Savory Caramelized Onion and Brie Tartlets
These delightful Savory Caramelized Onion and Brie Tartlets are the perfect addition to any festive gathering. Inspired by a recipe from the Winnipeg Free Press, I introduced these savory bites at my Christmas party and they quickly became the star of the evening. The sweetness of caramelized onions combined with the rich creaminess of brie cheese creates an irresistible flavor profile. Perfect as appetizers or as a sophisticated snack, these tartlets are sure to impress your guests and have them coming back for seconds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pre-baked miniature tart shells
24 (store-bought or homemade)
Large onions
2 (thinly sliced)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
Brown sugar
2 tablespoons (for caramelizing)
Balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons (for flavor)
Salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Brie cheese
200 grams (sliced into slivers without the rind)
Instructions
1
Heat the olive oil in a deep skillet over medium heat.
2
Add the thinly sliced onions to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they become transparent and soft.
3
Sprinkle in the brown sugar and balsamic vinegar, then cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are beautifully caramelized and well-coated.
4
Season the caramelized onions with salt and pepper to taste, and cook on low until all excess moisture evaporates, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
5
Allow the mixture to cool slightly. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
6
Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of the caramelized onion mixture into each pre-baked miniature tart shell.
7
Top each tart with a sliver of brie cheese, ensuring that each one gets a generous portion.
8
Place the tartlets on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the brie cheese is melting and slightly bubbly.
9
Remove from the oven and serve warm for maximum enjoyment.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Caramelized Onion and Brie Tartlets?
These are festive appetizers that combine the sweetness of caramelized onions with the rich creaminess of brie cheese in miniature tart shells.
How many tartlets does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 24 miniature tartlets using pre-baked shells.
What type of onions are recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for two large onions, which should be thinly sliced for optimal caramelization.
At what temperature should I preheat the oven?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long do the tartlets need to bake?
Bake the tartlets for approximately 15 minutes or until the brie cheese is melting and slightly bubbly.
Should I remove the rind from the brie cheese?
Yes, the recipe suggests slicing the brie into slivers without the rind for the best texture.
Can I use store-bought tart shells?
Yes, you can use 24 store-bought pre-baked miniature tart shells or homemade ones.
What ingredients are used to caramelize the onions?
The onions are caramelized using olive oil, brown sugar, and balsamic vinegar.
How much brie cheese is required?
The recipe requires 200 grams of brie cheese, sliced into thin slivers.
What is the first step in preparing the onions?
The first step is to heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium heat and add the thinly sliced onions.
How long should the onion mixture simmer?
The onion mixture should simmer for about 15 minutes while covered and on low heat.
How much filling goes into each tart shell?
Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of the caramelized onion mixture into each pre-baked shell.
Should the tartlets be served warm or cold?
For maximum enjoyment, it is recommended to serve these tartlets warm.
What seasonings are added to the onions?
Salt and pepper are added to the caramelized onions to taste.
Why do I need to cook the onions until moisture evaporates?
Cooking until all excess moisture evaporates prevents the tart shells from becoming soggy.
What is the purpose of balsamic vinegar in this recipe?
Balsamic vinegar provides a deep flavor profile and assists in the caramelization process.
Can I prepare the onions in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the caramelized onions ahead of time and allow them to cool before filling the shells.
How do I prevent the onions from burning?
Stir the onions frequently, especially toward the end of cooking when the moisture has evaporated.
Is this recipe suitable for a holiday party?
Yes, these tartlets are described as the star of the evening for Christmas parties and festive gatherings.
How do I know the onions are soft enough?
The onions should be cooked until they become transparent and soft before adding the sugar and vinegar.
What should I do after the brie is melting and bubbly?
Remove the tartlets from the oven and serve them immediately while warm.
What is the origin or inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by one found in the Winnipeg Free Press.
Can I substitute brown sugar?
While brown sugar provides a specific molasses flavor, you could try white sugar or honey as an alternative.
Can I use red onions for this recipe?
Yes, red onions can be used and will provide a slightly different color and sweetness level.
What equipment is needed to cook the onions?
A deep skillet is recommended to properly sauté and simmer the large quantity of onions.
How thick should the brie slivers be?
The slivers should be generous enough to cover the onion mixture but thin enough to melt easily.
Are these tartlets considered an appetizer?
Yes, they are categorized as an appetizer and are perfect for snacking.
Is the salt and pepper amount specific?
No, they should be added 'to taste' according to your personal preference.
Can I use puff pastry instead of tart shells?
While the recipe calls for pre-baked shells, you could adapt it using puff pastry squares in a muffin tin.
How many tablespoons of olive oil are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of olive oil for sautéing the onions.