These caramelized onion tartlets are delicious little bites! With sweet, golden onions nestled in flaky pastry, they make a great snack or appetizer.
Honestly, the aroma when they’re baking is heavenly! I love serving them warm, and I usually can’t resist grabbing a few extra—they’re just that tasty!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil or Unsalted Butter: Both work well for caramelizing the onions. I often choose olive oil for its flavor. If you’re lactose-intolerant, olive oil is a good choice! Coconut oil is another alternative for a different taste.
Yellow Onions: These are essential for the sweetness when caramelized. You can replace them with red onions or sweet onions like Vidalia, but the flavor will differ slightly.
Sugar: Adding sugar is optional but helps with caramelization. If you’re looking to cut back on sugar, you can skip it; the onions still caramelize beautifully on their own!
Thyme: Fresh thyme brightens up the tartlets. If you don’t have fresh thyme, dry thyme can substitute, just use half the amount since dried herbs are stronger.
Puff Pastry: This adds a flaky texture. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, check for gluten-free puff pastry; it works well in this recipe!
Goat Cheese or Cream Cheese: I love adding goat cheese for its tanginess. If you’re dairy-free, consider using a plant-based cream cheese.
How Do I Caramelize Onions Perfectly?
Caramelizing onions seems tricky, but it’s all about patience and heat control! To get that sweet, deep flavor, follow these steps:
- Heat your skillet over medium-low heat to avoid burning.
- Add olive oil or butter and the sliced onions. Stir occasionally.
- Add a pinch of salt to help draw out moisture, and optionally, sugar to enhance sweetness.
- Cook slowly for about 25-30 minutes until they turn a rich golden brown.
- Don’t rush! If they start to brown too fast, lower the heat.
Enjoy watching your onions transform into a delicious, sweet filling for your tartlets!
Caramelized Onion Tartlets
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tartlets:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to enhance caramelization)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, plus more for garnish
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4 ounces goat cheese or cream cheese, softened (optional, for a creamy base)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes for prep and 25 to 30 minutes for cooking, plus some time to cool. Overall, you’ll need around 45 minutes to enjoy these delicious tartlets from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, lightly grease a muffin tin. This will prevent the tartlets from sticking!
2. Caramelize the Onions:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions, along with a pinch of salt and sugar if you’re using it. Cook the onions slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’re aiming for a deep golden-brown color, so be patient and adjust the heat so they don’t burn!
3. Add Seasoning:
Once the onions are caramelized, stir in the fresh thyme leaves and season with freshly ground black pepper. Remove the skillet from heat and let it cool slightly while you prepare the pastry.
4. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet to smooth out the creases. Using a round cookie cutter or a glass, cut circles that are slightly larger than your muffin cups (approximately 3 inches in diameter).
5. Form Tart Shells:
Gently press each pastry circle into the muffin tin cups to create little tart shells. This will hold all that lovely filling!
6. Add Creamy Base (Optional):
If you’d like a creamy texture, spread a small spoonful of goat cheese or cream cheese into each pastry shell. This step is optional but highly recommended for added flavor!
7. Fill with Caramelized Onions:
Now, generously fill each tartlet with the caramelized onion mixture. Don’t be shy; pile it up!
8. Egg Wash for Golden Finish:
Brush the edges of each pastry with the beaten egg. This will give you that beautiful golden finish when baked.
9. Bake:
Place the muffin tin in your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed up and golden brown.
10. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the tartlets from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes in the tin. Gently remove them to a wire rack or platter. Garnish each tartlet with a small sprig of fresh thyme to make them look pretty!
11. Enjoy!
Serve these delicious caramelized onion tartlets warm or at room temperature. They make a wonderful snack or appetizer. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Onions?
Absolutely! While yellow onions are great for sweetness, you can also use red onions or Vidalia onions for a slightly different flavor. Just keep in mind that they may not caramelize as deeply as yellow onions.
Can I Prepare These Tartlets Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can caramelize the onions a day in advance and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, assemble the tartlets and bake them fresh. This way, they’ll be flaky and warm when served!
How Do I Store Leftover Tartlets?
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They can be reheated in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain their crispiness.
Can I Make These Tartlets Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply use a gluten-free puff pastry for the tart shells, and the rest of the ingredients should be gluten-free as well. Just check the labels to be sure!
