The Perfect Onion Tart: A French-Inspired Delight for Any Meal
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dish that works for brunch, a light lunch, or even a special occasion like Mother’s Day, then this Onion Tart is just what you need! Known in French cuisine as Tarte à l’oignon, this savory tart is rich in flavor, featuring caramelized onions, creamy Swiss cheese, and the salty touch of prosciutto or ham. Serve it with a simple green salad, and you’ve got a meal that feels indulgent but is incredibly easy to put together.
Why You Should Make This Recipe
- Easy to Make with Staple Ingredients – This Onion Tart is made with everyday ingredients readily available at most supermarkets, including onions, butter, eggs, and cheese. A store-bought pie shell makes it even simpler!
- Versatile & Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s brunch, Mother’s Day, a casual lunch, or even a light dinner, this tart fits the bill. Pair it with a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Rich French-Caribbean Influence – The Caribbean has been deeply influenced by French cuisine, and this dish is a perfect example of that culinary fusion. While still retaining its French roots, it’s easy to tweak with local flavors and ingredients.
Ingredients Breakdown
- Onions – The star of the dish! Slow-cooked to perfection, they become sweet and caramelized, adding depth of flavor.
- Butter & Brown Sugar – Helps caramelize the onions and bring out their natural sweetness.
- Swiss Cheese – Mild and creamy, Swiss cheese balances the saltiness of the ham or prosciutto.
- Prosciutto or Ham – Adds a salty, savory contrast to the sweet onions. Feel free to substitute with turkey or bacon for a different twist.
- Thyme & Basil – These herbs complement the onions beautifully, adding an aromatic touch.
- Eggs & Heavy Cream – Helps create a rich, custard-like filling that holds everything together.
- Pre-made Pie Shell – A convenient choice that fits perfectly in most pie dishes and cuts down on prep time.
Making Pie Dough from Scratch: Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Homemade dough has a richer, butterier taste compared to store-bought versions.
- You can control the ingredients, ensuring there are no preservatives or artificial flavors.
- Customizable—add herbs or spices for extra flavor.
Cons:
- It is time-consuming and requires chilling time.
- It can be tricky to get the right consistency, especially for beginners.
- It requires extra effort to roll out and shape the dough.
If you have the time and enjoy making pastry from scratch, it’s a rewarding process. However, for convenience, a quality store-bought crust is a great alternative.
Why Use a Store-Bought Pie Shell?
While homemade dough can be delicious, it’s time-consuming and requires extra effort. A store-bought frozen pie shell is an excellent alternative because:
- It’s already shaped to fit a standard pie dish, making baking easier.
- Saves time without compromising on taste.
- Provides a perfectly flaky and crispy texture.
If you love making dough from scratch, go for it! But for busy days, a pre-made crust is your best friend.
Cooking & Baking Tips
- Choose Fresh Onions – Select onions that are firm and free of soft spots. Avoid any that have started sprouting.
- Caramelizing Onions – Cook them low and slow to bring out their natural sweetness without burning.
- Cheese Selection – If using a more pungent cheese, reduce the amount of ham or prosciutto to balance the flavors.
- Preventing a Soggy Crust – Pre-bake (blind bake) your pie shell for a few minutes before adding the filling to ensure a crispy base.
- Baking Evenly – Place the tart in the center of the oven and rotate halfway through for even cooking.
- Covering the Edges – If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
Enhancing Flavor with Seasoning Blends
Seasoning blends can elevate the flavor of your Onion Tart effortlessly. Instead of just using thyme and basil, try incorporating a high-quality all-purpose seasoning or herb blend to add depth to the dish. A great place to find premium seasoning blends is Noubess.com, where you can get a variety of herb and spice blends that will make this tart even more delicious. Experimenting with different seasoning blends can help you create a version of this tart that best suits your taste preferences.
Pairing & Storage
Pairing Suggestions:
- Serve warm or at room temperature with a simple tossed green salad dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
- Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied red like Pinot Noir.
- If serving for brunch, a glass of sparkling wine or fresh orange juice is a lovely addition.
Storage Tips:
- Store leftover Onion Tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warm.
- You can also freeze it! Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Onion Tart is a true gem in French-Caribbean cuisine. It’s simple, flavorful, and versatile, making it perfect for any time of day. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or need a quick and delicious meal, this recipe is a must-try. So, grab your ingredients and make this delightful tart today!
Onion Tart
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 4 onions finely sliced (about 4 cups)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Swiss cheese grated
- 6 ounces prosciutto or regular ham sliced
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 2 eggs beaten
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 pre-made 9-inch frozen pie shell
For Homemade Pie Dough (Optional):
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 ½ ounces unsalted butter chilled and chopped
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 –2 tablespoons water
Instructions
If Making the Dough from Scratch:
- Sift the flour into a mixing bowl. Add butter and pulse in a food processor until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
- Gradually add the egg yolk and water, mixing until the dough forms. Gently press it into a ball—do not knead. Wrap in plastic and chill for 20 minutes.
Prepping the Pie Shell:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- If using homemade dough, roll it out on a floured surface and gently place it into a 9-inch pie tin. Trim any excess dough.
- Line the shell with baking paper and add baking beads or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes, remove weights and paper, then bake for another 5 minutes. Let cool.
Making the Filling:
- Melt butter in a large pan over low heat. Add onions and cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened.
- Add brown sugar and continue cooking for another 15 minutes, stirring frequently until caramelized. Remove from heat.
Assembling & Baking:
- In a bowl, beat eggs and mix in heavy cream, thyme, basil, and grated cheese. Stir in the prosciutto or ham.
- Add the caramelized onions to the mixture and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Pour the filling into the pre-baked pie shell.
- Bake on the middle rack for 40 minutes, or until golden brown and fully set. If the crust browns too quickly, cover edges with aluminum foil.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm or at room temperature with a green salad.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Enjoy this simple yet elegant Onion Tart!
Notes
Pairing & Storage
Pairing Suggestions:- Serve warm or at room temperature with a simple tossed green salad dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
- Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied red like Pinot Noir.
- If serving for brunch, a glass of sparkling wine or fresh orange juice is a lovely addition.
- Store leftover Onion Tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warm.
- You can also freeze it! Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Nutrition
Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on the products used.
Nutrition info is automatically generated and provided as a courtesy and as an estimate only.
Corn Allergy:
Always choose ingredients without corn or corn derivatives.
Originally published on July 19, 2015. Revised and updated.
