Savory Caramelized Onion and Brie Tart

Name: Savory Caramelized Onion and Brie Tart
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 sheet of puff pastry; 2 large onions, thinly sliced; 200g Brie cheese, sliced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Highlighted under: Artisanal Baking Recipes

When I first made this Savory Caramelized Onion and Brie Tart, I was amazed by how simple ingredients could create such a rich and satisfying dish. The sweet, slow-cooked onions paired with creamy Brie make for a delightful combination that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s ideal as a starter for dinner parties or a light lunch alongside a crisp salad. I can’t help but love how the flaky pastry brings everything together, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience that everyone will adore.

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-01-08T12:29:27.978Z

The moment I took a bite of this tart, I was struck by the perfect balance of flavors. I slowly caramelized the onions to bring out their natural sweetness, which pairs so beautifully with the rich Brie. I find that taking my time with the onions makes all the difference and adds a depth of flavor that is simply irresistible.

When I first attempted this tart, I discovered that a sprinkle of fresh thyme elevates the taste. It’s surprising how a small touch can enhance the overall experience. My friends were impressed, and it quickly became a staple in my baking repertoire. I love sharing it with guests, who can't believe how easy it is to make!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich and sweet flavor of caramelized onions enveloped in creamy Brie
Perfectly flaky pastry that adds texture and crunch
Versatile dish – great as an appetizer or a light lunch

      

Understanding Caramelization

Caramelizing onions is a transformative process where the natural sugars break down, leading to a sweet, rich flavor that's crucial for this tart. The key is to cook them over low to medium heat for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This patience yields silky, golden-brown onions that enhance the briskness of the Brie. If you're in a hurry, consider using a splash of balsamic vinegar to accelerate the flavor depth, although it may slightly alter the final taste.

While the recipe calls for yellow onions, you can easily substitute with shallots or even red onions for a different taste profile. Red onions will impart a bit of color, while shallots will offer a milder note, enhancing the sweetness when caramelized. Regardless of which onion you choose, ensuring they are thinly sliced will help achieve even cooking and uniform caramelization.

Choosing the Right Brie

Selecting the right Brie cheese is essential for achieving the creamy richness your tart deserves. Opt for a Brie that has a fresh, mild flavor and a soft, velvety rind. Avoid overly aged varieties, which can have stronger flavors and more pronounced odors that might overpower the dish. If Brie isn’t available, Camembert makes a worthy alternative, although its texture may be slightly firmer.

When layering the Brie on top of the caramelized onions, allow the cheese rounds to rest at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before assembly. This allows the Brie to soften further, ensuring it melts beautifully into the tart during baking, and contributes to that perfect gooey consistency.

Serving Suggestions and Storage

This tart shines on its own, but pairing it with a fresh arugula salad dressed with a light vinaigrette can elevate your meal. The peppery greens contrast the sweetness of the onions and creaminess of the cheese beautifully. For an extra touch, sprinkle some toasted walnuts or pecans on the salad to introduce an appealing crunch.

If you have leftovers, the Savory Caramelized Onion and Brie Tart can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-15 minutes. This gentle reheating restores its flaky texture without turning it rubbery, allowing you to enjoy that fresh-baked quality again.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create this delicious tart:

Ingredients

1 sheet of puff pastry
2 large onions, thinly sliced
200g Brie cheese, sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Salt and pepper to taste
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Make sure to have all the ingredients ready for a smooth cooking process.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Savory Caramelized Onion and Brie Tart:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a tart pan with the puff pastry, trimming any excess off the sides.

Caramelize the Onions

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, sprinkle with salt, and cook slowly for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and caramelized. Stir in the thyme and set aside to cool.

Assemble the Tart

Spread the caramelized onions evenly over the pastry base. Layer the slices of Brie cheese on top.

Bake the Tart

Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.

Serve

Let the tart cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Enjoy your delicious tart as a starter or light meal!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or substituting the Brie with goat cheese.

Scaling Up the Recipe

If you're hosting a gathering, this recipe can easily be scaled up. Simply double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish or prepare multiple tarts. When increasing the recipe, keep an eye on the baking time since larger dishes may require an additional 5-10 minutes. Ensure the pastry is still golden and flaky to avoid undercooked centers.

For a fun twist, consider creating mini tarts using tartlet pans or phyllo pastry. This version is not only adorable but also perfect for passing around during events. Just adjust your baking time, reducing it to about 15-18 minutes for smaller tarts.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your onions burn before they caramelize, it’s likely due to cooking them at too high of a heat. Always start on medium or medium-low and be patient; good caramelization takes time. If you find the edges are browning too quickly, simply reduce heat and give them a good stir. You’ll achieve that coveted golden-brown color without the bitterness of burnt flavors.

Another common issue is the pastry becoming soggy after baking. To ensure a crispy bottom, pre-bake the puff pastry shell for about 5-8 minutes before adding the toppings. This sets the layer, preventing moisture from the onions and cheese from seeping in and compromising the texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other cheeses instead of Brie?

Yes, you can substitute Brie with goat cheese, Camembert, or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispness.

→ Can I prepare the onions in advance?

Absolutely! You can caramelize the onions a day ahead and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake the tart.

→ Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this tart is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat or seafood.