Imagine a golden, creamy tart that combines the sweet richness of slowly caramelized onions with the luxurious depth of melted Gruyère cheese, all nestled in a perfectly crisp pastry crust. This French-inspired Onion and Cheese Tart is not just a recipe—it's a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into a dish that will transport your taste buds straight to the charming countryside of France. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a gourmet comfort meal, this tart promises to be your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 3 onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup grated cheese (e.g., Gruyère)
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9-inch tart pan by lightly greasing it or lining with parchment paper.
- Gently roll out the pre-made pie crust and carefully transfer it into the tart pan. Press the crust into the bottom and sides, trimming any excess dough. Use a fork to prick the bottom of the crust to prevent bubbling.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add thinly sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper during cooking.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, salt, and pepper until well combined and smooth.
- Spread the caramelized onions evenly across the bottom of the prepared pie crust. Sprinkle the grated Gruyère cheese over the onions.
- Pour the egg and cream mixture carefully over the onions and cheese, ensuring even distribution.
- Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves before serving.
- Slice into wedges and serve warm or at room temperature as a delightful appetizer or light main course.
Tips
- Patience is key when caramelizing onions: Cook them slowly on medium-low heat to develop deep, sweet flavors without burning.
- Use high-quality Gruyère cheese for the most authentic and rich flavor profile.
- Prick the pie crust with a fork before baking to prevent it from bubbling up and ensure an even, crisp base.
- Let the tart rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow the filling to set properly and make slicing easier.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of fresh thyme or nutmeg to the egg and cream mixture.
- If you're short on time, you can caramelize the onions a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator.
- Serve the tart slightly warm or at room temperature for the best taste and texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 135mg
