Jamie Oliver Caramelised Onion And Goats Cheese Tart Recipe [GUIDE]

Jamie Oliver’s Caramelised Onion and Goats Cheese Tart is a savory dish that’s both rich and tangy, with a perfect balance of sweetness from the onions and a creamy, earthy flavor from the goats cheese. It’s a great combination of textures and tastes and it makes for an impressive dish whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want a cozy meal at home. The tart’s crispy pastry base holds the golden, caramelized onions and a layer of smooth goats cheese, creating a mouthwatering experience with every bite. It’s the kind of dish that makes you pause, savor and enjoy each moment.

Jamie Oliver Caramelised Onion And Goats Cheese Tart Recipe

Ingredients Needed

For this tart, you’ll need ingredients that will come together beautifully. Here’s the list:

• Puff Pastry: The foundation of the tart, providing a crispy, flaky texture. You can use ready-made for convenience or make your own if you’re feeling extra.
• Goats Cheese: This is the star of the show, with its smooth, creamy texture and distinctive, slightly tangy flavor.
• Onions: Caramelized to perfection, they bring sweetness and depth to the dish. You’ll need a good handful of onions, preferably red or brown.
• Olive Oil: For cooking the onions and adding a bit of richness.
• Butter: A bit of butter for extra flavor and to help with the caramelization process.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a slight acidity and enhances the sweetness of the caramelized onions.
• Thyme: For that fresh herbiness to balance the richness.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, these will help bring out all the flavors.
• Egg (Optional): Sometimes an egg is used to give the tart a richer texture when mixed with cream or as a glaze.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need anything too fancy for this recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Baking Tray: To hold the tart while it bakes.
• Rolling Pin: If you’re using puff pastry from scratch, this is a must.
• Frying Pan: For caramelizing the onions and adding flavor.
• Sharp Knife: To slice the onions evenly.
• Pastry Brush (Optional): If you want to glaze the top with a bit of egg wash for a shiny finish.
• Oven: To bake the tart to crispy perfection.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Caramelised Onion And Goats Cheese Tart

Here’s how you can make this delicious tart:

1. Prepare the onions: Slice the onions thinly and heat olive oil and butter in a pan. Slowly cook the onions on medium heat, stirring frequently. This process can take 15-20 minutes, so be patient. You want the onions to turn golden and sweet, not burnt. When they’re nice and soft, add a splash of balsamic vinegar, a pinch of thyme, salt and pepper. Let the flavors meld together. Remove from heat.
2. Prepare the pastry: Roll out the puff pastry onto a baking tray. If you’re using a sheet, it’s already the perfect size for most trays. You can score a small border around the edge to help create a ’crust’ once it’s baked.
3. Assemble the tart: Spread the caramelized onions evenly over the pastry, leaving a small border around the edges. Crumble or slice the goats cheese over the onions.
4. Bake: Pop the tart into a preheated oven (about 200°C or 400°F) and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the pastry is golden and crisp and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
5. Finishing Touches: Once out of the oven, you can sprinkle a bit more fresh thyme on top for color and flavor. If you like, drizzle a little olive oil or balsamic glaze for extra richness. Slice it up and serve!

What I Learnt

Making Jamie Oliver’s Caramelized Onion and Goats Cheese Tart taught me a few things:

1. Patience with caramelizing onions: The slow cooking process is worth it. If you rush it, the onions won’t have the same depth of flavor. Let them cook low and slow.
2. Versatility of puff pastry: Puff pastry is so simple to use and always delivers a crispy, flaky texture. It really elevates the dish with minimal effort.
3. The balance of flavors: The combination of the sweet, caramelized onions with the tangy goats cheese is an absolute winner. I never realized how those flavors could complement each other so well until I tried this tart.
4. Presentation: Even though this tart isn’t complicated, it looks beautiful when it’s done. The golden, bubbly cheese and the perfectly caramelized onions make for a dish that’s both simple and sophisticated.

Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Caramelised Onion And Goats Cheese Tart

Jamie Oliver’s Caramelised Onion and Goats Cheese Tart is already pretty amazing but there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on it. Here are a few tweaks to make it unique to your taste or to give it a fun twist:

1. Swap the Cheese: Goats cheese is classic here but you can experiment with other cheeses that melt well. Try brie, camembert or a sharp blue cheese for a bolder flavor. If you’re not a fan of strong cheeses, a creamy mozzarella or ricotta can work too. just adjust the seasoning accordingly.
2. Herb Variations: Fresh thyme, rosemary or sage can work wonders to elevate the flavor. Jamie often uses thyme but you could add a dash of rosemary or sage to the caramelised onions as they cook for an extra aromatic kick. Or, after baking, top the tart with a few fresh basil leaves for a vibrant finish.
3. Onion Variations: Red onions are a common choice in this recipe but you can switch them up for shallots which are sweeter and more delicate. Alternatively, try a mix of onions for a more complex flavor profile. For an unexpected twist, add a few thinly sliced leeks to the mix.
4. Add a Touch of Sweetness: While caramelising onions, a little splash of balsamic vinegar or even a teaspoon of brown sugar can enhance the sweetness and deepen the flavor. A drizzle of honey over the top of the tart before serving gives it a lovely sweet-salty contrast.
5. Add Protein: If you want to make the tart more substantial, try adding some cooked bacon, pancetta or even a bit of chicken. The richness of these proteins complements the creamy goats cheese and caramelised onions perfectly.
6. Vegan Twist: If you’re aiming for a vegan version, swap the goats cheese for a plant-based alternative. Cashew cheese, for example, is a great creamy replacement. You can also use a vegan puff pastry instead of traditional buttery pastry to keep it light and cruelty-free.
7. Pastry Variety: While puff pastry is the go-to for this tart, you could try using shortcrust pastry for a sturdier, more biscuit-like texture. Or, for something super unique, try a polenta crust for added crunch and flavor.
8. Roast Vegetables: Adding roasted vegetables, like zucchini, tomatoes or bell peppers, gives this tart more substance and color. You could also toss in some spinach or arugula for a bit of greenery.

Storage Tips For Leftovers

Nobody likes wasting food, so if you’ve got leftover tart (lucky you), here’s how to store it properly:

1. Fridge: Once the tart cools down to room temperature, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil or store it in an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for about 2-3 days. Be sure to consume it sooner rather than later for the best flavor and texture.
2. Reheating: The key to reheating this tart is to keep it from drying out. You can pop it in a preheated oven (around 350°F / 175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until it’s heated through. If you’re in a rush, a microwave will work too but the pastry won’t be as crispy.
3. Freezing: If you need to store the tart for longer, freezing is an option. Cut the tart into individual slices, then wrap each slice in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1-2 months. To reheat from frozen, simply bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until hot all the way through.
4. Avoid sogginess: One thing to be careful about is the moisture from the cheese and onions which can make the tart soggy when stored. To combat this, you can place a paper towel in the container to absorb any excess moisture before sealing it up.

What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Caramelised Onion And Goats Cheese Tart?

This tart is pretty rich and flavorful on its own but pairing it with the right sides can really take the meal to another level. Here are some ideas for what to serve with it:

1. Salads: A fresh, crisp salad is the perfect contrast to the richness of the tart. Think arugula, spinach or mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette. Add some roasted nuts like walnuts or pine nuts for crunch or throw in some sliced apples for a touch of sweetness.
2. Soup: If you’re making this tart as a main course, pairing it with a light soup is a great idea. A simple butternut squash soup or a creamy tomato basil soup would complement the tart perfectly. The contrast of hot and cold, savory and slightly sweet, is divine.
3. Roasted Vegetables: A platter of roasted seasonal vegetables-carrots, parsnips, beets or Brussels sprouts-works wonders alongside the tart. The caramelisation on those vegetables mirrors the caramelised onions in the tart, creating a lovely harmony of flavors.
4. Crispy Potatoes: You can never go wrong with crispy potatoes. Try roasting small baby potatoes in olive oil, garlic and rosemary. They’re perfect for scooping up the creamy cheese and onions.
5. Charcuterie: If you’re serving the tart as part of a larger spread, adding some charcuterie (think prosciutto, salami or chorizo) alongside a selection of cheeses will elevate the entire meal. The saltiness of the cured meats balances the richness of the tart.
6. Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay or even a lightly chilled Rosé would complement the tart beautifully. If you’re more into reds, a light Pinot Noir would also work, especially if you’ve added a few richer elements to the tart like bacon or roasted vegetables.

FAQs

Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Caramelised Onion And Goats Cheese Tart Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the tart in advance. Just bake it, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. Reheat it in the oven before serving.

What’s A Good Substitute For Goats Cheese In The Tart?

If you’re not a fan of goats cheese, you can use feta or ricotta as a milder alternative.

How Do I Prevent The Pastry From Getting Soggy?

To keep the pastry crispy, blind bake it before adding the filling. This helps it hold up against the moisture from the onions.