The Mini French Onion Tarts with Puff Pastry – Easy Gourmet Appetizer Recipe
Mini French onion tarts with puff pastry are the perfect bite-sized indulgence! Flaky pastry shells filled with sweet caramelized onions and topped with melted Gruyère cheese make these tarts an elegant appetizer for parties, holidays, or cozy gatherings. Simple to prepare yet irresistibly delicious, they’ll impress every guest.
Equipment
- Skillet (for caramelizing onions)
- Baking sheet
- Muffin tin or tart pan (optional)
- Pastry cutter or knife
- Mixing spoon
- Oven
Ingredients
- 3–4 large onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar (optional)
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
- 1 cup Gruyère or Comté cheese, grated
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Caramelize Onions: Cook onions slowly in butter and olive oil over medium-low heat for 30–40 minutes until golden and sweet. Add balsamic vinegar for extra depth.
- Prepare Pastry: Cut puff pastry into rounds or squares. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet or in muffin tins.
- Assemble Tarts: Spoon caramelized onions onto pastry pieces. Top with grated cheese.
- Bake: Brush pastry edges with egg wash. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes until puffed and golden.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with fresh thyme or rosemary. Serve warm.
Notes
- Add mushrooms for earthy depth.
- Swap Gruyère with blue cheese for bold flavor.
- Sweet-savory option: caramelized onions + figs.
- Vegan option: use dairy-free cheese and pastry.
- Chill pastry before baking for maximum flakiness.
- Always bake on parchment for easy cleanup.