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
Scale
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
