This Caramelized Onion and Sweet Potato Tart is a yummy mix of sweet and savory flavors. The golden onions blend perfectly with soft sweet potatoes on a flaky crust that everyone loves!
When I make this, my kitchen fills with a warm, delicious smell. It’s like a hug on a plate! Serve it warm and watch your friends smile. You might not want to share! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are key for adding sweetness and a creamy texture. If you don’t have sweet potatoes, regular potatoes can work, but they won’t be as sweet. You could also use butternut squash for a similar effect!
Onions: I recommend yellow onions for their lovely sweetness when caramelized. If you prefer something milder, consider using sweet onions, like Vidalia, or even shallots for a more delicate flavor.
Tart Shell: You can use store-bought pie crust for convenience, but making homemade pastry can add a special touch! If you’re gluten-free, look for a gluten-free pie dough or use almond flour crust as a substitute.
Cheese: My favorite is Gruyère for its nutty flavor, but Parmesan is great too! If you want a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast blended in with a non-dairy cream for a cheesy taste.
Thyme: Fresh thyme adds a nice herbal note. If unavailable, dried thyme works well too; just remember that dried herbs are more potent. A pinch of rosemary could also be a nice twist!
What’s the Best Way to Caramelize Onions?
Caramelizing onions is all about patience. Here’s how to get those beautiful, golden onions just right:
- Start with medium-low heat. If it’s too hot, the onions might burn instead of caramelize.
- Add a pinch of salt to help draw out moisture, which aids in caramelization.
- Stir occasionally, about every 5 minutes, to ensure even cooking. This process takes about 25-30 minutes – take your time!
- If they start to stick, a little splash of water can help lift them off the pan.
The long cooking time is worth it for that sweet, rich flavor that brings life to your tart!
How Do You Blind Bake a Tart Shell?
Blind baking ensures your crust stays crisp and avoids a soggy base. Here’s how:
- After rolling out your dough, place it in a tart pan. Use a fork to prick the bottom.
- Chill the crust in the fridge for 15 minutes to set the shape.
- Line it with parchment paper, then fill with weights or dry beans. This prevents the crust from puffing up.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, remove the weights, then bake for another 5 minutes until golden.
This method helps to create that perfect, flaky crust ready to hold all those delicious fillings!
Caramelized Onion and Sweet Potato Tart
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tart Shell:
- 1 sheet refrigerated pie crust or tart dough (about 9-inch size)
For the Filling:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan or Gruyère cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of preparation time, and about 1 hour of baking and cooling time. Altogether, you’ll spend around 1 hour and 15 minutes making this delicious tart, plus a little time for cooling before serving!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Oven and Tart Shell:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Get your pie crust out and roll it out slightly if needed. Fit the dough into a tart pan with a removable bottom. Be sure to prick the base with a fork to prevent bubbling. Chill it in the fridge for 15 minutes to maintain its shape during baking.
2. Caramelizing the Onions:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions along with a pinch of salt. Cook slowly for about 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onions are golden brown and caramelized. Once done, remove them from heat and set aside.
3. Preparing the Sweet Potatoes:
While the onions are caramelizing, blanch or lightly steam the sweet potato slices for about 5 minutes to soften them a bit. Drain and set aside to cool.
4. Blind Baking the Tart Shell:
Line the tart shell with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dry beans to hold the shape. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment and bake for another 5 minutes until the crust is lightly golden. After that, take it out of the oven.
5. Mixing the Egg Filling:
In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, grated cheese, thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined. This will create a creamy custard for your tart!
6. Assembling the Tart:
Start by layering sweet potato slices evenly over the baked tart crust. Then, spread the caramelized onions on top. Finally, pour the egg and cream mixture gently over the vegetables, ensuring it fills the spaces. Sprinkle additional cheese on top for extra flavor.
7. Baking the Tart:
Now it’s time to bake! Put the filled tart back into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the custard is set and the top is beautifully golden brown.
8. Cooling and Serving:
Once baked, allow the tart to cool for about 10 minutes. Carefully remove it from the tart pan, slice it into pieces, and serve it warm or at room temperature. Enjoy this delightful savory tart with family and friends!
This recipe gives you a beautiful tart that highlights the wonderful flavors of caramelized onions and sweet potatoes, all in a flaky, delicious crust. Enjoy! 😊
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! While Parmesan and Gruyère are wonderful choices, you can also use cheddar for a sharper flavor or feta for a bit of tang. Just make sure whichever cheese you choose melts well!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover tart in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy again, reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes to restore its crispiness.
Can I Make This Tart in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the tart a day ahead. Bake it, let it cool completely, then cover and refrigerate. Reheat before serving for the best texture and flavor!
What Are Good Pairings for This Tart?
This savory tart pairs wonderfully with a light salad, such as arugula with lemon vinaigrette, or grilled vegetables for added freshness. A crisp white wine also complements the flavors beautifully!