Onion and Goat Cheese Tart

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.

Pin it

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.

Pin it

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.