🧅 Caramelized Red Onion Tart with Feta and Black Olives – Elegant, Easy & Addictive

Sweet caramelized red onions meet tangy feta on flaky puff pastry. An easy, elegant tart perfect for brunch, dinner parties, or a light lunch.

Ever had a dish so simple, yet it makes you feel like you should be sipping wine in Provence with a linen napkin in your lap? That’s this caramelized red onion tart with feta cheese.

Picture this: buttery puff pastry, golden and crisp, piled with sweet, jammy onions, salty black olives, and tangy crumbles of feta. It smells like a gourmet bakery and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen (you didn’t).

Perfect for brunch spreads, appetizer boards, or a weeknight dinner with a glass of wine — this tart’s versatility is as impressive as its flavor. Let's make it happen.

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📝 Ingredients for Red Onion Tart Puff Pastry Recipe

For the Tart Base:

• 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought, thawed according to package instructions)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

For the Caramelized Onions:

• 3 large red onions, thinly sliced into ⅛" thick half moons
• 2 tablespoon olive oil or unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional, but enhances sweetness)
• 2 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

For Topping:

• 100g (about 3.5 oz) feta cheese, crumbled
• 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme (leaves only)
• ⅓ cup sliced black olives (preferably Kalamata or oil-cured)

Optional Add-Ons:

• Drizzle of honey for extra sweetness
• Crushed chili flakes for heat
• Toasted pine nuts or walnuts for crunch

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🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Caramelized Red Onion Tart with Feta

Step 1: Caramelize the Red Onions

1. Set a 12-inch non-stick skillet over low to medium-low heat.
2. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter). Once shimmering, add sliced red onions.
3. Stir gently to coat. Cook uncovered, stirring every 3–5 minutes.
4. After 10 minutes, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon sugar to help enhance sweetness and speed up caramelization.
5. Continue to cook for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Onions should soften, shrink in volume, and become golden and jammy.
6. If they brown too fast or start sticking, reduce the heat and add 1–2 tablespoon water to deglaze.
7. Once deeply caramelized, stir in 2 teaspoon balsamic vinegar. Cook 2–3 more minutes to absorb.
8. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and let cool for at least 5 minutes before using.

Pro Tip: Low and slow wins the flavor race. Patience gives the onions their melt-in-your-mouth sweetness.

Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) with a rack in the center. Line a rimmed baking sheet (approx. 9x13 inches) with parchment paper.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to smooth any creases (roughly 10x12 inches).
3. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
4. Using a paring knife, score a 1-inch border around the edge of the pastry — don’t cut through! This creates a raised crust when baking.

Step 3: Assemble the Tart

1. Spoon the caramelized onions evenly within the scored border.
2. Crumble feta cheese over the onions.
3. Scatter sliced black olives evenly on top.
4. Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves.
5. Add chili flakes or honey drizzle if using.

Step 4: Egg Wash and Bake

1. Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush only the outer border with egg wash to encourage golden puffing.
2. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the pastry is puffed, crisp, and golden, and feta has light browning spots.

Step 5: Cool, Slice, and Serve

1. Remove tart from oven. Let it cool on the baking sheet for 5–10 minutes to allow the crust to firm up.
2. Slice into squares or rustic wedges.
3. Serve warm, or let cool to room temperature before serving on a board or platter.

Serving Temperature: Best enjoyed warm or at room temp.

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🧩 Customizations & Variations

🌱 Vegan Version:

• Use dairy-free puff pastry (most are vegan — check the label).
• Swap feta with vegan feta or a tangy tofu ricotta.
• Caramelize onions in olive oil only.
• Use pitted black olives or capers for extra briny flavor.

🌾 Gluten-Free Version:

• Use gluten-free puff pastry (brands like Schär or Jus-Rol).

🌼 Seasonal Additions:

• Spring: Add sautéed leeks or asparagus.
• Summer: Try thin tomato or zucchini slices.
• Fall: Add roasted squash or a touch of cinnamon.
• Winter: Try pear slices or dried cranberries for a festive flair.

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🍷 Serving Suggestions & Pairings

• Brunch: Pair with poached eggs, berries, and sparkling water.
• Appetizer Board: Serve in bite-size squares with olives and pickled veggies.
• Lunch: Pair with arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette.
• Holiday Platter: Drizzle with honey and top with pomegranate seeds.

Drink Pairing Ideas:

• Dry rosé or Sauvignon Blanc
• Sparkling wine or Prosecco
• Iced herbal tea or a crisp apple cider

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🧠 FAQs & Troubleshooting

Why are my onions burning or sticking?

Lower your heat! Stir more frequently and deglaze with a splash of water or broth.

Can I make the tart in advance?

Yes — caramelize the onions up to 3 days ahead. Store in the fridge in a sealed container. Assemble and bake when ready to serve.

How do I store leftovers?

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat at 375°F for 10–12 minutes to crisp the pastry again.

Can I use goat cheese instead of feta?

Definitely. Goat cheese adds a creamy, tangy twist that complements the sweet onions and olives.

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