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Experience the ultimate French comfort food with this rustic yet refined onion tart. Sweet caramelized onions meld perfectly with nutty Gruyère cheese, all nestled in a flaky, golden puff pastry crust. This bistro-style dish captures authentic French flavors while remaining surprisingly simple to prepare.
The magic of this tart lies in the slow transformation of humble onions into sweet, golden strands that perfectly complement the buttery pastry. It's a dish that proves how just a few quality ingredients can create something truly exceptional.
Key Ingredients
- Yellow Onions: Choose firm, fresh onions that will caramelize beautifully
- All-Butter Puff Pastry: Creates a crispy, flaky foundation
- Aged Gruyère: Provides rich, nutty depth
- Fresh Thyme: Adds aromatic herbal notes
- Light Brown Sugar: Helps develop caramelization
- Heavy Cream: Creates golden pastry edges
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Base:
- Thaw puff pastry completely. Roll out on parchment paper, creating a border by folding edges. Dock center with fork.
- Caramelize Onions:
- Slice onions thinly. Cook slowly in olive oil with salt and sugar until deep golden. This takes patience but creates incredible flavor.
- Assemble:
- Layer caramelized onions on pastry. Top with shredded Gruyère. Brush edges with cream and sprinkle fresh thyme.
- Bake:
- Cook at 400°F until pastry is golden and cheese bubbles. Watch edges for proper browning.
- Finish:
- Let rest briefly before slicing. Garnish with extra thyme if desired.
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The technique of slowly cooking onions until they become sweet and golden transforms this simple tart into something truly special. It's a reliable recipe that consistently delivers impressive results.
Serving Ideas
Serve warm as an elegant appetizer or light main course. Pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine and simple green salad. Makes an excellent addition to a brunch spread.
Recipe Variations
Try different cheese combinations like Comté or Emmental. Add caramelized shallots or leeks for more depth. Include crispy bacon or pancetta for extra savory notes.
Storage Instructions
Store covered in refrigerator up to 4 days. Reheat in oven until warm and crispy. Avoid microwave to maintain texture.
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This French onion tart showcases how classic technique and quality ingredients create memorable dishes. Its elegant simplicity makes it perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this tart in advance?
- Sure! Cook your onions the day before and store them in the fridge. For the best texture, bake the tart right before serving, though it’s also fine at room temperature.
- → What’s a good alternative to Gruyere cheese?
- You can swap Gruyere out for Swiss cheese or combine Swiss with Parmesan—either works great.
- → Why should onions cool before going on the pastry?
- Warm onions can mess up the pastry layers by melting the butter, which keeps it from puffing while baking.
- → Can I pop this tart in the freezer?
- Yes! Assemble it unbaked, freeze it, and then bake straight from frozen. Just tack on a few extra minutes to the baking time!
- → Why poke holes in the puff pastry with a fork?
- It keeps the middle of the pastry flat so the toppings don't slide off and gives you an even base for the tart.