Caramelized Onion Upside Down Tarts – Alright, let me tell you about these Caramelized Onion Upside Down Tarts—they’re basically little pockets of Eden. Sweet, savory, cheesy, and dressed in flaky puff pastry, they beat all the exemplary notes. We’re talking straightforward components here: puff pastry, sweet onions, balsamic glaze, and Swiss cheese. That’s it! But the charm? It’s in the way these flavors come together. You’ll have a fancy-looking (and tasting) dish on the plain in just 25 minutes. Who doesn’t adore that?
I assembled these for the first time when I needed something brief but wonderful for a family assemblage. Truthfully, I didn’t know what to expect. But once the smell of caramelized onions and melting cheese filled the kitchen, I knew I was onto something good. My husband, who’s usually lukewarm about onions, couldn’t stop sneaking bites. And even my finicky kid was gobbling them like candy! Now these tarts are my go-to whenever I need a dish that feels particular but doesn’t demand a ton of effort. They never dissatisfy.
What makes this Caramelized Onion Upside Down Tarts truly special?
What sets these Caramelized Onion Upside Down Tarts apart? It’s all about the coatings. You’ve got that decadent sweetness from the caramelized onions, a zesty tang from the balsamic glaze, and melty Swiss cheese, all wrapped up in buttery, golden puff pastry. The outcome? A nibble that’s heartening but still feels grandiloquent. Whether you’re making them as a quick appetizer for guests or feasting yourself on something extra on a quiet night in, these tarts bring it. And the soundest part? They look like you spent hours on them, but really, they’re super comfortable to whip up with just a handful of elements. Win-win!
What You Need To Make This Caramelized Onion Upside Down Tarts Recipe?
These ingredients, when combined, create a mouth-watering combination of flavors and textures that make these tarts so addictive!
Puff Pastry: This is the foundation of the tart and what makes it so irresistibly flaky and light. It’s a lifesaver when you want something fancy but don’t have hours to spend making dough. Just make sure it’s thawed before you use it, so it puffs up nicely in the oven.
Sweet Onions: These are the stars of the show! When you caramelize them, they become soft, rich, and slightly sweet—like candy, but for savory lovers. If you’re not usually a fan of onions, trust me, caramelizing them completely transforms their flavor.
Balsamic Glaze: This adds that perfect tangy sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the onions and cheese. If you don’t have a pre-made glaze, you can easily make your own by reducing balsamic vinegar in a pan until it thickens up. It’s a little sweet, a little tart—just what these tarts need.
Swiss Cheese: Melty, gooey, and with a slight nuttiness, Swiss cheese works like a charm here. It melts down into the onions, adding that creamy texture. And it pairs perfectly with the balsamic and onions for a really balanced bite.
Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan adds that extra umami kick. It’s a little salty and sharp, which helps to cut through the richness of the other ingredients.
Olive Oil: This helps everything cook up golden and delicious. It’s like the glue that brings the onions and pastry together—plus, it keeps things from sticking!
Garlic Powder, Salt & Pepper: These guys add just the right amount of seasoning to elevate the dish without overpowering the other flavors. Simple, but necessary!
Steps To Make Caramelized Onion Upside Down Tarts:
Step 1: First things first—preheat your oven to 400°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Trust me, this makes cleanup a cakewalk.
Step 2: Now, grab your puff pastry. Make sure it’s thawed but still cool. Cut each sheet into squares. I usually go for six squares per sheet, but you do you depending on how big you want your tarts. Set those aside for a second.
Step 3: Next, on each baking sheet, drizzle a little olive oil. You want six small puddles of oil on each tray. Then, add a little balsamic glaze to each puddle. It’s going to caramelize and give the onions this sweet, tangy flavor that’s just a chef’s kiss.
Step 4: Now for the onions—slice them into nice thick rounds. Lay one slice right on top of each oil and balsamic puddle. Season those bad boys with garlic powder, a little salt, and pepper. Don’t skimp on the herb—it makes all the contrast!
Step 5: Top each onion slice with a piece of Swiss cheese, then grab your puff pastry squares and lay them over the cheese. Gently press the edges down around the onions so the cheese is fully covered. This way, you get that perfect golden puffed crust around your melty cheesy onion.
Step 6: Brush the tops of the puff pastry with some egg whites. This is what will give them that gorgeous golden color when they bake.
Step 7: Pop the trays in the oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until your tart is golden and flaky. You’ll know they’re ready when your kitchen scents like heaven.
Step 8: Once they’re done, let them chill for about 5 minutes before reversing them upside down. Be thorough here—the onions can be a bit sticky but trust me, they’re worth it!
Step 9: If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle a little extra balsamic glaze on top. And there you have it—your delicious, caramelized onion tarts ready to be devoured!
Tip:
Here’s a little trick to make your Caramelized Onion Upside Down Tarts even more tantalizing: if you’ve got a bit of extra stretch, take your onions to the next deck by unhurriedly caramelizing them before assembly. Just throw them in a skillet with a slight olive oil over low heat for about 20-30 minutes, mixing periodically until they’re golden brown and sweet. This added measure will heighten the savors, assembling them even creamier and more lavish when blended with the cheese and puff pastry. And hey, if you want to jazz things up even more, try adding a sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary over the onions before topping with cheese. It adds a pop of freshness that really complements the decadent, delectable tastes!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! If Swiss isn’t your thing, feel free to swap it out for something else—Gruyère, cheddar, or even goat cheese would be amazing. Just go with whatever you have on hand or what you love the most. The key is to use a cheese that melts well.
Can I make these tarts ahead of time?
Yep! You can totally make them ahead. Just prepare everything up until the baking step and store the assembled tarts in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, pop them in the oven and bake as directed. They’re best served fresh and warm, but they hold up really well for a few hours if needed.
What if I don’t have puff pastry on hand?
No worries! If you’re out of puff pastry, you can use crescent roll dough or even pie crust in a pinch. The texture will be a little different, but they’ll still be delicious and flaky. Just roll it out, cut it into squares, and follow the same steps as with the puff pastry.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Caramelized Onion Upside Down Tarts
Ingredients
- 1 17-ounce package puff pastry, thawed
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
- 1-2 medium sweet onions sliced into rounds
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 12 slices of Swiss cheese
- 1/4 c shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg white
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and get two baking sheets ready by lining them with parchment paper.
- Cut your puff pastry into squares—I like to do 6 per sheet, but you can adjust based on the size you want. Set them aside for now.
- On each baking sheet, drizzle 6 small pools of olive oil (so 12 total), and then add a touch of balsamic glaze to each one.
- Place a slice of sweet onion right on top of each oil and balsamic pool. Season with a sprinkle of garlic powder, some salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Next, layer a slice of Swiss cheese on top of each onion, followed by a puff pastry square. Make sure to press the edges down a bit so the pastry fully covers the cheese.
- Brush the tops of the pastry with egg white for that beautiful golden finish when it bakes.
- Pop them in the oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they’re perfectly golden and crisp.
- Once done, let them sit for about 5 minutes before flipping them over. For an extra touch of flavor, you can drizzle more balsamic glaze over the top before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
