Bacon Blue Cheese Onion Tart

This bacon blue cheese caramelized onion tart transforms just five simple ingredients into an impressive appetizer that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen. The flaky puff pastry creates the perfect canvas for creamy cheese, sweet onions, and savory bacon that will have your guests reaching for seconds.

I first made these tarts for an impromptu dinner party when I was short on time but wanted something that would impress. My guests were convinced I had ordered from a local bakery. These have since become my signature party offering.

Ingredients

• Puff pastry sheet: The flaky, buttery base that puffs beautifully in the oven. Look for all-butter varieties for the best flavor.
• Cream cheese: Creates a creamy base layer that prevents the pastry from getting soggy. Allow it to soften at room temperature for easier spreading.
• Caramelized onions: Adds sweet depth that balances the salty elements. Make these ahead or use store-bought to save time.
• Crisp bacon: Provides a savory, smoky crunch. Cook until extra crispy for the best texture contrast.
• Blue Cheese Simple Seasons: Adds bold, tangy flavor. The pre-seasoned variety simplifies the recipe, but crumbled blue cheese works too.
• Chopped parsley: Optional garnish that adds freshness and color.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the oven:

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. This high temperature is crucial for getting that perfect golden puff on the pastry.

Prepare the pastry:

Lay the two rectangles of puff pastry onto a silicone baking mat or lightly oiled baking sheet. The silicone mat prevents sticking without adding extra oil.

Add cream cheese layer:

Spread softened cream cheese evenly across each pastry rectangle, leaving a half-inch border all around the edges. This border will puff up and create a beautiful crust.

Add caramelized onions:

Distribute the caramelized onions evenly over the cream cheese layer. The cream cheese acts as a barrier to keep the moisture from the onions from making the pastry soggy.

Add toppings:

Sprinkle the crispy bacon pieces evenly over the onions, then shake half the Blue Cheese Simple Seasons across the tarts. Saving half the blue cheese for after baking preserves its tangy flavor.

Bake to perfection:

Bake for 10-15 minutes until the pastry edges are puffed and golden brown. Watch carefully during the last few minutes as puff pastry can go from perfect to burnt quickly.

Final touches:

Allow the tarts to cool for 2-3 minutes before sprinkling with the remaining blue cheese and optional parsley. Slice into wedges or strips and serve while still warm.

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The caramelized onions are truly the secret weapon in this recipe. I spend extra time cooking them down slowly until they reach that deep amber color, which concentrates their natural sugars. My husband, who normally avoids onions, requests these tarts specifically because the caramelization transforms them into something magical.

Make-Ahead Options

These tarts are perfect for busy hosts. You can prepare them through step 5, then freeze them flat on a baking sheet. Once frozen, wrap tightly and store for up to a month. When ready to serve, bake directly from frozen, adding just 5-7 extra minutes to the cooking time. This makes party prep almost effortless.

Easy Variations

While this classic combination is perfect, you can easily customize these tarts. Try substituting goat cheese for blue cheese for a milder flavor. Replace bacon with prosciutto for an elegant twist. Vegetarians might enjoy a version with sautéed mushrooms instead of bacon. The puff pastry base works beautifully with countless topping combinations.

Serving Suggestions

For casual gatherings, cut these tarts into small squares and serve as finger food. For a more formal presentation, slice into wedges and serve alongside a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil. These tarts pair beautifully with sparkling wine, a light Pinot Noir, or even a crisp hard cider.

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These tarts are the ultimate combination of elegance and simplicity, perfect for entertaining or just treating yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this tart ahead of time?

Yes! This tart is perfect for make-ahead preparation. You can assemble the tart completely, freeze it unbaked, and then bake directly from frozen when ready to serve. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. This makes it ideal for party planning.

→ What can I substitute for blue cheese if I don't like it?

If blue cheese isn't your preference, try substituting feta, goat cheese, or even shredded Gruyère. Each will offer a different flavor profile while still complementing the bacon and caramelized onions beautifully.

→ How do I make caramelized onions?

To make caramelized onions, thinly slice yellow onions and cook them slowly in a pan with a little olive oil or butter over medium-low heat for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. The slow cooking process allows the natural sugars in the onions to caramelize, creating a sweet, golden-brown result.

→ How should I serve this tart?

This tart is best served warm, cut into small slices or wedges as an appetizer. It pairs wonderfully with a light arugula salad or a glass of wine. For presentation, sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color.

→ Can I use the entire sheet of puff pastry instead of half?

Absolutely! If you're feeding a larger crowd, you can use the entire sheet of puff pastry and double the toppings. Just be sure to adjust your baking sheet size accordingly and watch the baking time, as a larger tart might need a few extra minutes in the oven.

→ What type of bacon works best for this tart?

Regular sliced bacon works perfectly for this tart. Cook it until crisp before adding to the tart, as this provides the best texture contrast with the soft caramelized onions and creamy cheese base. Applewood or maple-smoked bacon can add interesting flavor dimensions.