Caramelized Onion Tart with Gruyere Cheese and Fresh Herbs Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Caramelized Onion Tart

This caramelized onion tart is a delicious way to enjoy the sweet, rich taste of caramelized onions combined with Gruyere cheese and fresh herbs in a flaky pastry. It’s perfect for home cooks looking for something easy yet impressive to make for family dinners or gatherings. Let’s look at why this recipe stands out for busy parents and food enthusiasts alike.

First, the ease of preparation makes it a winner. With just about 20 minutes of prep time and an hour of cooking, this caramelized onion tart comes together quickly without needing fancy skills. You’ll appreciate how straightforward the steps are, using basic ingredients that most kitchens have on hand, making it ideal for students or working professionals with tight schedules.

Then, there are health benefits to consider. This tart includes vegetables like onions, which add nutrients and fiber, while the herbs bring in fresh flavors that can boost your meal’s wellness aspects. For diet-conscious individuals, it’s versatile enough to adapt for lighter options, providing a balance of comfort and nutrition that seniors or travelers might enjoy on the go.

• Ease of preparation: The simple process and quick cooking time mean you can have a homemade caramelized onion tart ready in under two hours, perfect for newlyweds starting to cook together.
• Health benefits: Onions offer antioxidants, and pairing them with fresh herbs makes this dish not only tasty but also a great way to add veggies to your diet.
• Versatility: Adapt this caramelized onion tart with Gruyere cheese to fit dietary needs, like using gluten-free flour for baking enthusiasts with restrictions.
• Distinctive flavor: The deep, sweet notes from the caramelized onions mixed with Gruyere cheese and fresh herbs create a unique taste that’s hard to beat.

Whether you’re a busy parent or a food enthusiast, this recipe’s blend of flavors and simplicity will inspire you to make it again and again. It’s all about creating those memorable moments around the table with minimal effort.

Essential Ingredients for Caramelized Onion Tart

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making a perfect caramelized onion tart with Gruyere cheese. Below is a detailed list of everything you need, including precise measurements and why each one matters. This helps ensure your tart turns out flavorful and just right.

Main Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour – Forms the base of the pastry, providing structure and a tender texture.
• 1 teaspoon sugar – Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the savory elements in the dough.
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt – Enhances the overall flavor of the pastry and helps it hold together.
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes – Creates a flaky crust when mixed in, adding rich buttery taste.
• 1/3 cup ice water – Helps bind the dough without making it tough, ensuring it’s easy to roll out.
• 4 medium yellow onions, halved lengthwise and peeled – The star of the filling, their natural sugars caramelize for that sweet depth.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – Used for cooking the onions, it adds creaminess and helps them brown evenly.
• Salt (to taste) – Seasoning that brings out the flavors in the onions and filling.
• Black pepper (to taste) – Adds a slight kick and complexity to the caramelized onions.
• 2 bay leaves, preferably fresh – Infuse the filling with a subtle herbal note that complements the fresh herbs.
• 4 thyme sprigs, plus more for garnish – Fresh herbs that brighten the tart with earthy flavors.
• 1 tablespoon ground Dijon mustard – Provides a tangy base that ties the ingredients together.
• 1/2 cup grated Gruyere cheese – Melts beautifully, offering a nutty taste that pairs perfectly with caramelized onions.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, sharp contrast and helps the topping crisp up.
• 1 egg, lightly beaten – Acts as a wash for the crust, giving it a golden finish.

Special Dietary Options

• Vegan: Swap the unsalted butter for a plant-based alternative and use vegan cheese instead of Gruyere and Parmesan to keep the tart dairy-free.
• Gluten-free: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make this caramelized onion tart accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Low-calorie: Opt for less cheese or lighter substitutes and reduce the butter to cut down on calories while maintaining flavor.

These ingredients work together to create a balanced caramelized onion tart with fresh herbs. For more ideas on adapting recipes, check out our sweet potato casserole for similar tweaks.

How to Prepare the Perfect Caramelized Onion Tart: Step-by-Step Guide

First Step: Prepare the Pastry Dough

Start by combining 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon sea salt in a large bowl. Add 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes, and mix until the butter is coated. Gradually stir in 1/3 cup ice water until the dough holds together. Shape it into a disc, wrap it, and chill for at least 1 hour. This step ensures a flaky crust for your caramelized onion tart.

Second Step: Caramelize the Onions

Remove the cores from 4 medium yellow onions and slice them 1/4-inch thick lengthwise. In a wide deep skillet, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat and cook the onions for 10 minutes until they start to color and sizzle. Reduce the heat to medium-low, add 2 bay leaves, salt to taste, and black pepper to taste. For more on this, learn how to caramelize onions. Stir frequently for 40 minutes, adding water if they get dry, until the onions turn sweet and golden. Let them cool slightly, adapting for vegan options by using oil instead of butter.

Third Step: Preheat and Roll the Dough

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit with the rack in the top third. On floured parchment, roll out the chilled dough into a 12 by 15-inch rectangle. Place it on a baking sheet and chill it while you finish the filling. This keeps the dough easy to handle and prevents it from shrinking.

Fourth Step: Assemble the Tart

Spread 1 tablespoon ground Dijon mustard on the dough, leaving a 2-inch border. Scatter 1/4 cup grated Gruyere cheese and the caramelized onions over the mustard. Fold the dough edges inward and brush the exposed parts with the lightly beaten egg. For a variation, sprinkle thyme leaves and the remaining 1/4 cup grated Gruyere cheese plus 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese on top. If you’re diet-conscious, use less cheese here.

Final Step: Bake and Serve

Bake the tart for 20 to 25 minutes until the crust is puffed and golden, and the filling is deep golden brown. Let it cool for 30 minutes before slicing and serving, garnished with more thyme. For similar dishes, try our French onion ground beef rice casserole. This step ensures the flavors meld perfectly.

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Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Caramelized Onion Tart

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

For the main elements, swap Gruyere cheese with aged cheddar if you want a sharper taste, or use chèvre for a creamier version. This caters to cheese preferences and makes the tart adaptable for various dietary needs, like reducing dairy for those watching their intake.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

Try swapping yellow onions for red ones for a milder flavor, or add spinach for extra greens. For sauces, use a different mustard if Dijon isn’t available, and experiment with herbs like rosemary instead of thyme to match seasonal tastes or restrictions.

Mastering Caramelized Onion Tart: Advanced Tips and Variations

Pro Cooking Techniques

Cook the onions slowly to get that deep sweetness, stirring often. For flavor variations, mix in different cheeses like Stilton.

Presentation Tips

Garnish with fresh herbs for a nice look. Try adding nutmeg for extra depth in your caramelized onion tart with fresh herbs.

How to Store Caramelized Onion Tart: Best Practices

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Caramelized Onion Tart

Caramelized Onion Tart

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• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings

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Description

🧅 Caramelized Onion Tart offers a rich, savory flavor profile with tender onions and melted Gruyere cheese, making it a deliciously elegant appetizer or light meal.
🧀 Fresh herbs and a flaky homemade pastry crust add aromatic depth and texture, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying at home.

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Ingredients

– 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour Forms the base of the pastry, providing structure and a tender texture.

– 1 teaspoon sugar Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the savory elements in the dough.

– 1/2 teaspoon sea salt Enhances the overall flavor of the pastry and helps it hold together.

– 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes Creates a flaky crust when mixed in, adding rich buttery taste.

– 1/3 cup ice water Helps bind the dough without making it tough, ensuring it’s easy to roll out.

– 4 medium yellow onions, halved lengthwise and peeled The star of the filling, their natural sugars caramelize for that sweet depth.

– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter Used for cooking the onions, it adds creaminess and helps them brown evenly.

– Salt (to taste) Seasoning that brings out the flavors in the onions and filling.

– Black pepper (to taste) Adds a slight kick and complexity to the caramelized onions.

– 2 bay leaves, preferably fresh Infuse the filling with a subtle herbal note that complements the fresh herbs.

– 4 thyme sprigs, plus more for garnish Fresh herbs that brighten the tart with earthy flavors.

– 1 tablespoon ground Dijon mustard Provides a tangy base that ties the ingredients together.

– 1/2 cup grated Gruyere cheese Melts beautifully, offering a nutty taste that pairs perfectly with caramelized onions.

– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adds a salty, sharp contrast and helps the topping crisp up.

– 1 egg, lightly beaten Acts as a wash for the crust, giving it a golden finish.

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Instructions

First Step: Prepare the Pastry Dough Start by combining 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon sea salt in a large bowl. Add 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes, and mix until the butter is coated. Gradually stir in 1/3 cup ice water until the dough holds together. Shape it into a disc, wrap it, and chill for at least 1 hour. This step ensures a flaky crust for your caramelized onion tart.

Second Step: Caramelize the Onions Remove the cores from 4 medium yellow onions and slice them 1/4-inch thick lengthwise. In a wide deep skillet, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat and cook the onions for 10 minutes until they start to color and sizzle. Reduce the heat to medium-low, add 2 bay leaves, salt to taste, and black pepper to taste. For more on this, learn how to caramelize onions. Stir frequently for 40 minutes, adding water if they get dry, until the onions turn sweet and golden. Let them cool slightly, adapting for vegan options by using oil instead of butter.

Third Step: Preheat and Roll the Dough Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit with the rack in the top third. On floured parchment, roll out the chilled dough into a 12 by 15-inch rectangle. Place it on a baking sheet and chill it while you finish the filling. This keeps the dough easy to handle and prevents it from shrinking.

Fourth Step: Assemble the Tart Spread 1 tablespoon ground Dijon mustard on the dough, leaving a 2-inch border. Scatter 1/4 cup grated Gruyere cheese and the caramelized onions over the mustard. Fold the dough edges inward and brush the exposed parts with the lightly beaten egg. For a variation, sprinkle thyme leaves and the remaining 1/4 cup grated Gruyere cheese plus 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese on top. If you’re diet-conscious, use less cheese here.

Final Step: Bake and Serve Bake the tart for 20 to 25 minutes until the crust is puffed and golden, and the filling is deep golden brown. Let it cool for 30 minutes before slicing and serving, garnished with more thyme. For similar dishes, try our French onion ground beef rice casserole. This step ensures the flavors meld perfectly.

Notes

🧅 Caramelize onions slowly for at least 40 minutes, stirring often and adding water as needed for deep flavor.
🧂 Add freshly ground black pepper to dough for extra taste.
🧀 Experiment with cheese and herb variations like aged cheddar, rosemary, or tarragon for different flavor profiles.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chilling time: 1+ hour
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice

Keywords: caramelized onion tart,gruyere cheese tart,fresh herb tart,savory pastry