Easy Onion Tarte Tatin with Puff Pastry (Savory & Sweet!)

When you hear the words “Tarte Tatin,” your mind probably pictures a classic French dessert with beautifully fanned, caramelized apples. But what if the most elegant, show-stopping tart you could make was savory, not sweet? Prepare to be amazed by this Caramelized Onion Tarte Tatin. This recipe transforms the humble onion into a culinary masterpiece, slowly caramelizing it in a sweet and tangy glaze until it’s jammy and tender, then topping it with a flaky, golden puff pastry crust. It’s a sophisticated yet surprisingly simple dish that serves as a stunning appetizer, a light lunch, or an unforgettable side dish.

Ingredients

This recipe uses a handful of simple ingredients to create a dish with incredibly complex and delicious flavors. Using a quality all-butter puff pastry will elevate the final result.

this now & bake later ❤️

Timing

This impressive dish comes together in just over an hour, making it perfect for entertaining without spending all day in the kitchen.

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to create a flawless, golden-brown Tarte Tatin. An ovenproof skillet is the key piece of equipment for this one-pan wonder.

Step 1: Create the Caramel Glaze

In a 9 or 10-inch ovenproof skillet (cast-iron is perfect for this), melt the butter with the olive oil over medium-low heat. Stir in the maple syrup, red wine vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of water until everything is combined into a smooth glaze.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

Carefully arrange the onion halves in the skillet, placing them cut-side down in the glaze. Let them cook, undisturbed, for 20 minutes. As they cook, occasionally spoon some of the cooking juices over the tops of the onions. After 20 minutes, gently turn the onions over and continue to cook for another 15 minutes, basting occasionally, until they are deeply golden brown and beautifully caramelized. Season with salt and pepper, then remove the skillet from the heat to cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare and Place the Pastry

While the onions cool, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, unroll your thawed puff pastry sheet. Using the skillet as a guide, cut out a circle of pastry that is the same size as the top of your skillet. Using a fork, prick the dough all over. This step, known as “docking,” prevents the pastry from puffing up too much in the middle. Carefully place the pastry circle over the cooled onions in the skillet, tucking the edges in slightly if needed.

Step 4: Bake the Tarte Tatin

Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed, golden brown, and cooked through.

Step 5: The Grand Inversion

Let the Tarte Tatin rest in the skillet for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the molten caramel to set slightly. Gently run a knife around the edge of the pastry to loosen it. Now for the exciting part: place a large cutting board or serving plate over the skillet. With confidence and caution (using oven mitts, as the skillet is still very hot!), quickly and carefully invert the skillet to flip the tart out onto the board. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme, if using, before slicing and serving.

Nutritional Information

The following nutritional information is an estimate for one serving and can vary based on the exact ingredients and serving size.

• Serving Size: 1 slice (if cut into 6)
• Key Nutrients: This dish is primarily a source of carbohydrates from the pastry and sugars from the caramelization process.
• Note: This is an indulgent dish best enjoyed as a special appetizer or side.

Healthier Alternatives

While this is a decadent recipe, a few simple swaps can be made.

• Lower-Sugar: You can reduce the maple syrup by half. The onions have natural sugars that will still caramelize beautifully, though the glaze will be less sweet.
• Vegan Option: This recipe is easily made vegan. Use a high-quality plant-based butter substitute and ensure your brand of puff pastry is vegan (many store-bought varieties are made with oil instead of butter).
• Gluten-Free: Use a sheet of your favorite brand of gluten-free puff pastry to make this dish accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.

Serving Suggestions for your Onion Tarte Tatin

This versatile, savory tart can be served in many wonderful ways.

• As an Appetizer: Cut into small wedges and serve warm as an elegant starter for a dinner party. It’s delicious on its own or with a crumble of salty feta or creamy goat cheese on top.
• As a Main Course: Serve a larger slice alongside a simple, crisp green salad with a sharp vinaigrette for a perfect light lunch or vegetarian main course.
• As a Side Dish: This tart is a fantastic and impressive side dish for roasted chicken, pork, or a perfectly cooked steak.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The Tarte Tatin flip can be intimidating, but avoiding these common issues will ensure success.

• Under-Caramelized Onions: Rushing the first step will result in pale onions that lack the deep, sweet flavor that makes this dish special. Solution: Be patient. Cook the onions slowly over medium-low heat without moving them too much, allowing them to develop a rich, dark golden color.
• The Tarte Sticking to the Pan: This is the biggest fear when making a Tarte Tatin. Solution: Use a well-seasoned cast-iron or a reliable non-stick ovenproof skillet. Inverting the tart while it is still warm is also crucial; if the caramel cools completely, it will harden and act like glue.
• A Soggy Pastry Crust: If your onions release too much water or the pastry isn’t docked, the steam can get trapped and make the crust soggy on the bottom. Solution: Ensure the caramel glaze has thickened and is not watery before adding the pastry. Don’t forget to prick the pastry all over with a fork to allow steam to escape.

Storing Tips

This Onion Tarte Tatin is definitely best enjoyed on the day it is made, while the pastry is at its crispiest.

• To Store: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• To Reheat: The best way to reheat the tart and revive the pastry is in an oven or air fryer. Place it on a baking sheet and warm at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, until heated through and the pastry is crisp again. Microwaving is not recommended as it will make the pastry soft.

Conclusion

This Caramelized Onion Tarte Tatin is a true showstopper. It takes a handful of simple ingredients and transforms them into something elegant, complex, and utterly delicious. It proves that savory tarts can be just as impressive as their sweet counterparts and is the perfect recipe to have in your collection for entertaining. The balance of sweet, jammy onions and the flaky, buttery crust is a culinary experience you won’t soon forget.

We are so excited for you to try this amazing recipe. Give it a go and let us know in the comments how it turned out! We love to hear your feedback. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and subscribe for more sophisticated yet simple meal ideas.

FAQs

Q1. What kind of onions are best for this recipe?

Sweet yellow onions or Vidalia onions are the best choice. They have a higher natural sugar content, which means they caramelize beautifully and develop a wonderfully sweet, deep flavor without becoming bitter.

Q2. I don’t have an ovenproof skillet. Can I still make this?

Yes. You can caramelize the onions in a regular skillet according to the instructions. Then, carefully arrange the warm onions (cut-side down) and the caramel glaze in a 9-inch round cake pan or pie dish before topping with the puff pastry and baking.

Q3. Can I prepare this Tarte Tatin ahead of time?

For the best results with the flakiest pastry, it’s best to assemble and bake the tart just before serving. However, you can caramelize the onions a day in advance, store them in the refrigerator, and then gently reheat them in the skillet before topping with the pastry and baking.

Q4. What cheese pairs well with this tart?

If you want to add cheese, a salty and tangy variety provides a perfect contrast to the sweet onions. A crumble of goat cheese, feta, or blue cheese over the top after flipping is absolutely delicious.

Easy Onion Tarte Tatin with Puff Pastry (Savory & Sweet!)

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• Author: Evelyn Marcella Rivera
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 Servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This impressive dish uses a handful of simple ingredients to create incredibly complex and delicious flavors. Using a quality all-butter puff pastry will elevate the final result, making it perfect for entertaining without spending all day in the kitchen.

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Ingredients

• $2$ tablespoons Unsalted Butter
• $2$ tablespoons Olive Oil
• $2$ tablespoons Pure Maple Syrup
• $2$ tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar
• $7$ Sweet Yellow Onions, peeled and halved horizontally
• To taste Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper
• $1$ sheet All-Butter Puff Pastry (from a 400g pkg), thawed
• Optional: Fresh Thyme, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Create the Glaze: In a 9 or 10-inch ovenproof skillet, melt the butter with olive oil over medium-low heat. Stir in the maple syrup, red wine vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of water to create a smooth glaze.
2. Caramelize the Onions: Arrange the onion halves cut-side down in the glaze. Cook undisturbed for 20 minutes, basting occasionally. Turn the onions over and cook for another 15 minutes, basting, until deeply golden and caramelized. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.
3. Prepare the Pastry: Preheat oven to $350°F$ ($175°C$). On a floured surface, cut a circle of puff pastry the same size as your skillet. Prick the dough all over with a fork (this is called “docking”). Place the pastry circle over the onions in the skillet, tucking in the edges.
4. Bake the Tarte: Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
5. Invert and Serve: Let the tart rest in the skillet for 5 minutes. Run a knife around the edge to loosen. Place a large serving plate over the skillet and, using oven mitts, confidently and carefully invert the skillet to flip the tart out. Garnish with fresh thyme, if desired, before slicing.

Notes

• Use an Ovenproof Skillet: A 9 or 10-inch ovenproof skillet (cast-iron is perfect) is essential for this one-pan recipe, as it goes from the stovetop directly into the oven.
• Don’t Skip Docking: Pricking the pastry with a fork is important. It prevents the center from puffing up too much, ensuring an even crust.
• The Inversion: Be confident but cautious when inverting the hot tart. Use oven mitts and do it in one quick motion over a sink, just in case of any dripping caramel.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Side Dish, Tart
• Method: Baking, Caramelizing
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 305kcal
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 20mg