Alsatian Comfort Tart
Transport yourself to the charming region of Alsace with this hearty Alsatian Comfort Tart, a delightful dish that combines creamy cheese, crisp bacon, and golden onions nestled in a flaky puff pastry crust. Often likened to a 'white pizza,' this tart is an indulgent and satisfying meal, perfect for those cozy evenings when you crave something rich and comforting. Easy to prepare yet immensely gratifying, it pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad and a glass of chilled white wine for a truly delightful dining experience. Whether it's a casual family dinner or a gathering with friends, this tart is sure to be a hit!
4
Servings
300
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
cottage cheese
1/2 cup (none)
creme fraiche
1/2 cup (none)
onion
1 (thinly sliced)
bacon
1/4 lb (cooked crisp and crumbled)
flour
1 tablespoon (none)
canola oil
1 tablespoon (none)
salt
1 pinch (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
premade puff pastry
1 package (frozen, defrosted)
Instructions
1
Begin by defrosting the puff pastry according to package instructions. Once thawed, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
2
Using a 7-inch circular template (such as a salad plate), cut out four pastry circles.
3
Prick the surface of each pastry circle with a fork to prevent bubbling during baking. Place the circles on a baking sheet and refrigerate while preparing the filling.
4
In a skillet, cook the bacon until crisp. Once done, drain on paper towels and crumble it into small pieces. Set aside.
5
In the same skillet, add one tablespoon of canola oil and sauté the thinly sliced onion over medium heat until caramelized and golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
6
In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, creme fraiche, flour, a pinch of salt, and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is well combined and creamy.
7
Remove the pastry circles from the refrigerator. Spread an even layer of the cheese mixture onto each circle, ensuring to leave a small border around the edges.
8
Top each tart with an even distribution of the sautéed onions and crumbled bacon.
9
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Once ready, bake the tarts for about 15 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed up.
10
Allow to cool slightly before serving. This rich tart is best enjoyed warm alongside a fresh salad and a glass of your favorite white wine.
Nutrition Information
17.5g
Fat
25g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Alsatian Comfort Tart?
The Alsatian Comfort Tart is a savory dish from the Alsace region, often compared to a 'white pizza,' featuring a flaky puff pastry crust topped with creamy cheese, crisp bacon, and caramelized onions.
What are the main ingredients for the tart filling?
The filling consists of a creamy mixture of cottage cheese, creme fraiche, flour, salt, and pepper, topped with sautéed onions and crumbled bacon.
How long should I bake the Alsatian Comfort Tart?
The tarts should be baked for approximately 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C) until the pastry is golden brown and puffed up.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to produce 4 individual servings.
Is the Alsatian Comfort Tart a vegetarian dish?
No, this recipe contains 1/4 lb of bacon and is categorized under pork dishes.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated and set to 425°F (220°C).
How should the onions be prepared for this recipe?
The onions should be thinly sliced and sautéed in canola oil until they are caramelized and golden brown.
What type of pastry is used as the base?
The recipe uses one package of premade puff pastry, which should be defrosted before use.
How many calories are in one serving of the tart?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
One serving contains approximately 17.5 grams of fat.
How much protein does this tart provide?
Each serving provides 10 grams of protein.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
There are 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Why do I need to prick the pastry with a fork?
Pricking the pastry, also known as docking, prevents the crust from bubbling up excessively while baking.
What size should the pastry circles be cut?
You should use a template, like a salad plate, to cut out pastry circles approximately 7 inches in diameter.
How thick should the puff pastry be rolled?
The pastry should be rolled out to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
Can I refrigerate the pastry before baking?
Yes, it is recommended to refrigerate the cut pastry circles while you prepare the filling ingredients.
What is the best way to serve this tart?
It is best enjoyed warm, ideally served with a fresh salad and a glass of chilled white wine.
What kind of oil is used to sauté the onions?
The recipe calls for one tablespoon of canola oil.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients: cottage cheese, creme fraiche, onion, bacon, flour, canola oil, salt, pepper, and puff pastry.
How should the bacon be finished before adding it to the tart?
The bacon should be cooked until crisp, drained on paper towels, and then crumbled into small pieces.
What is the purpose of adding flour to the cheese mixture?
The tablespoon of flour helps bind the cottage cheese and creme fraiche mixture so it doesn't become too runny during baking.
What region of France is this dish associated with?
This dish is associated with the Alsace region.
Is this a difficult recipe to make?
No, it is described as an easy recipe that is immensely gratifying and perfect for casual family dinners.
Can I use store-bought puff pastry?
Yes, the recipe specifically suggests using one package of premade, frozen puff pastry.
Should the cheese mixture be spread to the very edge of the pastry?
No, you should leave a small border around the edges of the pastry circles to allow the crust to puff up.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses a combination of cottage cheese and creme fraiche.
Can this be served as an appetizer?
While it is a hearty meal for four, you could cut the circles into smaller wedges to serve as a savory appetizer.
Does this recipe include any fiber or sugar?
The provided nutritional information indicates that fiber and sugar levels are negligible or not specified.
What gives the tart its 'white pizza' nickname?
The nickname comes from the creamy white base made of cheese and creme fraiche rather than a traditional tomato-based sauce.
Should I let the tart cool before eating?
Yes, it is recommended to allow the tart to cool slightly before serving, though it is best enjoyed while still warm.