to the bottom rack for the final 5 minutes of baking.
A plate of pastries with a slice of pie on it. Pin it
A plate of pastries with a slice of pie on it. | tastelikemagic.com

This tart reminds me of a fancy French bistro dish I had in Paris years ago. The humble onion transformed through patience is what makes this recipe special. I remember serving this at my sister's baby shower and watching everyone's eyes light up with their first bite.

Make-Ahead Options

This tart is perfect for entertaining because much of the work can be done ahead of time. The onions can be caramelized up to 3 days before assembly and kept refrigerated in an airtight container. The goat cheese mixture can also be prepared a day in advance. For the ultimate convenience, you can even assemble the entire tart, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 5 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

Perfect Pairings

This tart works beautifully alongside a peppery arugula salad dressed simply with lemon juice and olive oil. The brightness cuts through the richness of the tart. For a more substantial meal, serve with a bowl of tomato soup or roasted vegetables. If serving as an appetizer, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir complements the sweet and savory flavors wonderfully.

Troubleshooting Tips

The secret to perfectly caramelized onions is patience. If they're browning too quickly, your heat is too high. Add a tablespoon of water and reduce the heat further. The onions should slowly develop color over time. If your puff pastry is becoming too brown before the recommended cooking time is complete, tent the edges with aluminum foil to prevent burning while allowing the center to continue cooking.

A slice of pie with onions on a white plate. Pin it
A slice of pie with onions on a white plate. | tastelikemagic.com

Serve warm and let the tart's flavors wow your guests with every bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make the caramelized onions ahead of time?

Yes! The caramelized onions can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Allow them to come to room temperature before assembling the tart.

→ What can I substitute for fig jam?

If fig jam isn't available, you can substitute with apricot preserves, red currant jelly, or even a balsamic glaze for a different but complementary flavor profile.

→ How do I know when my onions are properly caramelized?

Properly caramelized onions should be deep golden brown (not burnt), very soft, and almost jammy in consistency. This slow process takes 30-40 minutes - rushing will result in sautéed rather than caramelized onions.

→ Can I freeze this tart?

You can freeze the unbaked assembled tart for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding about 10 minutes to the baking time. For best texture, freezing the baked tart isn't recommended.

→ What side dishes pair well with this tart?

This tart pairs beautifully with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil. For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a light soup. It's also excellent for brunch with fresh fruit.

→ Why is docking the pastry important?

Docking (pricking with a fork) allows steam to escape during baking, preventing the center from puffing up too much while still allowing the border to rise. This creates the perfect texture contrast between the crisp edge and the flat base that holds the filling.

Caramelized Onion Goat Cheese Tart

Golden caramelized onions and whipped goat cheese on buttery puff pastry with sweet fig jam swirls.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
70 Minutes
Total Time
85 Minutes
By: Marry


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: French

Yield: 6 Servings (1 rectangular tart)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Base Ingredients

01 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
02 4 large yellow onions, peeled and thinly sliced
03 ½ tablespoon fresh thyme, minced
04 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

→ Filling

05 4 oz goat cheese, room temperature
06 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream, cold
07 ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
08 ⅓ cup fig jam or preserves

→ Finishing

09 1 egg, for egg wash
10 Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish

Instructions

Step 01

Heat a large skillet over medium low heat. Add the olive oil and onions and toss to coat. Allow the onions to cook for 5 minutes, toss again, then turn the heat to low. Continue cooking the onions for 30-40 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, until golden brown and jammy. Add the thyme at the halfway mark, once the onions start to become golden. Remove from heat to cool completely.

Step 02

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large sheet pan with parchment paper. Using a mixer or food processor, whip the goat cheese, heavy cream and salt until light and fluffy, about one minute.

Step 03

Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface until it's about ⅛" thick. Transfer to the prepared sheet pan. Score a 1-inch border along the inside of the puff pastry (not cutting all the way through), then dock inside the scored area with a fork.

Step 04

Mix ⅓ of the cooled onions into the goat cheese mixture, then spread inside the border of the puff pastry. Swirl the fig jam on top of the goat cheese, then evenly distribute the remaining caramelized onions over the top.

Step 05

Whisk together the egg with 1 teaspoon of water and brush over the exposed edges of puff pastry. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown, moving the pan to the bottom rack for the final 5 minutes of baking.

Step 06

Garnish with additional fresh thyme leaves. Allow the tart to cool for 5 minutes, then slice with a sharp knife and serve.

Notes

  1. If the onions begin to burn during caramelization, reduce the heat immediately. Adding ¼ cup of water halfway through cooking helps loosen browned bits from the pan and will evaporate during the remaining cooking process.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Mixer or food processor
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Pastry brush
  • Sharp knife

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (goat cheese, heavy cream)
  • Contains gluten (puff pastry)
  • Contains eggs

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 22.3 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 24.5 g
  • Protein: 7.8 g