Savory Caramelized Onion and Gruyère Tart: A Perfect Appetizer
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.
Best Season
Winter, Fall, Suitable throughout the year
Dietary
Pescatarian, Vegetarian
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
1pre-made pie crust (or homemade if preferred)
For the Filling
2-3onions Onions (yellow or white)
2tbsp butter
1tbsp olive oil
1cup Gruyère cheese (shredded)
3large eggs
1cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Fresh herbs (optional, such as thyme or rosemary)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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.
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.
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.
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.
Bake
Bake the tart in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown.
Cool
Remove the tart from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps the filling set further.
Serve
Slice and serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
Amount Per Serving
Calories400kcal
Calories from Fat225kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat25g39%
Saturated Fat12g60%
Cholesterol100mg34%
Sodium500mg21%
Potassium300mg9%
Total Carbohydrate25g9%
Dietary Fiber1g4%
Sugars2g
Protein10g20%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.