Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tartlets

Name: Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tartlets
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 tartlets
Ingredients: 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed; 2 large onions, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped; 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Highlighted under: Sweet Ending Recipes

I absolutely love making these Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tartlets for gatherings. The sweet, rich flavor of the caramelized onions paired with the tangy creaminess of goat cheese creates a delightful appetizer. They’re surprisingly simple to prepare, and the aromas wafting through the kitchen while they bake make it hard to resist sneaking a taste early. Each bite is like a little celebration, and I can't help but share them with everyone whenever I make them.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-17T16:46:28.027Z

When I first attempted making these tartlets, I was skeptical about whether the combination would be as satisfying as I hoped. However, the slow-cooking process of the onions transforms their natural sugars into sweet caramel goodness, which perfectly balances the slightly tangy goat cheese.

I've found that using fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary can elevate the flavor even further. This little addition really enhances the overall experience, making each tartlet burst with aroma and freshness. I love serving them warm out of the oven for the best taste!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Savory sweetness from deeply caramelized onions
Creamy goat cheese providing a delightful tang
Perfect bite-sized portions for easy sharing

      

The Art of Caramelizing Onions

Caramelizing onions is a transformative technique that brings out their natural sweetness, making them the star of this tartlet recipe. Start by ensuring your skillet is at a medium heat and add the olive oil before the onions. This helps to distribute the heat evenly. Stir occasionally, allowing the onions to cook gently until they turn a rich, golden brown, usually taking around 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning; if the heat is too high, they can char rather than caramelize.

For optimal flavor development, adding a teaspoon of sugar may seem counterintuitive, but it helps accelerate the caramelization process and balances the onions' natural bitterness. If you find your onions are sticking or browning too quickly, lower the heat and add a splash of water or broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. The goal is glossy, soft onions that smell divine.

Puff Pastry Tips

Using puff pastry is a game changer for these tartlets, giving them a flaky and light texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy goat cheese. When rolling out your thawed puff pastry, be sure to keep it chilled to maintain its flaky layers. If the pastry gets too warm, it can become difficult to handle and may not rise as well during baking. Cut the pastry into circles that precisely fit your tartlet molds; a round cookie cutter works well for this task.

Another tip is to avoid overfilling your pastry with onions, as this can cause them to overflow during baking. A heaping tablespoon of caramelized onions in each pastry should suffice, allowing room for the goat cheese topping. This ensures that everything bakes evenly, resulting in perfectly golden and puffed tartlets.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These tartlets are incredibly versatile and can be served warm or at room temperature, making them perfect for gatherings. For an extra touch, drizzle a balsamic reduction over the top just before serving to enhance the flavor profile. Pair these with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a balanced appetizer or light lunch that impresses without extensive effort.

If you're looking to mix things up, consider experimenting with different cheeses such as feta or blue cheese for a stronger flavor. Additionally, adding a layer of sautéed spinach or mushrooms beneath the goat cheese can introduce new textures and earthy flavors, making each batch of tartlets a unique experience.

Ingredients

Gather all of your ingredients before you start cooking to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

For the Tartlets

1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
2 large onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Make sure to taste and adjust the seasonings as needed to suit your palate!

Instructions

Steps to Prepare

Follow these steps closely for the best results!

Caramelize the Onions

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, salt, and sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden brown and caramelized, about 20 minutes.

Prepare the Puff Pastry

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into circles that fit into your tartlet molds.

Assemble the Tartlets

Place the pastry circles into the molds, and spoon a generous amount of caramelized onion into each. Top with crumbled goat cheese and sprinkle with fresh thyme.

Bake

Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg for a golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden.

Allow the tartlets to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious creation!

Pro Tips

For a twist, try adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze on top before serving.

Make-Ahead and Storage

These Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tartlets are ideal for making ahead of time. You can prepare the caramelized onions up to two days in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just reheat them on medium-low heat before assembling the tartlets to ensure they're warm and flavorful.

If you want to prepare the entire dish in advance, you can assemble tartlets up to 4 hours before serving. Just cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When it’s time to bake, simply brush them with the egg wash and bake directly from the fridge. Adjust the baking time as needed, keeping an eye on the color and puffiness.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your tartlet pastry doesn't puff as desired, ensure that it was adequately chilled before going into the oven; warm pastry will not rise properly. Additionally, check that your oven is at the right temperature, as an oven that is too cool will also affect the final rise and texture of the pastry.

Should your caramelized onions seem too oily or undercooked, revisit the cooking process. They should be deeply golden with a sweet aroma, not oily. If they’re undercooked, simply cook them a bit longer on a lower heat. Avoid excessive stirring, which can cool them down and prevent proper caramelization.

Scaling the Recipe

Scaling up this tartlet recipe for a crowd is straightforward. Each sheet of puff pastry typically yields about 12 tartlets, depending on the size. If you need to serve more guests, plan for an additional pastry sheet and increase the quantity of onions and cheese accordingly. You can prepare multiple batches simultaneously, allowing you to enjoy more time with your guests.

For smaller gatherings, feel free to cut this recipe in half with no major adjustments necessary; just keep an eye on your cooking times as these may vary slightly. These tartlets freeze well too, so making a larger batch can lead to delightful weeknight appetizers or snacks later on!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I prepare the caramelized onions in advance?

Absolutely! You can caramelize the onions a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble the tartlets.

→ What can I substitute for goat cheese?

Cream cheese or ricotta can be used as alternatives for a similar creamy texture.

→ Can these tartlets be frozen?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked tartlets. Bake them directly from the freezer, adding an extra few minutes to the bake time.

→ How long do the tartlets stay fresh?

They are best eaten fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven.