Savory Caramelized Onion and Gruyère Tart: A Perfect Appetizer

Perfectly Caramelized Onions and Melty Cheese in a Flaky Crust

Indulge in the rich flavors of our Caramelized Onion and Gruyère Tart. This delightful dish combines sweet, golden onions with the nutty essence of Gruyère cheese, all nestled in a flaky, buttery crust. Perfect as an appetizer or a light lunch, it’s a versatile recipe that impresses every time.

To start, slowly caramelizing the onions brings out their natural sweetness, creating a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible. Then, the Gruyère cheese melts beautifully, adding a creamy texture that complements the tartness of the onions.

Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, this tart is sure to become a favorite. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s get cooking!

What Makes This Recipe So Good?

  • Rich Flavor Combination: The sweetness of caramelized onions perfectly balances the nutty, savory notes of Gruyère cheese.
  • Flaky, Buttery Crust: The tart’s crust is light and flaky, providing a delightful texture that enhances every bite.
  • Versatile Serving Options: This dish can be served warm or at room temperature, making it perfect for appetizers, brunch, or even a light dinner.
  • Elegant Presentation: Its beautiful golden color and neatly arranged toppings make it an impressive addition to any table.
  • Simple Ingredients: Made with just a few quality ingredients, it’s easy to prepare without compromising on taste.
  • Comforting and Satisfying: The combination of cheese and caramelized onions creates a warm, comforting dish that feels indulgent yet approachable.
  • Great for Entertaining: This tart is ideal for gatherings, as it can be made ahead of time and served alongside salads or charcuterie boards.
  • Customizable: You can easily add other ingredients like herbs, vegetables, or meats to personalize the tart to your taste.

Key Ingredients

  • Onions: Sweet yellow or white onions work best for caramelization.
  • Gruyère Cheese: This nutty cheese adds a rich flavor and creamy texture.
  • Pie Crust: A pre-made or homemade flaky pie crust serves as the base.
  • Butter: Used for sautéing the onions, enhancing their sweetness.
  • Olive Oil: Aids in cooking the onions while adding a subtle flavor.
  • Eggs: Help bind the filling together, creating a custard-like texture.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the filling.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors.
  • Fresh Herbs (optional): Such as thyme or rosemary, for added flavor.

Chefs Helpful Tips

  • Take Your Time with Caramelization: Cook the onions slowly over medium-low heat. This allows them to caramelize evenly and develop a deep, rich flavor. Patience is key!
  • Use the Right Cheese: Gruyère is traditional, but feel free to mix it with other cheeses like Swiss or aged cheddar for added depth.
  • Chill the Pie Crust: If making a homemade crust, chill it for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent shrinkage and ensures a flaky texture.
  • Pre-Bake the Crust: Consider blind-baking the crust for a few minutes before adding the filling. This helps avoid a soggy bottom.
  • Season Well: Don’t forget to season the onions and the egg mixture adequately. Salt and pepper enhance the flavors significantly.
  • Add Fresh Herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a burst of flavor. Add them to the onion mixture or sprinkle them on top before baking.
  • Use an Egg Wash: For a beautiful golden crust, brush the top of the pie with an egg wash (beaten egg mixed with a little water) before baking.
  • Let it Rest: After baking, let the tart rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the filling to set and makes for cleaner cuts.
  • Serve with Accompaniments: Pair the tart with a fresh salad or a light vinaigrette to balance its richness.
  • Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge. The tart can be enjoyed cold or reheated in the oven for a few minutes.

Recipes To Try…

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 40 mins Rest Time 10 mins Total Time 1 hr 5 mins
Cooking Temp: 375  °F Servings: 6 Calories: 400
Best Season: Winter, Fall, Suitable throughout the year

Description

Indulge in the rich flavors of our Caramelized Onion and Gruyère Tart. This delightful dish combines sweet, golden onions with the nutty essence of Gruyère cheese, all nestled in a flaky, buttery crust. Perfect as an appetizer or a light lunch, it’s a versatile recipe that impresses every time.

For the Crust

For the Filling

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven

    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

  1. Prepare the Crust
    • If using a store-bought crust, fit it into a 9-inch tart pan. If making a homemade crust, roll it out and place it in the pan. Poke the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling.
    • Pre-bake the crust for about 10 minutes until slightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.
  1. Caramelize the Onions
    • In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium-low heat.
    • Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 20-25 minutes until the onions are soft and caramelized, turning a deep golden brown. If they start to brown too quickly, reduce the heat.
    •  
  1. Prepare the Filling
    • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and heavy cream.
    • Stir in the shredded Gruyère cheese and season with salt and pepper. You can also add chopped fresh herbs if desired.
  1. Combine
    • Once the onions are caramelized, spread them evenly over the pre-baked crust.
    • Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the onions, ensuring even distribution.
  1. Bake
    • Bake the tart in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown.
  1. Cool
    • Remove the tart from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps the filling set further.
  1. Serve
    • Slice and serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Facts

Servings 6


Amount Per Serving
Calories 400kcal
Calories from Fat 225kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 25g39%
Saturated Fat 12g60%
Cholesterol 100mg34%
Sodium 500mg21%
Potassium 300mg9%
Total Carbohydrate 25g9%
Dietary Fiber 1g4%
Sugars 2g
Protein 10g20%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:
Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! While Gruyère is traditional, you can substitute it with Swiss cheese, aged cheddar, or a blend of your favorites for different flavor profiles.

Can I make this tart ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the tart a day in advance. Just bake it, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving for the best taste.

What can I serve with this tart?

This tart pairs well with a light salad, roasted vegetables, or a charcuterie board for a more substantial meal.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Can I freeze the tart?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked tart. Assemble it, cover tightly, and freeze. When ready to bake, add about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time. Baked tart can also be frozen but may have a slightly different texture when reheated.

How do I know when the tart is done?

The tart is done when the filling is set and the top is golden brown. You can also insert a knife in the center; it should come out clean.

Can I add vegetables to the filling?

Yes! You can add cooked vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to enhance the flavor and nutrition of the tart.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this tart is vegetarian-friendly as it does not contain meat.

How do I prevent a soggy bottom?

To avoid a soggy bottom, consider blind-baking the crust before adding the filling. This helps firm it up and keeps it crispy.

What if I don’t have a tart pan?

You can use a regular pie dish or even a square baking dish. Just adjust the baking time as needed.

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