Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe
Introduction
These irresistible caramelized onion and goat cheese tarts are a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a sophisticated appetizer that’s sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
- 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Heat the olive oil and butter in a pan over medium heat.
- Step 2: Add the sliced onions, sugar, salt, and pepper to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are caramelized and golden brown, about 20 minutes.
- Step 3: Stir in the balsamic vinegar and fresh thyme leaves, then remove the pan from heat. Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into squares. Top each square with the caramelized onions and crumbled goat cheese. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the pastry is golden and puffed. Serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- For a richer flavor, add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or walnuts on top before baking.
- Use fresh thyme or substitute with rosemary for a different herbal note.
- If you prefer, swap goat cheese for feta or cream cheese for a milder taste.
- Make extra caramelized onions in advance; they can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and used in other dishes.
Storage
Store leftover tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through to maintain a crisp texture.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen puff pastry for this recipe?
Yes, frozen puff pastry works perfectly. Just be sure to thaw it according to the package instructions before rolling it out.
How do I prevent the onions from burning while caramelizing?
Cook the onions over medium heat and stir frequently. If they start to stick or brown too quickly, reduce the heat slightly. Patience is key for perfect caramelization.
PrintCaramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe
These caramelized onion and goat cheese tarts combine sweet, deeply caramelized onions with creamy tangy goat cheese on a flaky puff pastry base. Ready in under an hour, they make an elegant and easy French-inspired appetizer that’s perfect for entertaining or a special snack.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 tart squares 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Caramelized Onions
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the tarts.
- Caramelize the onions: Heat olive oil and butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions along with sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook them gently for about 20 minutes until they become soft and caramelized. Stir in balsamic vinegar and fresh thyme leaves, then remove the pan from the heat.
- Prepare and bake the tarts: Roll out the thawed puff pastry and cut it into squares. Place a generous amount of the caramelized onions on each square, then top with crumbled goat cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp. Serve warm for best flavor.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in the oven to maintain the pastry’s crisp texture.
- Thinly slicing the onions ensures even caramelization.
- Fresh thyme can be substituted with dried thyme if needed, but use less quantity (about ½ tsp).
Keywords: caramelized onion tarts, goat cheese tarts, puff pastry appetizer, easy French appetizer, caramelized onions, savory tarts, vegetarian appetizer

