Savory Goat Cheese and Fig Tartlets with Caramelized Onions
Indulge in these delightful bite-sized tartlets that combine creamy goat cheese with the earthy sweetness of caramelized onions and figs. Encased in a crispy whole wheat crust enriched with Parmigiano-Reggiano and almonds, these treats are perfect for brunch gatherings or as elegant appetizers at any event. They can be prepared in advance – simply freeze after baking and thaw when you're ready to serve. Enjoy warm or at room temperature for a delicious experience that balances savory and sweet flavors perfectly.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon (For cooking onions)
Yellow sweet onion
1 large (Halved and thinly sliced)
Fresh thyme
1 tablespoon (Chopped)
Salt
to taste
Freshly ground black pepper
to taste
Whole wheat bread crumbs
2 cups
Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1/2 cup (Grated)
Unsalted butter
4 tablespoons (Melted)
Almonds
1/4 cup (Blanched and finely chopped)
Fresh goat cheese
12 ounces (Softened)
Cream cheese
12 ounces (Softened)
Lemon
1 (Zest of, grated)
Large eggs
4
Heavy cream
1 cup
Fresh figs
12 (Quartered)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
2
In a large sauté pan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and fresh thyme, season with salt and pepper, and stir until the onions are well-coated.
3
Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, until they reach a deep amber color, about 15-20 minutes. Remove them from the heat and set aside to cool.
4
For the crust, combine the whole wheat bread crumbs, grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, melted unsalted butter, and finely chopped almonds in a medium bowl or food processor. Season with salt and pepper, mixing until well combined.
5
In a separate bowl, blend the softened goat cheese and cream cheese together until smooth. Gradually add the lemon zest and eggs, mixing well after each addition. Finally, blend in the heavy cream until completely smooth and creamy.
6
Grease a 24-cup mini muffin pan and distribute about 1 tablespoon of the crumb mixture into each muffin cup, pressing it evenly to form the crust.
7
Pour the cheese filling into each cup, filling them about two-thirds of the way full. Top each tartlet with a spoonful of the caramelized onions.
8
Transfer the muffin pan to the preheated oven and immediately reduce the temperature to 350°F (177°C). Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the filling is set and the tops are lightly golden.
9
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. These tartlets are delicious warm or at room temperature, and are best enjoyed accompanied by quartered fresh figs.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main components of these tartlets?
These tartlets consist of a crispy whole wheat and almond crust, a creamy goat cheese and cream cheese filling, and a topping of savory caramelized onions, served with fresh figs.
Can these tartlets be prepared in advance?
Yes, they can be prepared ahead of time. You can freeze them after baking and then thaw them when you are ready to serve.
What is the recommended serving temperature?
These tartlets are delicious when served either warm or at room temperature.
What type of crust is used for this recipe?
The crust is made from a mixture of whole wheat bread crumbs, grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, melted unsalted butter, and finely chopped almonds.
How long does it take to caramelize the onions?
It takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes of cooking over medium heat to reach a deep amber color.
What kind of cheeses are required for the filling?
The filling requires 12 ounces of fresh goat cheese and 12 ounces of cream cheese, both softened.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C), but immediately reduce it to 350°F (177°C) once the tartlets are placed inside.
How many tartlets does this recipe yield?
The recipe is designed for a 24-cup mini muffin pan, yielding 24 individual tartlets.
What ingredients are in the cheese filling besides cheese?
The filling also includes grated lemon zest, four large eggs, and one cup of heavy cream.
How are the fresh figs used in this recipe?
Twelve fresh figs are quartered and served as an accompaniment to the finished tartlets.
Do I need to grease the muffin pan?
Yes, you should grease the 24-cup mini muffin pan before distributing the crumb mixture.
What type of bread crumbs should I use?
The recipe specifies using whole wheat bread crumbs for the crust.
What herb is used to season the caramelized onions?
One tablespoon of chopped fresh thyme is added to the onions while they sauté.
How much crust mixture goes into each muffin cup?
Distribute approximately 1 tablespoon of the crumb mixture into each mini muffin cup.
How full should the cheese filling be in the crust?
Fill each cup about two-thirds of the way full with the cheese mixture.
When do you add the caramelized onions to the tartlets?
The caramelized onions are added as a topping on top of the cheese filling before the tartlets are placed in the oven.
How long do the tartlets bake?
They bake for 15 to 20 minutes at 350°F (177°C).
What is the indicator that the tartlets are finished baking?
They are done when the filling is set and the tops are lightly golden.
Should the butter for the crust be cold or melted?
The butter should be melted to properly bind the bread crumbs, cheese, and almonds.
Are the almonds used in the recipe whole or chopped?
The almonds should be blanched and finely chopped before being added to the crust mixture.
What kind of oil is best for cooking the onions?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for sautéing the onions.
Can I use a food processor for the crust?
Yes, you can combine the crust ingredients in either a medium bowl or a food processor.
What type of onion is recommended?
A large yellow sweet onion, halved and thinly sliced, is recommended for the best flavor.
How many eggs are needed for the cheese filling?
The recipe requires four large eggs.
Is the lemon juice used in this recipe?
No, only the grated lemon zest is used to flavor the cheese filling.
What gives the crust its savory flavor?
The addition of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and finely chopped almonds provides a rich, savory profile to the crust.
How should the cheese be prepared before mixing?
Both the goat cheese and the cream cheese should be softened to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling.
Can these be served as a dessert?
While categorized as savory, they have an earthy sweetness that allows them to function as a 'savory dessert' or elegant appetizer.
What should I do immediately after putting the pan in the oven?
Immediately reduce the oven temperature from 450°F to 350°F.
Is salt and pepper added to the filling?
Salt and pepper are used to season the onions and the crust mixture, while the cheeses and Parmigiano-Reggiano provide the primary seasoning for the filling.