These classic onion tarts are made with a bite sized blend of flaky puff pastry, caramelized shallots, goat cheese and pepper.
It’s an elegant yet easy appetizer for the holidays and can be made in a variety of shapes! Caramelized shallots and goat cheese go together like peanut butter and jelly – and I know you’re going to love this recipe!
It’s Friendsgiving, and you’re invited! Entertaining friends is easy with these delicious little treats.
These bite sized onion tarts can be served straight out of the onion or at room temperature. Either way, they’re always memorable.
The thick, flaky puff pastry is topped with caramelized shallot (a type of onion) that’s sweetened with a hint of brown sugar, fresh goat cheese and a crack of pepper. It’s an easy appetizer everyone will love!
I use shallots because they have such an incredible flavor and you can slice to the perfect size. They caramelize quickly, too!
Onion Tart
As you know, I love entertaining, but time isn’t always on my side. That’s why it’s nice to have go to appetizers that feel special, yet don’t require a lot of effort. These make one of the most fabulous hors d’oeuvres and I can’t wait to share them with you!
Why You’ll Love It
Ingredients and Substitutions
See printable recipe card for complete ingredients and instructions.
- Puff Pastry – My favorite shortcut! If you want to make it from scratch, you can make your own puff pastry with this easy recipe.
- Butter – Use salted butter if you have it. If you only have unsalted, you’ll want to add a little salt along with the pepper later.
- Shallots – If you can’t find shallots, you can use a regular white or yellow onion. Learn how to cut an onion here!
- Brown Sugar – Dark or light brown sugar is great here, and don’t forget to pack it down when you measure.
- Goat Cheese – Crumbled for the topping of these onion tarts.
- Fresh Cracked Pepper
How to Make these Onion Tarts
- Prep – Preheat oven as directed and slice shallots.
- Caramelize – In a saucepan, melt butter with shallots and brown sugar. Cook until tender.
- Prep the Puff Pastry – Meanwhile, roll out puff pastry on parchment paper with flour, and transfer to baking sheet.
- Cut Tarts – Create puff pastry shapes – either simple circles or use a cookie cutter. Peel away excess dough.
- Add Toppings – Top shapes with caramelized shallots, goat cheese and pepper.
- Bake – As directed, and enjoy!
Tips
- Bring frozen puff pastry come to room temperature before rolling for best results.
- It may seem like a lot of shallots but as you may recall from my post on how to caramelize onions, they reduce.
- To add a little shine to these tarts, use an Egg Wash before baking.
- They also jam up which makes them so incredible! As the puff pastry rises around them, it creates a little delicious pool.
- The easiest way to top with goat cheese is to allow it to soften while caramelizing the onions, then using a fork and dropping onto the pastry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Shallots are a little more sweet and delicate. While they have a some of the same sharp flavor you know from onions, traditional yellow onions are more intense! However, they can often be used interchangeably.
Yes! Shallots and onions both get sweeter when they are cooked, especially if they are caramelized over low and slow heat.
How to Store
- Room Temperature – These tarts can be left out while serving for up to two hours.
- Refrigerator – Store these onion tarts in the refrigerator in an airtight container for no longer than 2-3 days.
Reheat
- Reheat in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-10 minutes until warm all the way through.
More Appetizer Inspiration
Onion Tarts
Ingredients
- 2 sheets puff pastry thawed per package instructions
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 5 large shallots sliced
- 4 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 8 ounces goat cheese
- black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400℉. Slice shallots.
- In a saucepan over low heat, melt butter with shallots and brown sugar. Stir occasionally until tender – about 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, roll out puff pastry on parchment paper with flour to a 9×13 rectangle. Transfer to baking sheet.
- Using a cookie cutter, cut out puff pastry shapes. Peel away excess dough.
- Top shapes with caramelized shallots, goat cheese and pepper.
- Bake 15 minutes.
Julie’s Tips
- Bring frozen puff pastry come to room temperature before rolling for best results.
- It may seem like a lot of shallots but as you may recall from my post on how to caramelize onions, they reduce.
- They also jam up which makes them so incredible! As the puff pastry rises around them, it creates a little delicious pool.
- The easiest way to top with goat cheese is to allow it to soften while caramelizing the onions, then using a fork and dropping onto the pastry.
Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.
Very yummy!! Easy to make!!!
Thank you! I hope you try more of my easy party recipes!
Excellent better than trader joe’s
Hi Kathy,
That’s so wonderful to hear! I’m so glad you enjoyed this onion tart.
Have a great week,
Julie
I made these last night for our little soirée and they were delicious! Thank you for sharing! I love your blog!
Thanks for sharing, Pam! We love them! I hope you have a beautiful week!
These are SO fabulous for Thanksgiving! I love that they’re shaped like little leaves!
Such a good idea! I love LOVE the shapes, Julie!
Thanks, Lexy!