Introduction
Onion Cottage Cheese Tart is a savory delight that brings together a perfect blend of creamy cottage cheese and the rich, aromatic flavors of caramelized onions. The flaky, buttery crust holds this flavorful filling, creating a dish that’s both comforting and elegant. The combination of tangy cottage cheese and sweet, soft onions creates a balanced flavor profile, while the golden crust adds a satisfying crunch.
This tart holds a special place in my heart. I first made it for a gathering with friends, and it quickly became a hit. The smell of onions slowly cooking with a touch of sugar and herbs fills the air and draws everyone into the kitchen. When baked, the tart transforms into a golden, bubbly masterpiece that’s irresistible. Each bite is a wonderful mix of creaminess from the cottage cheese and the depth of the caramelized onions.
Onion Cottage Cheese Tart is perfect for those cozy evenings when you’re craving something hearty yet refined. It’s wonderful on its own, but can be served with a side of greens or a simple salad to add a refreshing contrast. If you’re looking for a dish that’s sure to impress and become a new favorite, this tart is the one to make!
Perfect for:
- Brunch or lunch with a side salad
- Entertaining guests for a light dinner
- A delicious vegetarian option for various dietary preferences
- A comforting, savory dish with a creamy filling
- A flavorful twist on classic savory tarts
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s why the Onion Cottage Cheese Tart will become a go-to recipe in your kitchen:
- Creamy and Savory Filling: The combination of cottage cheese and caramelized onions creates a rich, creamy filling that is both indulgent and satisfying.
- Buttery, Flaky Crust: The buttery, golden crust is the perfect vessel for the filling, adding texture and flavor with every bite.
- Easy to Make: Despite its sophisticated flavors, this tart is relatively simple to make. With a few key ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a beautiful, delicious tart ready in no time.
- Versatile Dish: This tart can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making it perfect for meal prep, picnics, or potlucks.
- Perfect for Special Occasions: The elegant presentation and rich flavor make it a great option for celebrations, family gatherings, or casual get-togethers.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Preparation Time: 25 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Servings: 6-8 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons cold water (more if needed)
For the Filling
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon sugar (to help caramelize the onions)
- 1 cup cottage cheese (preferably full-fat)
- ½ cup ricotta cheese (for added creaminess)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for added depth of flavor)
For Garnish (optional)
- Fresh thyme sprigs
- A drizzle of olive oil
Ingredient Highlights
- All-Purpose Flour: Used for making the tart crust, creating a light, flaky texture when combined with butter.
- Unsalted Butter: The butter in the crust adds flavor and helps create a tender, flaky texture.
- Cottage Cheese: The star of the filling, providing creaminess and a mild flavor that pairs wonderfully with the caramelized onions.
- Ricotta Cheese: Adds extra creaminess and a smooth texture to the filling, making it rich and luxurious.
- Onions: Caramelized onions bring a deep, sweet, and savory flavor that enhances the overall taste of the tart.
- Fresh Thyme: Thyme adds a fragrant herbal note that complements the sweetness of the onions and the richness of the cheeses.
- Eggs: Bind the filling together, creating a smooth, custard-like texture when baked.
- Nutmeg: A pinch of nutmeg provides warmth and complexity to the flavor profile.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust
Start by making the crust. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This process is key to ensuring a flaky, tender crust.
Once the butter is incorporated, add the egg yolk and mix gently. Slowly add the cold water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough begins to come together. You may need a bit more water if the dough feels too dry.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it a few times until smooth. Form the dough into a ball, flatten it into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting period will make the dough easier to roll out.
2. Caramelize the Onions
While the dough is chilling, prepare the filling. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sprinkle with sugar. Stir occasionally to ensure the onions cook evenly and don’t burn. Cook the onions for 20-25 minutes, or until they are soft, golden brown, and caramelized. The sugar helps to bring out the natural sweetness of the onions, balancing their flavor. Once caramelized, remove the onions from the heat and set them aside to cool.
3. Prepare the Filling
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, eggs, thyme, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Once the caramelized onions have cooled slightly, fold them into the cheese mixture. Taste the filling and adjust the seasoning if necessary. The filling should be creamy, with the sweetness of the onions balancing out the savory flavors of the cheeses and herbs.
4. Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out into a circle that’s about 12 inches in diameter. Transfer the dough to a tart pan, pressing it gently into the edges and trimming any excess dough from the sides. If you don’t have a tart pan, you can also use a regular pie dish.
5. Assemble the Tart
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the crust is in place, pour the cheese and onion filling into the tart shell, spreading it evenly. Use a spatula to smooth the top if necessary.
6. Bake the Tart
Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set. The tart should have a slight jiggle in the center but should not appear runny.
Once baked, remove the tart from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This gives the filling time to set and makes it easier to serve.
7. Garnish and Serve
For a finishing touch, garnish the tart with a few sprigs of fresh thyme and a light drizzle of olive oil. This adds a touch of color and an extra layer of flavor. Serve the tart warm or at room temperature.
How to Serve
This Onion Cottage Cheese Tart can be enjoyed in various ways:
- Brunch or Lunch: Serve it with a simple green salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a light, satisfying meal.
- Appetizer: Slice it into small wedges and serve it as part of a charcuterie or appetizer spread.
- Picnics: The tart can be made ahead of time and served at room temperature, making it perfect for a picnic or outdoor gathering.
- With Soup: Pair it with a fresh tomato soup or a creamy vegetable soup for a comforting and filling meal.
Additional Tips
- Chill the Dough: Resting the dough before rolling it out is crucial for creating a tender, flaky crust. Don’t skip this step!
- Use Fresh Onions: Fresh onions will caramelize better and offer a more vibrant, sweet flavor than older onions.
- Blind Baking the Crust: If you’re concerned about the crust becoming soggy, you can blind bake it before adding the filling. To do this, line the dough with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake the crust for 10-15 minutes, then remove the paper and weights and proceed with adding the filling.
- Make Ahead: This tart can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it in the oven for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Recipe Variations
- Add Spinach: For extra greens, add a handful of sautéed spinach or kale to the filling. The bitterness of the greens pairs nicely with the sweet onions.
- Add Mushrooms: Mushrooms, especially cremini or shiitake, can be sautéed with the onions to add an earthy depth of flavor.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses. Gruyère or goat cheese can replace the ricotta for a sharper or tangier flavor.
- Gluten-Free Crust: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of the tart.
- Vegan Option: Use a dairy-free cheese substitute and flax eggs in place of the eggs to make a vegan version of the tart.
- Herb Variations: Fresh basil, rosemary, or sage can be used in place of thyme for a different herbal flavor.
Special Equipment
- Tart Pan: A tart pan with a removable bottom makes it easy to remove the tart once it’s baked and ensures an even crust.
- Rolling Pin: For rolling out the dough evenly.
- Skillet: A large skillet is ideal for caramelizing the onions.
- Whisk: A whisk is useful for mixing the cheese filling and ensuring it’s smooth and creamy.
- Spatula: For spreading the filling evenly into the tart shell.
FAQ Section
- Can I use store-bought pastry dough?
Yes! If you’re short on time, store-bought pastry dough can be used instead of homemade dough. Just ensure it’s fully thawed before using it. - Can I make this tart ahead of time?
Yes, this tart can be made ahead of time. After baking, allow it to cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator. Reheat it in the oven for 10-15 minutes before serving. - Can I freeze the tart?
Yes, you can freeze the tart. After baking, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to serve, bake it from frozen for about 25-30 minutes. - What can I substitute for cottage cheese?
If you prefer, you can substitute the cottage cheese with ricotta or cream cheese for a different texture and flavor. - Can I make the filling without eggs?
Yes, you can replace the eggs with a flax egg or a commercial egg substitute if needed.
Conclusion
The Onion Cottage Cheese Tart is a perfect combination of savory flavors and light, flaky texture that is sure to impress. The rich, creamy cottage cheese melds beautifully with the sweet, caramelized onions, creating a filling that’s both comforting and sophisticated. The crisp pastry base provides a satisfying crunch, while the subtle tang of the onions adds depth and complexity.
This tart offers a delightful balance between richness and freshness, making it an ideal choice for a lunch, light dinner, or a standout addition to a brunch spread. Its versatility allows it to pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a gathering or simply indulge in something delicious, this Onion Cottage Cheese Tart is sure to become a favorite. I can’t wait for you to give it a try—don’t forget to share your tart creations and tag me on social media! Enjoy every savory bite!