Goat Cheese and Caramelized Onion Tartlets

These goat cheese caramelized onion tartlets are perfect party food that everyone can easily nosh on while enjoying a cocktail or glass of wine. They look elegant, and all the ingredients can be prepared ahead of time, so you can focus on socializing. This recipe scales up easily for larger gatherings, so just double or triple it.

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If you love these savory bite-sized appetizers, you’ll want to try my cranberry brie bites or charcuterie skewers, too. These crowd-pleasing options are great with cocktails and create an impressive spread that guests will remember.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

Caramelized onion and goat cheese tartlets are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer. The ingredient list for this recipe is short and simple.

In the printable recipe below, you can find a complete list of ingredients and measurements.

• Caramelized Onions: You will need more onions for this recipe than you think, since they reduce as they caramelize. You can use white, yellow, sweet, red onion, or even a combination. Our caramelized onion recipe is simple but does require some time.
• Goat Cheese: This tangy and creamy cheese helps balance the flavor of the caramelized onions. It doesn’t melt like other cheeses due to its lower moisture content, but it does get soft and creamy. We used goat cheese crumbles, but you can use a log and crumble it yourself.
• Puff Pastry Shells: We used Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry Shells for our tartlets, but you can also use frozen puff pastry cut into small squares or even phyllo shells.

How to Make Goat Cheese and Caramelized Onion Tartlets

Here are the quick, step-by-step instructions with visuals; you can find the full instructions, including the exact ingredients, in the recipe card below.

Pro-tip: Keep the puff pastry shells in the freezer until the oven has preheated. This will make sure they puff up and cook through.

1. Bake the Puff Pastry Shells: Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the puff pastry shells package. In order for the puff pastry shells to properly rise, make sure the oven has had enough time to heat up and that the puff pastry is very cold (the shells should not be thawed before baking). Place the puff pastry shells on a cookie or baking sheet with the “top” facing up, about two inches apart. Bake until they are golden brown and puffed, then remove them from the oven and let them cool. While the shells are baking, you can start caramelizing the onions.

2. Caramelize the Onions: Roughly chop the onions so that slices are between ⅛ and ¼ inches thick. Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat, add the onions, and cook them until they become translucent. Reduce heat to low and continue to cook onions, stirring every 5-10 minutes to prevent them from sticking. Deglaze the pan with a tablespoon or two of water or chicken stock when the fond starts to form on the pan. As onions continue to caramelize, continue stirring every 5-10 minutes and deglazing the saucepan as fond forms and the onions are no longer loose in the pan. When the onions achieve a deep golden brown (or dark brown) remove them from heat and set aside.

3. Prepare the Goat Cheese Filling: In a bowl, combine the crumbled goat cheese and fresh thyme leaves.

4. Assemble the Tarts: Once the puff pastry shells have cooled completely, use a fork to carefully remove the tops and the soft pastry underneath. Fill each shell with a spoonful of the caramelized onions, followed by a generous amount of the goat cheese and thyme mixture.

5. Bake the Tartlets: In a small bowl, beat the egg to create an egg wash. Brush the egg wash over the edges of the puff pastry to give them a golden color. Place the filled tartlets in a preheated 375°F oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Allow the tartlets to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Make-Ahead: The caramelized onions can be made up to 3 days in advance, then stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. The puff pastry shells can be baked up to a day in advance, then stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Assemble and bake the tarts just before serving.

How to Store: Leftover tarts can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days.

How to Reheat: Tartlets can be reheated in an oven or toaster oven. We don’t recommend reheating in the microwave. To reheat in the oven, place the tartlets on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes at 350°F, or until the filling is heated through and the crust is slightly crispy. Be careful not to overbake.

Recipe Tips and Notes

• Patiently caramelize the onions. Caramelizing onions takes time and low heat. Be patient to allow the natural sugars in the onions to develop fully. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
• Choose a quality goat cheese. Its creamy and tangy profile will complement the sweetness of the caramelized onions. Consider local or artisanal options for a unique flavor.
• Experiment with herbs. Thyme is the classic herb for these caramelized onion goat cheese tarts, but feel free to experiment with other herbs like rosemary, chives, or tarragon for added depth and freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions