Caramelized Onion, Apple & Cheddar Tart Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
