Caramelized Onion and Fig Tartlets
I love that these tartlets double as both fall appetizers and year-round favorites. Figs and onions together feel very autumnal—perfect for chilly evenings and holiday spreads—but honestly, I’d happily serve these any time of year.
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment paper
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting board
- Rolling Pin
- Pastry Brush
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
For the Tartlets:
- 1 sheet puff pastry about 250g, thawed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 large yellow onions thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- 6 –8 fresh figs sliced
- 50 g goat cheese or cream cheese crumbled
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet.
- Using a sharp knife or a cookie cutter, cut the pastry into small squares or rounds (about 2.5–3 inches each).
- Pro Tip: Keep the pastry cold until the last moment—it helps it puff up beautifully in the oven.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt.
- Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften (about 10 minutes).
- Sprinkle sugar over the onions and continue cooking for another 10–15 minutes until deeply golden and soft.
- Add balsamic vinegar and stir for another 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
- Pro Tip: Patience is key! Low and slow cooking brings out the onions’ natural sweetness.
Step 3: Prepare the Figs and Cheese
- While the onions cook, slice the figs into thin wedges.
- Crumble the goat cheese or cream cheese into small pieces.
- Mix the figs with a few thyme leaves and a tiny pinch of salt in a bowl.
Step 4: Assemble the Tartlets
- Place the pastry squares or rounds on the prepared baking sheet.
- Spoon a small mound of caramelized onions onto the center of each pastry.
- Top with a few fig slices and sprinkle with crumbled cheese.
- Gently fold the edges of the pastry up around the filling, if desired, for a rustic look.
- Brush the edges with beaten egg for a golden finish.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and puffed.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
- Pro Tip: Serve warm—this is when the flavors shine and the pastry is at its flakiest.
Notes
Nutritional Value (per tartlet, approximate):
- Calories: 160–180 kcal
- Fat: 9–10g
- Carbohydrates: 18–20g
- Protein: 3–4g
- Fiber: 1–2g
- Sugar: 5–6g