Pin it
Caramelized onion and blue cheese puff pastry tarts feel like a little catering secret you can pull off at home The rich jammy onions sharp blue cheese and a hint of thyme all nestled in crisp buttery pastry truly impress at any party or quiet gathering
I tried these first for a New Year’s Eve party and they vanished before the main course ever came out Now friends ask for them whenever we have a game night or a potluck
Ingredients
- Puff pastry: This is the flaky foundation Buy a quality brand and thaw overnight in the fridge for the best rise
- Onions: White or yellow varieties both work Go for firm heavy onions for maximum sweetness after caramelizing
- Butter and olive oil: Both are used to coax out deep caramel notes in the onions
- Granulated sugar: Just a hint helps the onions brown and sweeten evenly
- Dry white wine: Adds bright acidity and helps lift every tasty browned bit from the pan Use something you’d actually drink
- Kosher salt: Seasons the onions while cooking and keeps flavors balanced
- Egg: For the egg wash Choose a nice large egg for glossy golden crusts
- Fig jam: Adds natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with blue cheese Choose a thick jam with visible fig bits for more flavor
- Blue cheese: Look for a creamy but pungent blue cheese Crumble it yourself for freshness
- Fresh thyme: Brings an herbaceous pop Sprinkle leaves after baking for best aroma
- Honey: A drizzle after baking ties everything together with a soft sweetness Use a light wildflower or clover honey
Step by Step Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions:
- Melt butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat Add sliced onions and stir to coat Keep the onions in an even layer Stir every 4 minutes for a total of 60 minutes At 10 minutes sprinkle on a pinch of salt At 30 minutes turn the heat to medium low Continue stirring At 40 minutes add the sugar Stir often so nothing sticks When the onions are deeply brown at 60 minutes pour in white wine and stir to deglaze removing all the tasty bits from the bottom Set aside to cool
- Prep the Puff Pastry:
- While the onions are finishing preheat your oven to 400 degrees Unroll both sheets of puff pastry Cut each into six rectangles then divide each rectangle into three squares Use a small knife to score a half inch border around each tart square
- Fill and Assemble the Tarts:
- Arrange the tart squares on two parchment lined baking sheets Keep them about an inch apart Brush only the crust edges with beaten egg spread a teaspoon of fig jam in the center then top with a teaspoon each of caramelized onions and blue cheese
- Bake the Tarts:
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until the pastry is golden and beautifully puffed Remove from the oven and while warm top each tart with thyme leaves and a drizzle of honey
- Garnish and Serve:
- For extra blue cheese flavor you can crumble a bit more cheese on top just before serving Serve while warm or at room temperature
Pin it
Thyme is my favorite finishing touch The scent always brings me back to a garden picnic I hosted one spring where just the aroma had everyone lingering around the tray My family considers these tarts a must for any big gathering
Storage Tips
Leftover tarts keep well refrigerated for up to three days Reheat on a baking sheet at 350 degrees for about five minutes so the pastry crisps up again Avoid microwaving since that can make them soggy
Ingredient Substitutions
If you are not a blue cheese fan creamy goat cheese works well Try red onion or sweet Vidalia onions for a milder finish No fig jam Use a berry preserve or even caramelized apple slices for something different
Pin it
Serving Suggestions
Serve these as an elegant appetizer with a glass of white wine or sparkling cider I love them paired with a bright arugula salad The flavors also fit beautifully on a cheese board alongside nuts and dried fruit
Cultural and Historical Context
Caramelized onions and blue cheese have deep roots in European cuisine particularly French bistros where hearty savory flavors star Think of these tarts as a nod to classic French tarte à l’oignon dressed up with American convenience and a little sweetness
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I properly caramelize onions for these tarts?
Caramelizing onions takes about one hour over medium-low heat. Stir often to prevent burning and to encourage even browning, adding sugar and a splash of white wine for deeper flavor.
- → Can I use a different cheese besides blue cheese?
Yes, goat cheese or feta can be used for a mild tang, but blue cheese provides the distinct sharp contrast to the sweet onions and jam.
- → Are there any alternatives to fig jam?
Apricot or onion jam are good options. Even a thin layer of honey can add sweetness if you prefer a more savory profile.
- → How should the puff pastry be handled for best results?
Keep the puff pastry cold before baking so it rises properly. Work quickly after removing it from the fridge to avoid warming the dough too much.
- → Can these tarts be prepared in advance?
Yes, assemble and chill the unbaked tarts, then bake just before serving. Baked tarts can also be served at room temperature without losing flavor or texture.
- → What herbs can be used as garnish?
Fresh thyme is recommended, but rosemary or chives also work well to add bright herbal notes on top of the tarts.