Goat Cheese Tart with Caramelized Onions & Fresh Herbs
This elegant goat cheese tart features flaky puff pastry topped with creamy goat cheese, sweet caramelized onions, and fresh herbs. Perfect as a light lunch, appetizer, or centerpiece for brunch, it’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet of all-butter puff pastry, thawed
- 6 oz (170 g) goat cheese, softened
- 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for caramelizing)
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or rosemary)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Additional Toppings – Customize Your Tart:
- Sliced cherry tomatoes
- Arugula or baby spinach
- Balsamic glaze drizzle
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Crumbled feta or Gruyère
- Roasted red peppers
Instructions
- -Caramelize the Onions: In a skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring often, until golden and caramelized (about 20–25 minutes).-Preheat & Prep the Pastry: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.-Create a Border: Score a ½-inch (1 cm) border around the edge with a knife or pizza cutter. Use a fork to prick the center to prevent puffing.-Blind Bake: Line the center with parchment and add baking weights. Bake for 10–15 minutes until lightly golden. Remove weights and parchment.-Assemble the Tart: Spread softened goat cheese evenly within the scored border. Top with caramelized onions and sprinkle with fresh herbs.-Add Optional Toppings: Customize with any of your selected additions before baking.-Bake Again: Return to the oven and bake for another 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the pastry is golden and crisp.-Cool Slightly & Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes, slice, and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can caramelize the onions up to 3 days in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Homemade Puff Pastry Option: If you're making puff pastry from scratch, use European-style butter for extra flakiness.
- Preventing Sogginess: Pre-baking the pastry (blind baking) is essential to keep the base crisp—especially when using moist toppings.
- Flavor Boost: Try mixing the goat cheese with a bit of lemon zest or honey for a sweet-savory twist.
- Serving Ideas: Pairs wonderfully with a green salad for a light lunch or can be sliced into smaller squares as a party appetizer.
- Storage & Reheating: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 5–10 minutes to restore crispness.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free puff pastry or swap the crust with an almond flour base for a nutty variation.