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Southern Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tart Recipe


  • Author: David Andersson
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A southern caramelized onion and goat cheese tart is a baked savory pastry that pairs sweet cooked onions with bold cheese. Nestled inside a crisp, golden puff pastry crust, the filling relies on a light egg and heavy cream custard to bind everything together into a smooth, sliceable pie. The signature flavor profile comes from combining aromatic yellow onions with butter, olive oil, a splash of balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and earthy fresh thyme leaves.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Tart

  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
  • 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 4 oz (115 g) goat cheese, crumbled
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch tart pan or pie dish.
  • Prepare the pastry: Place the puff pastry into the pan, pressing it gently into the edges. Trim any excess pastry and prick the bottom several times with a fork.
  • Caramelize the onions: Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden and soft.
  • Add flavor: Stir in brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat.
  • Make the filling: Whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, and garlic powder.
  • Assemble: Spread the caramelized onions evenly over the pastry. Sprinkle the goat cheese on top, then pour the egg-and-cream mixture over everything.
  • Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the pastry is golden brown.
  • Cool and garnish: Let the tart rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional thyme if desired.

Notes

For the best flavor, caramelize the onions slowly rather than rushing the process. You can also add toasted pecans, crispy bacon, or a drizzle of honey for an extra Southern-inspired touch.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: ~350 kcal

Keywords: caramelized onion and goat cheese tart, southern caramelized onion tart recipe, goat cheese caramelized onion tart