Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart Recipe

Introduction

This Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart is a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and creamy flavors wrapped in flaky puff pastry. It makes a delightful appetizer or a light main dish that’s sure to impress family and friends with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 medium butternut squashes (about 2 lbs), peeled and diced
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 cup goat cheese (or feta cheese for a tangier flavor)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (or a dairy-free alternative)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Optional: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: Toss the diced butternut squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Spread it evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
3. Step 3: While the squash roasts, heat the remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes until they turn golden brown and caramelized.
4. Step 4: On a floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to fit your tart pan. Prick the bottom gently with a fork to prevent bubbling.
5. Step 5: Spread the caramelized onions evenly over the pastry. Layer the roasted butternut squash on top, then crumble the goat cheese over the vegetables. Drizzle the heavy cream evenly, and sprinkle the fresh or dried thyme. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
6. Step 6: Beat the egg and brush the edges of the pastry for a beautiful golden finish.
7. Step 7: Bake the tart for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
8. Step 8: Remove from the oven and let cool for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra depth, add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the onions while caramelizing.
• Substitute goat cheese with feta for a tangier flavor, or use cream cheese for a milder taste.
• Use dairy-free cream and cheese alternatives to make this tart vegan-friendly.
• If you prefer, add fresh sage or rosemary instead of thyme for a different herbal note.

Storage

Store any leftover tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or toaster oven to keep the pastry crisp. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the tart ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the tart a few hours before baking. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving for the best texture.

What if I don’t have puff pastry?

You can use a sheet of shortcrust pastry or even a homemade pie dough, but puff pastry gives the light, flaky texture that complements the rich filling beautifully.

Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 80 reviews

A delicious and elegant Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart featuring sweet roasted butternut squash, richly caramelized onions, creamy goat cheese, and a flaky puff pastry crust. Perfect for a cozy fall meal or a sophisticated appetizer.

• Author: Ruby
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Tart
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pastry

• 1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)

Vegetables

• 2 medium butternut squashes (about 2 lbs), peeled and diced
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced

Seasonings & Oils

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
• Optional: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat

Dairy

• 1 cup goat cheese (or feta cheese for a tangier flavor)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (or a dairy-free alternative)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the squash and baking the tart.
2. Prepare the Butternut Squash: Toss the diced butternut squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper until well coated. Spread the squash evenly on a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until tender and caramelized, stirring halfway through for even cooking.
3. Caramelize the Onions: While the squash roasts, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes until they turn golden brown and sweetly caramelized. If desired, add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the last few minutes.
4. Roll Out the Puff Pastry: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the puff pastry sheet to fit your tart pan. Transfer the pastry to the pan and prick the bottom all over with a fork to prevent puffing during baking.
5. Assemble the Tart: Spread the caramelized onions evenly over the puff pastry base. Layer the roasted butternut squash on top of the onions. Crumble the goat cheese evenly over the squash, then drizzle the heavy cream across the tart. Sprinkle fresh or dried thyme to add a fragrant herbal note.
6. Bake the Tart: Place the assembled tart into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp, and the cheese is slightly melted and browned.
7. Cool and Serve: Remove the tart from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing to ensure clean cuts. Serve warm or at room temperature as a delightful appetizer or main dish.

Notes

• You can use feta cheese instead of goat cheese for a tangier flavor.
• Substitute the heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative to make it lactose-free.
• Adding red pepper flakes gives the tart a gentle spicy kick but can be omitted for a milder flavor.
• Puff pastry can be store-bought for convenience or homemade for a fresher crust.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently before serving.

Keywords: Caramelized Onion Tart, Butternut Squash Tart, Puff Pastry Tart, Fall Recipe, Vegetarian Tart, Goat Cheese Tart