Just in Time For a Savory Thanksgiving Appetizer

With Thanksgiving coming up I know My families favorite part is picking before dinner is even done; so here is a cute, simple, and savory starter.

Caramelized Onion & Goat Cheese Tart

This savory tart features sweet, jammy caramelized onions balanced by tangy goat cheese on a buttery puff pastry base. Serves 6–8 as an appetizer. Total time: ~1 hour 15 minutes (mostly hands-off for onions).

Ingredients

1 sheet frozen puff pastry (thawed; ~14 oz / 400g)

4 large yellow onions (~2½ lbs / 1.1 kg), thinly sliced

4 oz (115g) soft goat cheese, crumbled (room temp for easy spreading)

3 tbsp unsalted butter

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional, for depth)

1 tsp sugar (speeds caramelization)

1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried)

Salt & black pepper to taste

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

- Optional garnish: fresh thyme, arugula, or honey drizzle

Instructions

1. Caramelize the onions (30–45 min):

Heat butter + olive oil in a wide skillet over medium-low. Add sliced onions, ½ tsp salt, and sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, until deep golden and jammy (reduce heat if browning too fast). Deglaze with balsamic vinegar in the last 5 min. Stir in thyme. Cool slightly. (Pro tip: Use a mandoline for even onion slices.)

2. Prep the pastry (5 min):

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment. Roll puff pastry to ~10x14" rectangle on a floured surface. Transfer to sheet. Score a 1" border around edges (don’t cut through). Prick center with a fork. Chill 10 min if soft.

3. Assemble (5 min):

Spread cooled onions evenly inside the border. Dot/crumb goat cheese over onions. Season with pepper. Brush border with egg wash.

4. Bake (20–25 min):

Bake until pastry is golden and puffed. If cheese browns too fast, tent with foil last 5 min. Cool 5–10 min before slicing.

Serving & Storage

- Serve warm or room temp with salad.

- Leftovers: Refrigerate up to 3 days; reheat at 350°F for 10 min.

- Make-ahead: Caramelize onions up to 2 days ahead.

**Flavor boost**: Add prosciutto strips before baking or finish with hot honey.

Let me know in the comments below if you tried this recipe and what your family thought of it? Or if you are like me and see a recipe and make adjustments to your liking, if so what did you change?

Serena