Savory Tarts > Cheese Tarts

Sweet Cheese and Caramelized Onion Tart Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 large onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

Special equipment needed:
- 9-inch tart pan
- Rolling pin
- Parchment paper
- Pie weights or dried beans

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

2. Roll out the pre-made pie crust on a floured surface to fit the tart pan.

3. Place the pie crust into the tart pan, pressing it firmly against the bottom and sides.

4. Line the pie crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans.

5. Bake the pie crust for 10 minutes, then remove the parchment paper and weights and bake for an additional 5 minutes.

6. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.

7. Add the sliced onions, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper to the skillet and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are caramelized.

8. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, egg, and dried thyme.

9. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the bottom of the pre-baked pie crust.

10. Top the cheese mixture with the caramelized onions.

11. Bake the tart for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese mixture is set and the edges of the crust are golden brown.

12. Let the tart cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.


Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6-8 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 290
Fat: 21g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 7g
Sodium: 310mg
Sugar: 5g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of cream cheese, you can use goat cheese or ricotta cheese.
- Instead of Parmesan cheese, you can use shredded cheddar or Gruyere cheese.
- Instead of dried thyme, you can use dried rosemary or oregano.

Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the caramelized onions for a mushroom and onion tart.
- Top the tart with sliced tomatoes and fresh basil for a Caprese-inspired tart.
- Add crumbled bacon or diced ham to the cheese mixture for a savory breakfast tart.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to press the pie crust firmly against the bottom and sides of the tart pan to prevent any air pockets.
- Use a sharp knife to slice the tart cleanly.
- Serve the tart warm or at room temperature.

Storage instructions:
Store any leftover tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
To reheat the tart, place it in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the tart on a platter with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.

Garnishes:
Fresh herbs, grated Parmesan cheese, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Pairings:
A crisp green salad or a glass of white wine.

Suggested side dishes:
Roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or a fruit salad.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the crust is browning too quickly, cover the edges with foil.
- If the cheese mixture is not setting, bake the tart for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the onions until they are caramelized and fully cooked to prevent any foodborne illness.

Food history:
Tarts have been a popular dish in European cuisine for centuries, with sweet and savory variations.

Flavor profiles:
This tart has a sweet and savory flavor profile, with the caramelized onions balancing the richness of the cheese mixture.

Serving suggestions:
Serve this tart as a main dish or as an appetizer at a dinner party.

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Taste: Sweet, Cheesy, Caramelized, Oniony, Savory