The Only Appetizer You Need
Upside down tarts are having their moment, and I am fully here for it. From fruity to savory, the concept couldn’t be simpler: assemble upside down, bake, and flip. This savory spin involves buttery puff pastry layered with balsamic-glazed onions, fresh thyme, and creamy brie—all caramelized to perfection. Once baked, flip your upside down onion tart over to reveal a drool-worthy, golden masterpiece that looks as pretty as it is delicious. Whether you’re aiming to impress dinner guests or treat yourself with something special, this tart is your ticket to Flavor Town (with almost no effort). It’s perfect for brunch, dinner, or any time you need a show-stopping dish.
Let’s Talk Ingredients
Can you believe this fancy-looking recipe has less than ten ingredients?! This is just an overview—jump to the recipe card for exact measurements.
Puff Pastry: Puff pastry serves as the base for our tart, providing a light, flaky, buttery texture that complements the caramelized onions and brie. Glaze: The sweet, tangy balsamic glaze adds depth, complexity, and a hint of acidity. I like using glaze (instead of vinegar), which is thicker and sweeter. We’ll also add a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Onions: The thinly sliced onions become wonderfully caramelized during baking, adding a sweet and savory element to the tart. Brie: Rich and creamy brie cheese melts perfectly, creating a lusciously gooey layer that complements the caramelized onions. Seasonings: We’ll use salt, pepper, and fresh thyme leaves to bring a balanced, earthy note with a slight kick. You could also try rosemary! Egg: Finally, we’ll brush the pastry with a beaten egg, giving it a beautiful golden color and a glossy finish after baking.
Making Onion Tarts Is Simple
Despite looking complicated, these upside down onion tarts are ridiculously easy to make (jump to the recipe card for the full printable instructions). As for balsamic glaze, you’ll typically find it in the condiment aisle or specialty food stores. For the best flavor, check for DOP-certified (Denominazione di Origine Protetta) balsamic vinegar from Modena, Italy, which is known for its superior quality. Step 1: Prep The PastryCut the puff pastry into 8 equal squares, which will serve as the individual bases for your onion tarts. Preheat the oven so it’s ready to go when you are! Step 2: Layer The TartsDrizzle small puddles of olive oil and balsamic glaze on a large baking sheet. Place an onion slice on each puddle, then sprinkle with thyme, salt, and pepper, and top with brie triangles. Step 3: Cover With PastryCover the onion slices with puff pastry squares, making sure the cheese and onions are completely covered, then brush the tops with your egg wash. Step 4: Bake The TartsBake the tarts until golden brown and cooked through. Cool briefly before removing from parchment.
Flavor Switches
Change Up The Onions: Experiment with different types of onions to switch up the flavor profile. Sweet onions, like Vidalia or red onions, work well here, but you can also try shallots or leeks for a unique twist. Different Cheese: If you prefer a stronger cheese flavor, you can use a different type of cheese. Goat cheese and blue cheese both add a tangy and distinct taste to these onion tarts. Optional Add-Ins: To enhance the flavor, try adding ingredients like sliced mushrooms, roasted garlic, or even a drizzle of honey. Did you make this recipe? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @liveeatlearn on Facebook or Instagram!
