
Caramelized Onions and Roasted Butternut Squash are such a great match.
In this tart, theyโre paired with creamy cheese and a buttery crust for something thatโs both delicious and satisfying.
Itโs fancy enough for a holiday dinner but easy enough for a weekend brunch.
You can serve it as a vegetarian main, a hearty appetizer, or a side that everyone will love.
Letโs get baking, your kitchen is about to smell incredible!
Ingredients Youโll Need
To make the perfect caramelized onion butternut squash tart, gather:
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed (about 4 cups)
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen) or shortcrust pastry
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 4 ounces goat cheese, feta, or gruyรจre (crumbled or shredded)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ยฝ teaspoon dried)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional: balsamic glaze or honey for drizzling
How to Caramelize Onions Perfectly
Caramelizing onions takes time, but the flavor payoff is worth it. Hereโs how to get them just right:
- Slice evenly โ This ensures uniform cooking.
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
- Add onions and a pinch of salt, stirring to coat.
- Cook slowly for 30โ40 minutes, stirring every few minutes. Keep the heat low to prevent burning.
- Deglaze if needed โ If bits stick to the pan, add a splash of white wine, water, or balsamic vinegar.
- Finish when golden brown and sweet โ Remove from heat and cool slightly before using.
Preparing the Butternut Squash
The sweetness of roasted squash complements the onions beautifully.
- Preheat oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC).
- Peel and cube the squash into ยฝ-inch pieces.
- Toss with olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper until well coated.
- Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast for 20โ25 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and slightly caramelized.
- Cool slightly before assembling the tart.
Assembling Your Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart
Now comes the fun part.
- Preheat oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC) if not already warm from roasting.
- Roll out puff pastry on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Spread caramelized onions evenly across the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border.
- Layer roasted squash over the onions.
- Top with cheese โ crumbled goat cheese, feta, or shredded gruyรจre all work beautifully.
- Fold pastry edges slightly inward for a rustic look.
- Brush crust with egg wash for a golden finish.
Baking and Serving Tips
- Bake for 25โ30 minutes, or until the crust is puffed and golden.
- Let the tart rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze or honey for a touch of sweetness.
- Serve warm for the best flavor, but itโs also delicious at room temperature.
- Pair with a simple green salad or creamy soup for a complete meal.
Variations and Creative Twists
This tart is versatile and easy to customize:
- Add crispy bacon or prosciutto for a salty, savory kick.
- Swap goat cheese for brie or blue cheese for a bolder flavor.
- Mix in roasted garlic for extra depth.
- Use sweet potato instead of butternut squash for a different autumn twist.
- Make mini tarts with smaller pastry rounds for appetizers or party platters.
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I freeze the tart?
Yes, bake it first, cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 350ยฐF oven until warmed through.
Can I make this tart ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble the tart up to the baking step and refrigerate it for up to 6 hours before baking. Bake just before serving for best texture.
What pastry works best?
Puff pastry gives the flakiest texture, but shortcrust pastry also works if you want a sturdier base.
Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash peeled, seeded, and cubed (about 4 cups)
- 2 large yellow onions thinly sliced
- 1 sheet puff pastry thawed if frozen or shortcrust pastry
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 4 ounces goat cheese feta, or gruyรจre (crumbled or shredded)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or ยฝ teaspoon dried
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
Optional:
- balsamic glaze or honey for drizzling
Instructions
Prep the squash
- Preheat oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC).
- Peel, seed, and cube butternut squash into ยฝ-inch pieces.
- Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Spread on a baking sheet and roast 20โ25 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and lightly browned.
Caramelize the onions
- While squash roasts, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
- Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt.
- Cook for 30โ40 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until golden brown and sweet.
- Deglaze pan with a splash of water, wine, or vinegar if needed.
Assemble the tart
- Reduce oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC).
- Roll out puff pastry on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Spread caramelized onions over pastry, leaving a 1-inch border.
- Layer roasted squash evenly over onions.
- Sprinkle with crumbled cheese of choice.
- Fold edges of pastry slightly inward.
- Brush crust with beaten egg for golden color.
Bake
- Bake tart 25โ30 minutes, until pastry is puffed and golden brown.
Serve
- Cool slightly before slicing.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze or honey if desired.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.