Savory Caramelized Onion, Goat Cheese & Thyme Phyllo Tarts
Delight your guests with these elegant Savory Caramelized Onion, Goat Cheese & Thyme Phyllo Tarts. Nested in delicate, flaky phyllo pastry, each tart boasts a rich filling featuring luscious caramelized red onions, creamy goat cheese, and a hint of thyme and garlic for extra flavor depth. These exquisite appetizers are perfect for dinner parties, special occasions, or as a satisfying snack with a fresh salad.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
2 ounces (Melted)
red onions
2 (Thinly sliced)
brown sugar
2 teaspoons (N/A)
balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon (N/A)
dried thyme
1 tablespoon (N/A)
garlic granules
1/4 teaspoon (N/A)
ready rolled phyllo pastry
2 sheets (Unrolled and cut)
goat cheese
12 ounces (Sliced)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (N/A)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 435°F (220°C).
2
In a medium saucepan, melt half of the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced red onions and cook for approximately 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and caramelized to a golden brown color.
3
Once caramelized, stir in the brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, dried thyme, and garlic granules. Cook for an additional minute, then remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
4
Melt the remaining butter in a small bowl. Unroll the phyllo pastry sheets on a clean surface and cut each sheet into four equal squares.
5
In a muffin or tart tin, layer two squares of phyllo on top of each other for each tart, brushing lightly with melted butter between the layers and on top of the final layer.
6
Spoon a generous amount of the caramelized onion mixture into the center of each tart shell, filling them evenly.
7
Top each tart with a slice of goat cheese and then lightly brush the edges of the pastry with the remaining melted butter.
8
Chill the assembled tarts in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to help them set.
9
Bake the tarts in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the phyllo pastry is golden brown and crisp, and the goat cheese is melting.
10
Serve warm, garnished with a few fresh salad leaves on the side.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary flavor profile of these Savory Caramelized Onion, Goat Cheese & Thyme Phyllo Tarts?
These tarts feature a rich, savory filling made of luscious caramelized red onions, creamy goat cheese, and a fragrant hint of thyme and garlic.
What type of pastry is used for the tart shells?
Ready rolled phyllo pastry sheets are used to create delicate, flaky tart shells.
How long does it take to caramelize the red onions?
The onions should be cooked over medium heat for approximately 25-30 minutes until they are soft and golden brown.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking these tarts?
The oven should be preheated to 435°F (220°C).
What ingredients are added to the onions after they finish caramelizing?
Once caramelized, you should stir in brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, dried thyme, and garlic granules.
How should the phyllo pastry be prepared before assembly?
Unroll the phyllo sheets and cut each sheet into four equal squares.
How many layers of phyllo are used for each individual tart?
Each tart uses two squares of phyllo layered on top of each other, with melted butter brushed between the layers.
What equipment is needed to shape the tarts?
You can use either a muffin tin or a tart tin to shape and bake the phyllo layers.
How much goat cheese is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of goat cheese, sliced for topping.
Should the tarts be baked immediately after assembly?
No, the assembled tarts should be chilled in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to help them set before baking.
How long do the tarts need to bake?
Bake the tarts for 15-20 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.
What is the best way to serve these phyllo tarts?
They are best served warm, garnished with a few fresh salad leaves on the side.
Can I use white onions instead of red onions?
While red onions provide a specific sweetness and color, you can substitute with other onions, though the flavor profile may vary slightly.
Is butter or oil used to coat the pastry?
Melted butter is used to brush between the phyllo layers and on the edges of the pastry.
What type of vinegar is used in the onion mixture?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar.
Does the recipe call for fresh or dried thyme?
The recipe specifies 1 tablespoon of dried thyme.
How much brown sugar is needed for the onions?
2 teaspoons of brown sugar are used to enhance the caramelization process.
Is there any garlic in this recipe?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic granules is included in the seasoning.
Are these tarts suitable for appetizers?
Yes, they are described as elegant appetizers perfect for dinner parties and special occasions.
What should the consistency of the goat cheese be after baking?
The goat cheese should be melting when the tarts are finished baking.
How much butter is needed for the entire recipe?
The recipe requires 2 ounces of butter, which is used for both caramelizing the onions and brushing the pastry.
What is the preparation method for the red onions?
The red onions should be thinly sliced before cooking.
Is olive oil used in the preparation?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of olive oil is listed among the ingredients.
How many sheets of phyllo pastry are used?
The recipe uses 2 sheets of ready rolled phyllo pastry.
Can these be eaten as a snack?
Yes, they can serve as a satisfying snack, especially when paired with a fresh salad.
What does the chilling step accomplish?
Chilling the assembled tarts for 30 minutes helps the structure of the pastry set, ensuring a better bake.
Is the onion mixture added to the pastry hot or cold?
The mixture should be allowed to cool slightly after cooking before being spooned into the tart shells.
How do I know when the onions are properly caramelized?
They should be soft and have reached a golden brown color.
What is the final texture of the tart shell?
The final texture is delicate, flaky, and crisp.
Should I brush the edges of the pastry with butter?
Yes, the recipe suggests lightly brushing the edges of the pastry with the remaining melted butter before chilling and baking.