French Onion Tartlets Recipe
Introduction
French Onion Tartlets are a delightful appetizer featuring rich, caramelized onions nestled in crisp mini fillo shells. This savory treat combines creamy cheese and fresh herbs for a perfect bite-sized snack that impresses at any gathering.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 2 yellow onions (finely chopped, medium)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (picked from stem)
- 1 tablespoon dry white wine
- 4 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1 large egg (lightly beaten)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- 30 mini fillo dough shells
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onions and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until softened. Season with salt and pepper, then continue cooking for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the fresh thyme leaves.
- Step 2: Cook the onions for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn deep golden brown and are very caramelized. Add the white wine and cook for 3 more minutes. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the cream cheese, beaten egg, and chopped parsley until fully combined.
- Step 3: Arrange the mini fillo shells on a rimmed baking sheet. Spoon about a scant tablespoon of the onion mixture into each shell. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes until the shells are lightly golden and the filling is slightly browned on top. Serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- Use a dry white wine you enjoy drinking for better flavor; omit if preferred and add a splash of vegetable broth instead.
- Swap cream cheese for ricotta for a lighter filling variation.
- Try adding a sprinkle of grated Gruyère or Parmesan cheese on top before baking for added richness.
- Make sure to caramelize the onions slowly to develop deep flavor without burning.
Storage
Store any leftover tartlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes to keep the shells crisp. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare the onion filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the onion mixture a day in advance. Keep it refrigerated and bring to room temperature before filling the shells.
What can I substitute if I don’t have fillo shells?
Mini tart shells or small puff pastry cups make great alternatives. Bake according to package instructions before filling.
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French Onion Tartlets Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 30 mini tartlets 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These French Onion Tartlets are delightful bite-sized appetizers featuring deeply caramelized onions blended with cream cheese, fresh thyme, and parsley, all nestled in crispy mini fillo dough shells. Perfect for entertaining, they offer a rich, savory flavor with a satisfying crunch, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Onion Filling
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 2 medium yellow onions, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, picked from stem
- 1 tablespoon dry white wine
- 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Tartlets
- 30 mini fillo dough shells
Instructions
- Caramelize onions: Heat oven to 350°F. In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the finely chopped onions and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes until softened. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue cooking for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, then add the fresh thyme leaves.
- Deepen caramelization: Cook the onions for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become deep golden brown and very caramelized. Add the dry white wine and cook for 3 more minutes to meld the flavors. Remove from heat.
- Prepare filling mixture: Stir the cream cheese, beaten egg, and chopped parsley into the caramelized onion mixture until all ingredients are well combined and smooth.
- Fill tart shells and bake: Arrange the mini fillo dough shells on a rimmed baking sheet. Spoon a scant tablespoon of the onion filling into each shell. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, until the shells are lightly golden and the filling is just lightly browned on top.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve the tartlets warm as an elegant appetizer or party snack.
Notes
- For even deeper flavor, use a high-quality dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
- Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing and a smooth filling texture.
- You can prepare the caramelized onion mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it; just bring to room temperature before filling the shells and baking.
- If mini fillo shells are unavailable, small tartlet shells or phyllo dough sheets shaped into cups can be used as substitutes.
- For a vegetarian option, verify that the white wine used is suitable, or substitute with vegetable broth for deglazing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Keywords: French onion tartlets, caramelized onion appetizers, mini fillo shells, cream cheese tartlets, savory bite-sized snacks
