Caramelized Onion, Apple & Cheddar Tart Recipe

Introduction

This Caramelized Onion, Apple & Cheddar Tart brings together sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in a flaky puff pastry base. It’s an elegant yet simple dish perfect for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner. With caramelized onions, crisp apples, and sharp cheddar, every bite is a delightful balance of textures and tastes.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 large apple (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), thinly sliced
• 1 cup sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook, stirring often, for 20–25 minutes until the onions are golden and caramelized.
3. Step 3: Roll out the thawed puff pastry onto the prepared baking sheet. Using a knife, score a 1-inch border around the edges without cutting all the way through.
4. Step 4: Spread the caramelized onions evenly inside the scored border. Top the onions with the thin apple slices, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and thyme leaves over the apples.
5. Step 5: Brush the exposed pastry edges with the beaten egg to give the crust a golden finish as it bakes.
6. Step 6: Bake the tart for 20–25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
7. Step 7: Allow the tart to cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use a tart pan or pie weights to prevent the puff pastry from puffing excessively in the middle if you prefer a flatter base.
• Swap sharp white cheddar for Gruyère or fontina for a different flavor profile.
• Add a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze on top before serving to enhance sweetness and complexity.
• For extra texture, sprinkle toasted walnuts or pecans over the tart before baking.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes to restore flakiness or warm slices in a skillet over low heat. Avoid microwaving to keep the pastry crisp.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen puff pastry directly from the freezer?

It’s best to thaw puff pastry according to package instructions before using. Working with thawed pastry ensures it rolls and bakes evenly without cracking.

Can this tart be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the tart a few hours ahead and refrigerate it before baking. Bring it to room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.

Caramelized Onion, Apple & Cheddar Tart Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 65 reviews

This Caramelized Onion, Apple & Cheddar Tart is a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors wrapped in a golden, flaky puff pastry. Featuring caramelized onions, crisp apple slices, sharp white cheddar, and fragrant thyme, this tart is elegantly simple and ideal for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Tart
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Tart

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 large apple (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), thinly sliced
• 1 cup sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Caramelize Onions: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions along with sugar and salt. Cook, stirring frequently, for 20 to 25 minutes until the onions turn golden brown and caramelized, developing a rich sweet flavor.
3. Prepare the Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet onto the prepared baking sheet. Using a knife, score a 1-inch border around the edges without cutting all the way through. This will allow the edges to puff up nicely during baking.
4. Assemble the Tart: Spread the caramelized onions evenly inside the scored border of the pastry. Arrange the thin apple slices over the onions, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Finally, scatter fresh thyme leaves evenly over the tart.
5. Brush with Egg Wash and Bake: Lightly brush the exposed pastry edges with the beaten egg wash to give a golden, shiny finish. Bake the tart in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed, golden, and cooked through.
6. Serve: Allow the tart to cool slightly before slicing. This makes it easier to cut and helps the flavors settle. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best taste experience.

Notes

• Choose a crisp apple like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for a balance of sweetness and tartness.
• Make sure onions are slowly caramelized to bring out their natural sweetness without burning.
• If puff pastry is frozen, allow adequate time to thaw completely before using.
• Use sharp white cheddar for a nice contrast to the sweet apples and onions.
• Fresh thyme can be substituted with dried thyme; use about 1/3 teaspoon if dried.
• For a dairy-free alternative, substitute butter with a plant-based margarine and cheddar with a vegan cheese.

Keywords: caramelized onion tart, apple cheddar tart, puff pastry tart, savory tart recipe, easy tart, brunch tart, fall recipe