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Caramelized Onion and Cheese Tarts

Savory Caramelized Onion and Cheese Tarts to Delight Your Taste buds

Delight in these Caramelized Onion and Cheese Tarts, a savory treat showcasing the harmony of sweet onions and creamy cheese.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 tarts
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Caramelized Onions
  • 3 pieces yellow onions Sweetness and depth of flavor; use Vidalia onions for best results.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil Essential fat for sautéing onions; enhances flavor beautifully.
  • 1 teaspoon sugar Balances the onions' acidity and aids in achieving that perfect caramelization.
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar Introduces a delightful sweetness; can substitute with red wine vinegar.
  • 1 pinch thyme An aromatic herb that pairs wonderfully with the onions' sweetness.
  • 1 to taste salt
  • 1 to taste pepper
For the Cheese Filling
  • 8 ounces cream cheese Creates a wonderfully smooth texture; substitute with vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free option.
  • 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese Offers flavor and fantastic melting quality; Swiss cheese or Fontina are great alternatives.
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adds a sharp note; nutritional yeast works well for a vegan option.
  • 1 piece egg Binds the mixture; use a flax egg for a vegan substitute.
  • 1 dash nutmeg Optional, adds warmth and depth.
For the Tart Crust
  • 1 piece pie crust Can be store-bought or homemade; puff pastry is a lighter alternative.
Optional Garnishes
  • to taste fresh thyme sprigs For visual appeal and added flavor.
  • to taste balsamic glaze A sweet tangy drizzle to elevate tarts before serving.

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Oven
  • Tart Pans or Muffin Tin

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over low heat. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 30-40 minutes until golden brown and soft. Sprinkle in sugar, stir in balsamic vinegar and thyme, cooking for another 5 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a mixing bowl, soften cream cheese and then beat in grated Gruyère and grated Parmesan until smooth. Add beaten egg and nutmeg (if using), mixing until creamy.
  3. On a clean surface, roll out your pie crust to 1/8 inch thick. Cut the crust into circles for your tart pans or muffin tin, pressing each piece into the molds.
  4. Spoon caramelized onions into each tart shell evenly. Add a dollop of cheese filling over the onions; be cautious not to overfill.
  5. Bake the assembled tarts in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cheese filling is set and bubbling. Keep an eye on them.
  6. Once baked, remove the tarts and allow to cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and balsamic glaze if desired, then serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tartCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 6gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 5mg

Notes

Allow onions to caramelize slowly; preheat oven before baking; avoid overfilling to prevent spillage; use a sharp knife for precise tart shapes.

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