There is something truly magical about the blend of sweet caramelized onions, crisp apples, and sharp cheddar cheese coming together in a flaky crust. This Caramelized Onion, Apple & Cheddar Tart Recipe is a delightful balance of flavors and textures that make it a standout dish for gatherings or a comforting weekend treat. It’s surprisingly simple to make, yet feels impressively gourmet, and every bite is like a little celebration of savory, sweet, and tangy goodness wrapped in buttery pastry.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this tart is easier than you think, and each one plays a key role in creating the perfect harmony of taste and texture. From the buttery crust to the tender apples and melty cheddar, these essentials come together beautifully.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base for our tender, flaky tart crust that holds everything together perfectly.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (chilled, cubed): Adds richness and flakiness to the crust, essential for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1/4 cup cold water: Helps bring the dough together without making it tough.
- 2 medium yellow onions (sliced): Slowly caramelized for sweet, golden layers bursting with flavor.
- 1 medium Granny Smith apple (diced): Provides a crisp, tart contrast that brightens the tart.
- 1 cup shredded aged cheddar cheese: Sharp and creamy, binding the tart fillings beautifully.
- 2 large eggs: Adds structure and richness to the tart’s custard filling.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Makes the filling luxuriously smooth and creamy.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances all the vibrant flavors and adds seasoning balance.
How to Make Caramelized Onion, Apple & Cheddar Tart Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by mixing the flour and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. Cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture turns crumbly like coarse sand. Slowly add the cold water, stirring gently until a dough just forms. This approach keeps the pastry tender and flaky, so resist the urge to overwork it!
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step firms up the butter again, making the crust flakier when baked and easier to handle when rolling out.
Step 3: Caramelize Onions
While the dough chills, melt a knob of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced yellow onions and cook them slowly for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn a beautiful golden brown and release a sweet aroma that fills your kitchen.
Step 4: Add Apples
Next, stir in the diced Granny Smith apple pieces with the caramelized onions. Season generously with salt and pepper, and cook for another 5 minutes. The apples soften slightly while maintaining a refreshing crisp bite that adds a fantastic contrast.
Step 5: Assemble the Tart
Roll out your chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to fit your tart pan. Lay it carefully, trimming any excess edges. Spread the onion and apple mixture evenly inside the crust, then sprinkle the shredded aged cheddar over the top, creating a generous, cheesy blanket.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and heavy cream together with a pinch of salt and pepper, then pour this custard gently over the tart filling. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the crust is golden and the filling is set with a slightly firm but creamy texture.
How to Serve Caramelized Onion, Apple & Cheddar Tart Recipe
Garnishes
Before serving, sprinkle the tart with some fresh thyme leaves or a few scattered chopped chives. This not only adds a pop of color but also a bit of herbal brightness that complements the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This tart pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette or a bowl of hearty soup on chilly days. The freshness and acidity from the sides balance the savory-sweet flavors of the tart perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming, rustic touch, serve the tart on a wooden board with wedges already cut. Add small bowls of extra shredded cheddar and honey for guests who want to customize their bites. You can also turn this recipe into mini tartlets for an elegant appetizer at your next party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover leftover tart with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to three days while maintaining great flavor and texture.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the tart, it’s best to wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and the crust becomes crisp again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this tart?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are perfect for their tartness and firmness, you can try Fuji or Honeycrisp for a sweeter, juicier variation. Just make sure to use apples that hold their shape when cooked.
Is it possible to make the dough gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that’s designed for pastry. Keep the butter cold and follow the same steps to achieve a flaky crust.
Can this tart be served warm or cold?
This tart tastes fantastic both ways. Serving it warm brings out the melty cheese and soft filling, while chilled slices make a lovely, refreshing snack or packed lunch.
How long does it take to caramelize onions properly?
Patience is key. It usually takes about 20 minutes over medium heat to caramelize onions slowly and develop their deep sweetness without burning. Stir occasionally and adjust heat as needed.
Can I prepare the tart filling ahead of time?
Yes! You can caramelize the onions and cook the apples a day ahead. Store the mixture in the fridge, then assemble and bake the tart when you’re ready. This saves time and enhances flavor melding.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that feels homemade but special enough to impress friends and family, you have to try this Caramelized Onion, Apple & Cheddar Tart Recipe. It’s that cozy, unexpected combo of sweet and savory that never fails to delight, making every bite a joyful treat. Trust me, once you make it, this tart will leap into your regular rotation of favorite recipes!
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Caramelized Onion, Apple & Cheddar Tart Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Tart
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Caramelized Onion, Apple & Cheddar Tart combines the sweetness of slow-cooked onions and crisp apples with sharp aged cheddar on a buttery, flaky crust. Perfect as a savory brunch dish or an elegant appetizer, it balances sweet and savory flavors with a delightful texture contrast.
Ingredients
For the Tart Dough
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (chilled, cubed)
- 1/4 cup cold water
For the Filling
- 2 medium yellow onions (sliced)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium Granny Smith apple (diced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded aged cheddar cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Cut in the chilled, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the cold water, mixing gently until a dough forms.
- Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up and improve the texture.
- Caramelize Onions: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the sliced yellow onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and caramelized, about 20 minutes.
- Add Apples: Stir the diced Granny Smith apple into the caramelized onions. Season with salt and pepper, and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the apples soften slightly but retain some texture.
- Assemble the Tart: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled dough into a tart pan, pressing it evenly into the bottom and sides. Pour the onion-apple mixture over the crust evenly. Sprinkle shredded aged cheddar cheese on top.
- Mix and Add Custard: In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and heavy cream until combined. Pour this custard mixture evenly over the filling and cheese.
- Bake: Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the custard is set. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is cold when making the dough for a flaky crust.
- Caramelizing onions slowly over medium heat enhances their natural sweetness.
- Using Granny Smith apples provides a tart contrast that balances the sweetness.
- Allow the tart to cool before slicing to help the custard set properly.
- This tart can be served warm or at room temperature.
