Imagine a golden, flaky puff pastry crowned with deeply caramelized onions, tender mushrooms, and a blanket of melted Gruyère cheese that will make your taste buds dance with delight. This French Onion Mushroom Tart is not just a recipe; it's a gastronomic journey that brings the rustic elegance of French countryside cooking directly to your dining table. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a luxurious meal, this tart promises to elevate your culinary experience with its rich, complex flavors and stunning presentation.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 2 onions, thinly sliced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the puff pastry from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to become pliable.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they become golden brown and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes.
- Add the sliced mushrooms to the caramelized onions. Sprinkle with thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and become tender.
- Gently unfold the puff pastry sheet onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Using a knife, lightly score a 1-inch border around the edge of the pastry without cutting all the way through.
- Spread the caramelized onion and mushroom mixture evenly within the scored border of the pastry.
- Sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese generously over the onion and mushroom mixture, covering the entire surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the cheese is melted and slightly bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the pastry to set and makes cutting easier.
- Slice into 6 equal portions and serve warm as an appetizer or light main course.
Tips
- Patience is key when caramelizing onions - cook them slowly over medium-low heat to develop deep, sweet flavors without burning.
- Use room temperature puff pastry to ensure it unfolds and bakes evenly without cracking.
- Don't skip scoring the pastry border - this helps create a beautiful, defined edge and prevents the center from becoming soggy.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh thyme or a drizzle of truffle oil just before serving.
- Let the tart rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the pastry to set and make slicing easier.
- Choose a high-quality Gruyère cheese for the most authentic and rich flavor profile.
- If you want a more golden crust, brush the pastry edges with an egg wash before baking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 35mg
