This Onion Cottage Cheese Tart is a rustic and savory vegetarian delight, perfect for any occasion. With its flaky puff pastry crust, sweet caramelized onions, and creamy cottage cheese filling, it’s a hearty yet light dish that’s ideal for brunch, lunch, or as a cozy appetizer. The blend of thyme and sugar enhances the caramelized onions, while the cottage cheese adds a smooth, cheesy texture. Simple to make yet packed with flavor, this tart is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This tart brings the best of both worlds—a savory dish with the richness of cheese and the deep, sweet flavor of caramelized onions, all on top of a crisp puff pastry. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying, making it a perfect addition to your brunch spread or as a snack that everyone will enjoy. The balance of textures and flavors in this vegetarian tart is unbeatable, and it’s a great way to showcase simple ingredients in a beautiful way.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 sheet puff pastry
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2 tbsp olive oil
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2 large onions, thinly sliced
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1 tsp sugar
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1 tsp thyme
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1 cup cottage cheese
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Salt & pepper
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Fresh parsley (for garnish)
directions
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
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Caramelize the Onions: Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes, until they are soft and golden. Sprinkle in the sugar and thyme, and continue to cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the onions to caramelize and become sweet and tender.
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Prepare the Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to fit your baking sheet. Place it on the prepared sheet.
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Assemble the Tart: Spread the cottage cheese evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a small border around the edges. Top with the caramelized onions, spreading them evenly over the surface.
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Season and Bake: Season the tart with salt and pepper. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and puffed, and the edges are crispy.
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Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley. Slice into 6 pieces and serve warm.
Servings and timing
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Servings: 6 slices
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cooking Time: 30 minutes
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Total Time: 45 minutes
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Calories per serving: 310 kcal
Variations
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Add Veggies: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted peppers to the top of the tart for extra flavor and nutrition.
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Herb Variations: You can experiment with different herbs such as rosemary, oregano, or basil to change the flavor profile of the tart.
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Cheese Variations: Swap out cottage cheese for ricotta, goat cheese, or cream cheese for a richer flavor.
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Puff Pastry Alternatives: Use a whole wheat or gluten-free puff pastry for a healthier or gluten-free version of the tart.
storage/reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the tart on a baking sheet and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to crisp the pastry back up.
FAQs
Can I make this tart ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the caramelized onions ahead of time and store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, assemble the tart and bake as directed. This saves time on the day you plan to serve it.
Can I use a different type of pastry?
Yes, you can use shortcrust pastry or phyllo dough, but puff pastry gives it the best flaky texture.
Can I make this tart vegan?
Yes, you can use a dairy-free alternative to cottage cheese and opt for a vegan puff pastry. There are many plant-based cheese options available that will work well in this recipe.
How do I know when the tart is done baking?
The tart is done when the puff pastry is golden brown, puffed up, and crispy around the edges. The filling should also be heated through.
Can I freeze the tart?
Yes, you can freeze the tart before baking. Once assembled, cover it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, bake from frozen, adding an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time.
Can I add protein to this tart?
Yes! You can add cooked chicken, bacon, or even sausage for a meatier option.
Can I use fresh thyme instead of dried thyme?
Yes, fresh thyme works perfectly in this recipe. You can substitute 1 tsp of dried thyme with about 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme.
Can I use a different cheese than cottage cheese?
You can substitute cottage cheese with ricotta or even cream cheese for a richer filling, though cottage cheese gives the tart a lighter texture.
Can I add nuts to the tart?
Yes, you can add roasted nuts like pine nuts or walnuts to the top of the tart before baking for an added crunch and flavor.
What should I serve with this tart?
This savory tart is perfect on its own or served with a light green salad, roasted vegetables, or some olives on the side for a more Mediterranean-style meal.
Conclusion
The Onion Cottage Cheese Tart Wonder is the perfect savory dish to serve for brunch, lunch, or as an appetizer at your next gathering. With its buttery, flaky puff pastry, creamy cottage cheese, and sweet caramelized onions, it’s a simple yet impressive dish that will make everyone at the table feel special. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this tart is a versatile and flavorful addition to any meal.
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Onion Cottage Cheese Tart Wonder
Onion Cottage Cheese Tart Wonder is a rustic, savory vegetarian tart with a flaky puff pastry crust, sweet caramelized onions, and a creamy cottage cheese filling. Infused with thyme and a touch of sugar, this dish is perfect for brunch, lunch, or as a cozy appetizer. Simple to make, yet packed with flavor, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 slices
Ingredients
1 sheet puff pastry
2 tbsp olive oil
2 large onions, thinly sliced
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp thyme
1 cup cottage cheese
Salt & pepper
Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
-
Caramelize the Onions: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes until soft and golden. Add sugar and thyme and cook for an additional 5 minutes until caramelized.
-
Prepare the Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to fit your baking sheet. Place it on the prepared sheet.
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Assemble the Tart: Spread cottage cheese evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a small border around the edges. Top with caramelized onions, spreading them evenly over the surface.
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Season and Bake: Season the tart with salt and pepper. Bake in the oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and puffed, and the edges are crispy.
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Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley. Slice into 6 pieces and serve warm.
Notes
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Add Veggies: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted peppers to the top for extra flavor and nutrition.
-
Herb Variations: Experiment with rosemary, oregano, or basil to change the flavor profile.
-
Cheese Variations: Swap cottage cheese for ricotta, goat cheese, or cream cheese for a richer flavor.
-
Puff Pastry Alternatives: Use whole wheat or gluten-free puff pastry for a healthier or gluten-free version.
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Storage/Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to crisp up the pastry.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Brunch, Vegetarian
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
