Description

This Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart is a savory and elegant dish perfect for any occasion. Combining sweet roasted butternut squash, deeply caramelized onions, tangy goat cheese, and fragrant thyme on a buttery puff pastry crust, this tart balances flavors and textures beautifully. It is easy to prepare, baked to golden perfection, and makes a delightful appetizer, side, or light main course.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

2 medium butternut squashes (about 2 lbs), peeled and diced
2 large onions, thinly sliced

Pastry

1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)

Dairy & Eggs

1 cup goat cheese (or feta cheese for a tangier flavor)
1/4 cup heavy cream (or a dairy-free alternative)
1 egg (for egg wash)

Oils & Seasonings

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
Optional: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for roasting the squash and baking the tart.
Prepare the Butternut Squash: Toss the diced butternut squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Spread the squash evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized, stirring once halfway through.
Caramelize the Onions: While the squash roasts, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook slowly for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and develop a sweet, rich flavor.
Roll Out the Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet to fit your tart pan or baking tray. Transfer the pastry to the pan and use a fork to prick the bottom to prevent puffing during baking.
Assemble the Tart: Spread the caramelized onions evenly over the puff pastry. Layer the roasted butternut squash on top. Crumble the goat cheese evenly over the squash, drizzle the cream gently across the surface, and sprinkle with fresh or dried thyme. Add red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat.
Bake the Tart: Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and crisp, and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
Cool and Serve: Remove the tart from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the tart set for easier serving and enhances the flavors.

Notes

You can substitute goat cheese with feta for a tangier taste or use a dairy-free cheese alternative for a vegan option.
If you want to make this recipe vegan, use a plant-based puff pastry, skip the egg wash, and replace cream and cheese with vegan substitutes.
To add extra aroma, sprinkle fresh herbs like rosemary or sage in addition to thyme.
This tart can be served warm or at room temperature, making it great for entertaining.
Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 2-3 days and can be gently reheated in an oven to restore crispiness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
Method: Roasting, Baking
Cuisine: French-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6th of tart)
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 410 mg
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 25 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 6 g
Cholesterol: 45 mg

Keywords: caramelized onion tart, butternut squash tart, puff pastry tart, vegetarian tart, fall appetizer, roasted squash recipe