Caramelized Onion Tart

This Caramelized Onion Tart recipe is the perfect appetizer! It’s easy to make and features an onion and feta filling that is sure to please.

Looking for an elegant appetizer to make for your next gathering? This caramelized onion tart is easy to put together and will definitely impress your guests! The rich, savoury flavors of the onions are perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the caramelization, and the crispy crust is a delicious contrast.

Onions are caramelized in butter until a deep, golden brown. They’re layered with fig jam and crumbled feta cheese in a rustic tart crust for an easy yet elegant appetizer or vegetarian main course. This dish is perfect for special occasions or any time you want to impress your guests!

The sweetness of the figs pairs perfectly with the salty feta cheese and the caramelized onions add a delicious depth of flavor. You will love this tart!

One of the best things about being a home cook is getting to experiment with new recipes. This caramelized onion tart is the perfect dish for an afternoon get-together, or as a weekend brunch option.

It’s easy to make and looks beautiful, too!

Why You will LOVE this Savoury Puff Pastry Tart

• Perfectly flaky pastry
• The filling is sweet and salty and super satisfying.
• Easy to make using frozen puff pastry
• Will definitely impress guests
• Vegetarian appetizer.
• Can be made Vegan.
• Perfect handheld appetizer for your next party.

Tips for Using Frozen Puff Pastry

There are a few basic guidelines for working with puff pastry that will ensure success every time:

• Allow it to thaw at room temperature for about 30 to 45 minutes before unfolding. If you try to unfold it while it’s still frozen, it will crack along the fold lines.
• After thawing, keep your puff pastry as cold as possible. You will get better results if it goes in the oven cold. If it does get a little warm while working with it, pop your tart in the fridge for about 20 minutes before baking.
• Puff pastry needs a high oven temperature for best results, don’t try to change the recipe’s suggested temperature.
• To roll out the puff pastry, you will need a lightly floured surface and rolling pin.
• Don’t top the puff pastry with too much filling – it won’t puff properly and may end up soggy.
• It is very important that the filling is cool before putting it on the puff pastry.
• If the pastry cracks at any point you can wet your finger with a bit of water and seal it back together.
• Baking times vary from oven to oven. Keep an eye on your pastry during the last 5 minutes to ensure it doesn’t overcook. It’s done when it’s golden and puffy.

How to Serve this Caramelised Onion Tart

To serve as an appetizer, simply cut into squares and serv as hand held finger food. You can also serve this tart on a plate along with a simple green salad if serving as a sit down appetizer course.

To serve as a meal, pair it with green salad and a simple hot soup. Thai Coconut Butternut Squash Soup or Coconut Tomato Soup would work great here.

Can I Use this Recipe to Make Individual Red Onion Tarts?

Yes! If you prefer to make individual tarts rather than a single large tart, simply cut your puff pastry sheet into squares. Prepare as directed but do not fold up the edges. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the pastry starts to get golden and puffed up.

Can You Make This Caramelized Onion Puff Pastry Tart Ahead of Time?

Because we are using Puff Pastry, this tart is best when served immediately after baking. That said, it should be fine if made a few hours in advance and re-heated in the oven just before serving.

If you want to make this recipe more in advance, you can prep the caramelized onion filling up to 24 hours in advance, and keep in the fridge until ready to use. I would not assemble to rest until you are ready to bake.

How to Store Leftover Caramelized Onion Tart

Puff pastry is best when enjoyed freshly baked and does not store the best. If you do have leftovers, store the completely cooled off tart in an airtight container, refrigerate for up to four days.

To freeze your cooled leftover tart, wrap it well in plastic and foil before placing in a freezer bag. It will keep in the freezer for about 2 weeks.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven at 350 degrees F for 15-20 minutes, and serving again. Do not re-heat in the microwave.

About the Equipment Needed to Make a Puff Pastry Tart

You will need a clean work surface and a rolling pin to lightly roll out the puff pastry just to even out the surface and flatten any creases.

You can use a fork to poke the pastry, or use a dough docker which is a lot faster and will do a better job of it.

Aside from that you will need a large skillet, a baking sheet, and parchment paper.

About the Ingredients for Caramelized Onion Tarts

Onions – I used red onion for this tart, but you can use sweet onions, white onions or yellow onions. Vidalia onions are another delicious choice.

Butter – You can use either butter or olive oil to cook your onions, using butter will give more flavour. Use olive oil if you are going vegan.

Vinegar – Apple cider vinegar adds some tang, you could substitute with balsamic vinegar but it will slightly alter the flavour of the dish.

Sugar – Brown sugar helps to caramelize the onions.

Puff pastry – Use frozen puff pastry, it is easy and tastes great. You can also make your own from scratch if you have the time. All-butter puff pastry is the best to use, but it appears to be harder to get in the USA than it is here in Canada. Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry Sheets seem the most widely available, and they are also vegan.

Jam – You can use either homemade fig jam or use store bought. Most grocery stores carry fig jam or fig preserves!

Feta – I love the saltiness of the feta paired with the sweet onions. You could swap with other types of cheese if you like. Goat cheese is a great substitute. If going vegan substitute with a vegan cheese.

Egg – I used a whole egg to wash my pastry but you can use your favourite type of egg wash here. If going vegan just use a little more olive oil or almond milk.

Looking for More Appetizer Ideas for Parties

Check out some of my favourite party appetizers!

These Mediterranean Red Pepper Tarts make for a flavourful party starter that are quick and easy to make.

When it comes to entertaining, having an easy appetizer in your repertoire like these delicious Bacon Spinach Pinwheels is a must.

This easy buffalo chicken dip recipe is a perfect appetizer for game day! Loaded with chicken, cheese, and hot sauce, it’s always a big hit.

How to Make a Caramelized Onion Tart

Yields: 6 Servings | Prep time: 20 Minutes | Cooking time: 40 Minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 medium red onions
• 2 1/2 tablespoons of cold butter, divided
• 5 tablespoons of brown sugar
• 2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 puff pastry sheet, thawed
• 4 tablespoons of fig jam
• 3-4 tablespoons of feta, crumbled
• 1 egg

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 F.

In a large skillet cook onion in a single layer with a tablespoon of butter until softened. Deglaze the skillet with the vinegar, then add in the sugar. Simmer until sugar is melted and bubbly and syrupy, Set aside to cool.

Roll out the puff pastry sheet and transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Score the crust about 1 inch from the edges of the puff pastry rectangle and poke the inside several times with a fork.

Spread most of the fig jam across the inside of the puff pastry and reserve some for later.

Arrange cooked red onion and top with feta cheese and 1 1/2 tablespoon of cubed butter.

Fold in the edges and brush with egg.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Brush with the remaining fig jam (for best results warm it up in the microwave until loose texture).

Allow to cool for a few minutes, slice, and serve.