Caramelized Onion Tarts from "With Love, Meghan"

From Season 2, Episode 1 of “With Love, Meghan” on Netflix

These caramelized onion + Gruyère puff pastry tarts are weeknight-easy but dinner-party cute. We’re talking slow onions with thyme and a bay leaf, a little balsamic (or Worcestershire/soy) for depth and color, then piled onto crisp, pre-baked pastry so nothing gets soggy.

Ingredients (serves 6-10)

  • 3 Tbsp salted butter

  • 1 Tbsp olive oil

  • 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced

  • 1 bay leaf

  • ¼ tsp fresh thyme, plus more for garnish

  • 1 Tbsp sugar

  • 1 ½ Tbsp balsamic vinegar (or swap with 1 Tbsp Worcestershire or soy sauce)

  • ¼ tsp garlic powder

  • Salt & pepper, to taste

  • 4 oz Gruyère cheese, shredded

  • 1 lb frozen puff pastry (1 package), thawed but kept cold

  • 1 egg, lightly beaten

  • Balsamic glaze, for finishing

  • Flaky sea salt, for finishing

Method

  1. Heat oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment.

  2. Cook onions: Melt butter with olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions, thyme, and bay leaf. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions soften, about 5 minutes.

  3. Caramelize: Sprinkle in sugar, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring every 5–10 minutes, until onions are soft and golden. Lower the heat if they darken too quickly.

  4. Boost flavor: Stir in balsamic vinegar (or Worcestershire/soy sauce) to deglaze, letting the onions absorb the liquid. Remove bay leaf. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let cool slightly, then fold in shredded Gruyère.

  5. Prepare pastry: On a lightly floured surface, cut puff pastry into 6 equal rectangles or squares. Place on prepared baking sheets. Brush with beaten egg and prick the centers with a fork.

  6. Pre-bake shells: Bake for 8–10 minutes, until just beginning to puff and turn lightly golden. Remove from oven and gently press down the centers with a spoon to create space for the filling.

  7. Assemble tarts: Spoon the onion-cheese mixture evenly into the centers of the pre-baked pastry squares.

  8. Bake again: Return to the oven for 12–15 minutes, or until pastry is deeply golden and crisp and cheese is melted.

  9. Finish & serve: Drizzle with balsamic glaze, sprinkle with flaky sea salt, and garnish with fresh thyme. Serve warm.

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