The Caramelized Onion & Bacon Tart offers the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and rich flavors, combined with the delightful crunch of the puff pastry. The bacon adds a smoky flavor, while the caramelized onions bring a touch of sweetness, making every bite irresistible.
The golden-brown crust, flaky and buttery, beautifully holds the savory filling, making this tart a perfect appetizer, light lunch, or dinner. The addition of Gruyère cheese elevates the flavor, adding a creamy texture that harmonizes perfectly with the other ingredients. Whether served warm or at room temperature, this tart is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
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2 large onions, thinly sliced
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4 slices bacon, chopped
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2 tablespoons butter
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1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
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1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
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1/2 cup grated Gruyère cheese
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
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1 tablespoon olive oil
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
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In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and cook slowly for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized.
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Stir in balsamic vinegar and fresh thyme, and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Using a fork, prick the pastry all over.
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Spread the caramelized onion mixture evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a small border.
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Sprinkle the crispy bacon pieces and grated Gruyère cheese over the onions.
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Fold the edges of the puff pastry over the filling to form a rustic tart.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Beauty of Caramelized Onions
Onions are one of the most versatile vegetables used in cooking. They have an incredibly wide range of uses in various cuisines, from being eaten raw in salads to being slowly cooked to bring out their natural sweetness. Caramelizing onions is a method that involves cooking them on medium to low heat for an extended period, allowing their natural sugars to slowly release, transforming their taste from sharp and pungent to mellow and sweet.
The caramelization process may take some time, but it’s well worth the wait. The sweet, tender onions become a delicious base for many dishes, including this tart. A key point when caramelizing onions is to not rush the process. Patience is crucial to get that perfect golden-brown color and flavor. Stir frequently to ensure they cook evenly and do not burn.
The Bacon Element: A Perfectly Crispy Addition
While the caramelized onions are the star of the tart, the bacon adds an essential layer of richness and texture. Thick-cut, meaty bacon works best for this dish as it holds up to the cooking process and adds the perfect crispiness. Cooking the bacon to a crisp ensures that it retains its flavor while rendering out the fat. Drain it on a paper towel to remove excess grease before adding it to the tart.
For those who prefer a vegetarian option, simply omit the bacon. The dish remains delicious, and the caramelized onions will shine as the main ingredient. If you’re looking to boost the flavor further, adding a fresh herb like thyme or tarragon can enhance the taste profile of the tart.
The Crust: A Delicate, Flaky Base
The crust of the tart is just as important as the filling. A buttery, flaky crust perfectly complements the savory filling, providing a satisfying contrast in texture. It’s essential to prebake the pie crust slightly to prevent it from becoming soggy when the filling is added. One method is to line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dry beans to help it maintain its shape during baking. This step ensures that the crust bakes evenly and doesn’t bubble up during cooking.
Using puff pastry for this tart adds a light, crisp texture, making the overall dish feel indulgent yet not overly heavy. The layers of flaky pastry blend beautifully with the soft caramelized onions and crispy bacon.
Substitutions and Variations
While the classic version of this tart uses provolone cheese, you can easily substitute it with Gruyère cheese for a richer, slightly nutty flavor. Gruyère cheese also works beautifully with the other ingredients, and it adds a lovely creaminess to the custard filling. Gruyère is an excellent choice if you’re looking to make the dish more indulgent or cater to a keto diet, as it’s richer in fat content.
For a more herbaceous version, you can add fresh thyme or tarragon to the filling. These herbs provide a fragrant, earthy aroma that complements the sweetness of the onions and the savoriness of the bacon.
Storage and Reheating Tips
This tart can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days after it’s completely cooled. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat individual slices in the oven. Place them in an oven-proof dish, cover with foil, and warm at 325°F for about 20 minutes. This method helps maintain the crispiness of the crust while reheating the filling.
Serving Suggestions
The Caramelized Onion and Bacon Tart is incredibly versatile when it comes to pairing with side dishes. For a more substantial meal, serve it with a crisp mixed green salad. A Butter Lettuce with Shallot Vinaigrette, with or without the shallots, is a perfect complement. The freshness and slight acidity of the salad provide a nice contrast to the richness of the tart.
If you’re hosting a gathering, consider cutting the tart into small squares to serve as appetizers. They are easy to eat with your hands and make for an elegant snack at parties or gatherings. Reheat the tart squares at 350°F for 5-8 minutes to serve them warm.
Conclusion: A Delicious and Versatile Dish
The Caramelized Onion and Bacon Tart is a French classic that showcases the beauty of simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight meal or preparing it for guests, it’s a dish that never fails to impress. The combination of caramelized onions, crispy bacon, and a buttery crust, all wrapped up in a savory custard, makes for an unforgettable meal.
You can enjoy this tart as a light lunch or dinner, or even serve it as an appetizer at a party. It’s a flexible recipe that can be customized to fit your taste, whether you choose to omit the bacon for a vegetarian version or experiment with different types of cheese. With its rich flavor and impressive presentation, this Caramelized Onion and Bacon Tart is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.