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Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe

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3.8 from 3 reviews

These caramelized onion and goat cheese tarts are a delightful appetizer featuring sweet, golden-brown onions combined with tender apples and fragrant thyme, topped with creamy goat cheese, all baked in flaky puff pastry cups. Perfect for entertaining, these tarts pack intense flavor while being easy to prepare with simple shortcuts.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 24 tarts

Ingredients

Caramelized Onion Mixture

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 medium sweet onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 apple, diced small
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • ¼ cup apple jelly

Goat Cheese Mixture

  • 4 ounces goat cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream

Puff Pastry Tart Shells

  • 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
  • Additional fresh thyme for topping

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes until the onions turn a rich golden brown. If the onions start to dry out or stick, add a splash of water and deglaze the pan by scraping the bottom.
  2. Add Apples and Thyme: Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the diced apple and thyme leaves. Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes until the apples are tender.
  3. Finish Onion Mixture: Stir in the balsamic vinegar and apple jelly until well combined. Remove the pan from heat and allow the mixture to cool.
  4. Prepare the Goat Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, mix the softened goat cheese with heavy cream until smooth and creamy.
  5. Preheat Oven and Prep Puff Pastry: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet into a 10×15 inch rectangle and cut into 24 equal squares, approximately 2.5 inches each.
  6. Assemble Tarts: Generously grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin. Fit each puff pastry square into the muffin cavities, forming little cups.
  7. Fill and Top: Evenly divide the cooled onion mixture among the pastry cups, then add a dollop of the goat cheese mixture on top of each.
  8. Bake: Bake the tarts in the preheated oven for 20-22 minutes until the puff pastry is golden brown and the cheese is slightly browned.
  9. Remove Tarts Carefully: Immediately after baking, use a butter knife to gently lift the tarts out of the pan while still hot to prevent the sticky syrup from hardening and sticking.
  10. Cool and Serve: Let the tarts cool for about 10 minutes before serving, allowing the filling to set and cool slightly. Garnish with fresh thyme and serve warm.

Notes

  • Be patient when caramelizing onions; slow cooking develops deeper flavor.
  • The splash of water during caramelization prevents burning and helps scrape flavorful bits from the pan.
  • Ensure the puff pastry is well thawed for easy rolling and cutting.
  • Removing the tarts while hot makes releasing them easier and preserves their delicate texture.
  • These tarts can be served warm or at room temperature and are great for entertaining.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute goat cheese with a plant-based cream cheese alternative.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://dishiary.com/caramelized-onion-and-goat-cheese-tarts-recipe/