French Onion Tartlets Recipe

Introduction

French onion tartlets are a delightful bite-sized treat featuring rich caramelized onions and creamy filling nestled in crisp fillo shells. Perfect as an appetizer or party snack, these tartlets combine classic French flavors with an easy-to-make format.

Ingredients

• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 2 yellow onions, finely chopped (medium)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ¼ teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, picked from stem
• 1 tablespoon dry white wine
• 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 30 mini fillo dough shells

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onions and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes until softened. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Step 2: Continue to cook the onions for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, then add the fresh thyme leaves.
3. Step 3: Cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deep golden brown and very caramelized.
4. Step 4: Add the white wine and cook for 3 more minutes, then remove the skillet from heat.
5. Step 5: Stir in the cream cheese, beaten egg, and chopped parsley until well combined.
6. Step 6: Arrange the fillo shells on a rimmed baking sheet. Fill each shell with about a scant tablespoon of the onion mixture.
7. Step 7: Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until the shells are lightly golden and the filling is lightly browned on top. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra richness, sprinkle grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese on top before baking.
• Substitute fresh thyme with dried thyme if fresh is unavailable, but use slightly less.
• If you prefer a sweeter flavor, add a pinch of sugar to the onions while caramelizing.
• Use mini tartlet shells or puff pastry cups if fillo shells are difficult to find.

Storage

Store any leftover tartlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 5–7 minutes to restore their crispness. Avoid microwaving to keep the shells from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the onion filling in advance?

Yes, the caramelized onion mixture can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Bring it to room temperature before filling the shells to ensure even baking.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely. Cream cheese works best for a creamy texture, but you can substitute with goat cheese or ricotta for a different flavor profile.

French Onion Tartlets Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 62 reviews

These French Onion Tartlets are a delightful appetizer featuring caramelized onions blended with cream cheese, fresh herbs, and a hint of white wine, all baked in crisp mini fillo dough shells. Perfect for entertaining or as a savory bite for any occasion, they combine rich, deep flavors with a flaky, golden crust.

• Author: Leo
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 30 tartlets 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Onion Mixture

• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 2 medium yellow onions, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ¼ teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, picked from stem
• 1 tablespoon dry white wine
• 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Shells

• 30 mini fillo dough shells

Instructions

1. Prepare the onions: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the finely chopped onions and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until the onions start to soften. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue cooking for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, then add the fresh thyme leaves.
2. Caramelize onions: Cook the onions for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn a deep golden brown and are very caramelized. Add the dry white wine and cook for 3 more minutes to let the wine reduce and meld with the onions. Remove the skillet from heat.
3. Combine filling: To the caramelized onion mixture, add the room temperature cream cheese, lightly beaten egg, and chopped fresh parsley. Stir all ingredients thoroughly until well combined and smooth.
4. Fill and bake tartlets: Arrange the mini fillo dough shells on a rimmed baking sheet. Spoon about a scant tablespoon of the onion cream cheese mixture into each shell, filling them evenly. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the fillo shells are lightly golden and the filling is set and lightly browned on top.
5. Serve warm: Remove the tartlets from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. These tartlets are best enjoyed warm as a flavorful appetizer or party snack.

Notes

• The key to great flavor is properly caramelizing the onions slowly to deepen their sweetness and complexity.
• Use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing and a smoother filling.
• Fresh thyme adds a subtle herbaceous note; dried thyme can be substituted but use less (about 1/8 teaspoon).
• Mini fillo shells can be found in most grocery stores near the refrigerated or frozen pastry section.
• These tartlets can be prepared a few hours ahead and reheated briefly in the oven before serving.

Keywords: French onion tartlets, caramelized onion appetizers, mini fillo tartlets, cream cheese onion tartlets, party snacks, baking appetizers