Name: Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tart
Prep time: 70 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 100 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 4 yellow onions, (about 2 1/2 lbs); 4 oz goat cheese; 2 sheets puff pastry; 1 Tablespoon olive oil, (for caramelizing the onions); 1/2 teaspoon salt, (for caramelizing the onions)

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Made with a buttery pastry crust, this cheese tart is made with rich onions cooked down until they are sweet. This simple caramelized onion and goat cheese tart is not just delicious but pretty good looking, too! With under 5 ingredients and a little bit of time, proudly serve this tart when you want to feel a little fancy!

Just like this this Crustless Asparagus Quiche, this cheese tart recipe makes for the perfect breakfast or brunch!

It used to be that when I heard the word “tart” or “caramelized onions”, I immediately thought it was too fancy for me. Just too hard to make…

I want to tell you that it’s not true.

I’m all about simple recipes. Don’t believe me, check out this simple greek salad recipe and this simple one pan pasta dish. This cheese tart is a super simple recipe that you can master.

Why This Recipe Works:

it’s great for brunch, a simple lunch, or an easy dinner,
uses a gourmet cheese that is beyond delish,
you’ll use only a handful of ingredients,
it’s very simple to make and a huge crowd pleaser!

Ingredients You’ll Need

I really like using Pepperidge Farm puff pastry. It’s easy to work with and you can find it almost anywhere. Time is also an ingredient in this tart because getting the onions caramelized correctly does take some time, but it’s totally worth it.

How To Caramelize Onions

To make enough caramelized onions for this recipe, you’ll want to start with 4 large yellow onions. I like to use vidalia onions when I can find them because they tend to be a bit sweeter. If you can’t find yellow or vidalia onions, you can use purple or white onions. The same method works for any type of onion.

First you’ll want to slice the onions thinly. If you have a mandolin, this is a great time to bring it out. If not, just peel the onion, cut the top off, place it flat side down and start slicing.

Once you’ve cut up the pile of onions, pour olive oil in a large saute pan and add the pile of onions.
- Expert Note: As you saute the onions, they will cook down.

Now pack your patience, because this will take some time. But it’s totally worth it. Here’s what you’re going to do:

Start off at high heat for about 5 minutes just to get things going, then reduce the heat to medium low and let the magic happen.
You’ll want to stir these every few minutes so the heat can do its job with all of the onions.
For this tart recipe, you don’t want to take them all the way to dark brown, but rather a golden brown with some really caramelized onion bits.
Now, place the caramelized onions in the oven. This process allows them to get a second chance to develop the flavors.

Assembling The Tart

First you’ll roll out one sheet of puff pastry to a large square and place it into a tart pan. I like to use a round tart pan with a removable bottom, but you can use whatever shape you like.

Then, you’ll layer in the caramelized onions making sure that they are spread over the entire base of the puff pastry.
Once you’ve covered the bottom with the onions, dollop the goat cheese over the top of the onion making sure it’s evenly distributed over the top of the whole pastry.

Next, bake the cheese tart at 400 degree Fahrenheit until the puff pastry is cooked and the edges are browning nicely.
When it’s done baking, remove the tart from the pan and place onto your favorite serving dish.
You can garnish the goat cheese tart with any fresh herbs that you like. Rosemary is a nice touch and adds a great pop of green, but use what you like or leave it plain.

Cook’s Notes/Tips

One of my best tips is around purchasing puff pastries. If you can find an outlet store, stock up on them when it’s on super sale. Keep a few boxes in the freezer at all times for quick and easy meals.
You can caramelize the onions ahead of time! This is a huge time saver. On the day you want to make the cheese tart, you can just assemble and bake. Store in an airtight container in the fridge, and then use as needed.
Goat cheese is a key ingredient in this recipe. Even if you don’t think you are a goat cheese fan, try it. The tang from the cheese goes so well with the sweetness of the onions.
Defrost the puff pastry according to the directions on the box. I normally leave it on the counter in the box while the onions caramelize.
If you find that your puff pastry has gotten too warm once you’ve put it in the tart pan, simply put it back in the fridge for 10 minutes before filling it.

When To Serve Tarts

This is a great tart recipe to serve at brunch. It looks beautiful, tastes great warm or at room temperature, and is simple to put together. Here are some other brunch menu ideas that will complement the caramelized onion and goat cheese tart and make a nice spread:

Mother’s Day: This tart recipe served alongside a big salad and soup bar would be a great way to celebrate, along with a coconut bread and tea for dessert!
Sunday Mornings: Cheese tarts are great for brunch, especially when it’s paired with Challah french toast, lox, fruit and yogurt parfaits and homemade iced mochas.
Wedding Shower: Mini quiches, fruit skewers, avocado toasts, deviled eggs, croissants, and mimosas also pair extremely well with tarts!

The possibilities are endless!

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