Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tart with Fig Jam Recipe

Introduction

This Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tart combines sweet, golden onions with creamy goat cheese on a flaky puff pastry crust. Enhanced with fresh thyme and a touch of fig jam, it’s a sophisticated yet easy appetizer or light meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 4 large yellow onions (peeled and thinly sliced)
• ½ tablespoon fresh thyme (minced)
• 4 oz goat cheese (room temperature)
• 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream (cold)
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
• ⅓ cup fig jam or preserves
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the olive oil and sliced onions, tossing to coat. Cook for 5 minutes, then toss again and reduce the heat to low.
2. Step 2: Continue cooking the onions for 30–40 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes until they become golden brown and jammy. Add the minced thyme halfway through cooking when the onions start to turn golden. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
3. Step 3: If the onions begin to burn, reduce the heat. You can add ¼ cup water halfway through cooking to loosen browned bits; it will evaporate as you finish cooking.
4. Step 4: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large sheet pan with parchment paper.
5. Step 5: Using a hand mixer, stand mixer, or food processor, whip the goat cheese, cold heavy cream, and kosher salt until the mixture is light and fluffy, about one minute.
6. Step 6: Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to about ⅛ inch thick. Brush off excess flour, then transfer it to the prepared sheet pan. Score a 1-inch border lightly on top without cutting through, and dock the center area with a fork.
7. Step 7: Mix one-third of the cooled caramelized onions into the whipped goat cheese. Spread this mixture evenly inside the scored border. Swirl the fig jam on top of the goat cheese, then arrange the remaining caramelized onions evenly over the jam.
8. Step 8: Whisk the egg with 1 teaspoon of water and brush the mixture over the exposed puff pastry edges.
9. Step 9: Bake for 25–30 minutes until the pastry is a deep golden brown. For the last 5 minutes, move the pan to the bottom rack of the oven to ensure an evenly crisp crust.
10. Step 10: Garnish the tart with extra fresh thyme leaves. Let it cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder onion flavor, use sweet onions instead of yellow onions.
• If you don’t have fig jam, apricot preserves or honey make excellent alternatives.
• Add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or walnuts on top for added crunch and flavor.
• Use fresh thyme sprigs for garnish to enhance the tart’s aroma and presentation.

Storage

Store leftover tart covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm slices in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes to refresh the crispness of the pastry. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the caramelized onions ahead of time?

Yes, caramelized onions can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator, which makes assembling the tart faster and easier.

Is there a vegetarian version of this tart?

This tart is naturally vegetarian as it contains no meat or animal-derived rennet if you use vegetarian goat cheese. Be sure to check your cheese label if that is a concern.

Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tart with Fig Jam Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 83 reviews

This Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tart features a golden, flaky puff pastry base topped with sweet, slow-cooked caramelized onions blended with creamy goat cheese and a hint of thyme. Swirled with luscious fig jam, this savory tart is perfect for an elegant appetizer or a light meal with its balance of sweet and savory flavors and rich textures.

• Author: Grace
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: French
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Caramelized Onions

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 4 large yellow onions (peeled and thinly sliced)
• ½ tablespoon fresh thyme (minced)

For the Goat Cheese Mixture

• 4 oz goat cheese (room temperature)
• 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream (cold)
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt

For the Tart

• 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
• ⅓ cup fig jam or preserves
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 teaspoon water (for egg wash)

Instructions

1. Caramelize the onions: Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat and add the olive oil and sliced onions, tossing to coat. Cook for 5 minutes before stirring again and reducing heat to low. Continue cooking for 30-40 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, until onions turn golden brown and jammy. Add the minced thyme halfway through the cooking once the onions begin to brown. If onions start to burn, reduce heat and optionally add ¼ cup water halfway through to loosen browned bits, allowing the water to evaporate. Remove from heat and cool completely.
2. Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a large sheet pan lined with parchment paper.
3. Prepare the goat cheese mixture: Using a hand mixer, stand mixer, or food processor, whip the goat cheese, cold heavy cream, and kosher salt together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about one minute.
4. Prepare the puff pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a very lightly floured surface to about ⅛ inch thickness, brushing off any excess flour. Transfer the pastry to the lined sheet pan. Lightly score a 1-inch border near the edges of the pastry (do not cut through), then dock the inside area with a fork to prevent puffing.
5. Assemble the tart: Mix about one-third of the cooled caramelized onions into the goat cheese mixture. Spread this mixture evenly inside the scored border of the puff pastry. Swirl the fig jam over the goat cheese mixture, then top evenly with the remaining caramelized onions.
6. Apply egg wash: Whisk the egg with 1 teaspoon of water and brush this evenly over the exposed puff pastry border to help create a golden crust.
7. Bake the tart: Place the tart in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the pastry is deeply golden brown. For the last 5 minutes, move the pan to the bottom rack to ensure an even crispness.
8. Finish and serve: Remove the tart from the oven and garnish with additional fresh thyme leaves. Allow it to cool for 5 minutes before slicing with a sharp knife and serving.

Notes

• If onions begin to stick or burn, reduce the heat immediately and add a splash of water to deglaze the pan, allowing water to evaporate during cooking.
• Ensure the puff pastry is thawed but cold for best rolling and baking results.
• You can substitute fig jam with other fruit preserves like apricot or plum if preferred.
• For a vegetarian option, confirm the puff pastry does not contain animal-based ingredients.
• Use a sharp knife to avoid tearing the pastry when slicing the tart.

Keywords: Caramelized Onion Tart, Goat Cheese Tart, Puff Pastry Tart, Fig Jam Tart, French Appetizer, Savory Tart, Vegetarian Tart