Caramelized Onion Tarte Tatin

Caramelized Onion Tarte Tatin

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• Author: Emma Delaney
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Une tarte rustique de style français qui renverse les attentes : cette tarte tatin savoureuse présente des oignons profondément caramélisés nichés dans une pâte feuilletée, débordante de saveur riche et beurrée et d’un soupçon de thym.

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Ingredients

• 6 oignons jaunes moyens, pelés et coupés en deux
• 2 cuillères à soupe de beurre non salé
• 2 cuillères à soupe d’huile d’olive
• 2 cuillères à soupe de cassonade
• 1 cuillère à soupe de vinaigre balsamique
• 1/2 cuillère à café de sel
• 1/4 cuillère à café de poivre noir fraîchement moulu
• 1 cuillère à café de feuilles de thym frais
• 1 feuille de pâte feuilletée décongelée

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Instructions

1. Préchauffer le four à 375°F (190°C).
2. Dans une grande poêle allant au four, faire fondre le beurre avec l’huile d’olive à feu moyen.
3. Ajoutez les moitiés d’oignon, côté coupé vers le bas, et saupoudrez de cassonade, de vinaigre balsamique, de sel, de poivre et de thym.
4. Cuire pendant 15 à 20 minutes, en retournant une fois, jusqu’à ce que les oignons commencent à ramollir et à caraméliser.
5. Disposez les oignons, côté coupé vers le bas, en une seule couche bien serrée. Retirez le poêle du feu.
6. Déposer la pâte feuilletée sur les oignons en rentrant les bords dans le moule. Piquer la pâte avec une fourchette pour évacuer la vapeur.
7. Cuire au four pendant 25 à 30 minutes jusqu’à ce que la pâte soit dorée et croustillante.
8. Laissez reposer 5 minutes, puis retournez délicatement sur une assiette de service.
9. Garnir de thym supplémentaire et servir chaud ou à température ambiante.

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Notes

• Assurez-vous que les oignons sont bien emballés pour conserver leur structure lorsqu’ils sont inversés.
• L’utilisation du thym améliore considérablement la saveur.
• Idéal servi en entrée ou en déjeuner léger avec une salade verte.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 220mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 15mg

A rustic French-inspired dish that brings a delightful twist to the traditional dessert tarte tatin. Instead of apples, this savory version stars slow-caramelized onions enriched with butter, brown sugar, and balsamic vinegar. Finished with a crisp, golden puff pastry and a touch of thyme, this tarte tatin makes for a stunning appetizer, side dish, or vegetarian main course.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Caramelized Onion Tarte Tatin is a true celebration of simple ingredients transformed through technique and time. The onions become sweet and tender, almost jammy, while the puff pastry provides a perfect buttery crunch. It’s an elegant yet easy dish that can be served warm or at room temperature—ideal for dinner parties, holidays, or any occasion when you want to impress with minimal effort.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

6 medium yellow onions, peeled and halved
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large ovenproof skillet, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat.
3. Place the onion halves cut-side down into the skillet and sprinkle evenly with brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and thyme.
4. Cook for 15–20 minutes, turning once, until the onions begin to soften and develop a deep caramelized color.
5. Arrange the onions cut-side down in a single, tight layer. Remove the skillet from the heat.
6. Drape the puff pastry over the onions, gently tucking the edges into the pan. Prick the pastry with a fork to allow steam to escape.
7. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.
8. Let the tart rest for 5 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a serving plate.
9. Garnish with additional thyme if desired and serve either warm or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 and takes approximately 55 minutes from start to finish—15 minutes for prep and 40 minutes for cooking and baking.

Variations

• Cheese Addition: Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese or grated Gruyère over the onions before adding the puff pastry for a creamy, savory twist.
• Mushroom Addition: Add sautéed mushrooms alongside the onions for an earthier, umami-packed version.
• Herb Swap: Substitute rosemary or sage for thyme to introduce different aromatic profiles.
• Balsamic Upgrade: Use a balsamic glaze for a more intense and syrupy flavor.
• Mini Tartlets: Make individual tarte tatins using a muffin tin for elegant single servings.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover tarte tatin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it may cause the pastry to become soggy.

FAQs

What kind of onions are best for this recipe?

Yellow onions are ideal due to their natural sweetness, but you can also use red onions for a more intense flavor and striking presentation.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, the tarte tatin can be made a few hours ahead and served at room temperature. If needed, reheat gently in the oven.

Is puff pastry the only option?

Puff pastry is recommended for its crisp, flaky texture, but you could use shortcrust or phyllo dough as an alternative.

How do I prevent the pastry from getting soggy?

Ensure the onions are well-caramelized and any excess liquid is cooked off before placing the pastry on top. Pricking the pastry also helps release steam.

Can this dish be made vegan?

Yes, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and ensure your puff pastry is vegan.

What should I serve with this tarte tatin?

It pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or a cheese platter.

Can I freeze this tarte tatin?

Freezing is not recommended, as it may alter the texture of both the onions and the puff pastry.

How do I invert the tart without making a mess?

Let it rest for a few minutes, then place a large plate over the skillet and flip quickly but carefully. Use oven mitts for safety.

Can I use dried thyme?

Fresh thyme is preferred for flavor, but if using dried thyme, reduce the amount to 1/3 teaspoon.

How do I know when the onions are properly caramelized?

They should be golden to deep brown, tender, and slightly sticky with a rich, sweet aroma.

Conclusion

Caramelized Onion Tarte Tatin is a deliciously elegant yet rustic dish that elevates humble ingredients into something extraordinary. Whether you’re entertaining or indulging in a quiet night at home, this savory tarte will impress with its layered flavors and beautiful presentation. Give it a try and discover a new favorite way to enjoy onions.