Name: Cheesy Potato Onion Tart: A Delicious & Easy Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 105 min
Total time: 150 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes; 6-8 tablespoons ice water; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick); 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup grated Gruyere cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives, for garnish

Cheesy Potato Onion Tart: Prepare to be amazed by this rustic yet elegant dish that's guaranteed to become a new family favorite! Imagine layers of thinly sliced potatoes and sweet caramelized onions nestled in a flaky, buttery crust, all smothered in a blanket of melted, gooey cheese. It's a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

While the exact origins of the Cheesy Potato Onion Tart are difficult to pinpoint, similar savory tarts have been enjoyed throughout Europe for centuries. Root vegetables like potatoes and onions were staples in many cuisines, and combining them with cheese and pastry was a natural way to create a hearty and satisfying meal. Think of it as a sophisticated cousin to classic comfort foods like potato gratin or onion soup.

What makes this tart so irresistible? It's the perfect balance of savory and sweet, creamy and crisp. The potatoes provide a comforting earthiness, while the caramelized onions offer a delightful sweetness that complements the richness of the cheese. The flaky crust adds a satisfying crunch that ties everything together. Plus, it's surprisingly easy to make, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Whether you're looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a satisfying main course, this Cheesy Potato Onion Tart is sure to impress!

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
6-8 tablespoons ice water

For the Filling:

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Gruyere cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives, for garnish

Preparing the Crust:

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You should still see small pieces of butter. This is crucial for a flaky crust!
Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Stop adding water when the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this will develop the gluten and make the crust tough.
Form the dough into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This allows the gluten to relax and the butter to firm up, resulting in a more tender crust.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle.
Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Gently press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the pan.
Trim any excess dough from the edges of the pan. You can use a rolling pin to roll over the top of the pan, or simply trim with a knife.
Prick the bottom of the crust several times with a fork. This will prevent the crust from puffing up during baking.
Place the tart pan in the freezer for 15 minutes. This helps the crust hold its shape during baking and prevents it from shrinking.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line the frozen tart crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. This will weigh down the crust and prevent it from puffing up.
Bake the crust for 20 minutes.
Remove the parchment paper and pie weights and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden brown. Watch it carefully to prevent burning!
Let the crust cool completely before adding the filling.

Preparing the Onion Filling:

While the crust is cooling, prepare the onion filling. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the thinly sliced onions to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and caramelized, about 20-25 minutes. This process takes time, but it's worth it for the sweet and savory flavor of the caramelized onions. Be patient and don't rush it!
Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.

Assembling and Baking the Tart:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced potatoes, heavy cream, Gruyere cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Toss to coat the potatoes evenly.
Spread the caramelized onion mixture evenly over the bottom of the pre-baked tart crust.
Arrange the potato mixture over the onions in a circular pattern, overlapping the slices slightly. This creates a beautiful and even layer of potatoes.
Pour any remaining cream mixture over the potatoes.
Bake the tart for 50-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown. You can test the potatoes for doneness by inserting a fork into the center of the tart. If the fork slides in easily, the potatoes are cooked through.
If the crust starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set slightly and makes it easier to slice.
Garnish with chopped fresh chives before serving.

Tips for Success:

Use cold butter and ice water for the crust. This is essential for a flaky crust. The cold butter creates pockets of steam during baking, which results in layers of flaky dough.
Don't overwork the dough. Overworking the dough will develop the gluten and make the crust tough. Mix the dough just until it comes together.
Caramelize the onions slowly. Caramelizing the onions takes time, but it's worth it for the sweet and savory flavor. Cook the onions over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and golden brown.
Slice the potatoes thinly. Thinly sliced potatoes will cook more evenly and create a more tender tart. Use a mandoline or a sharp knife to slice the potatoes about 1/8 inch thick.
Let the tart cool before slicing. Letting the tart cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing allows the filling to set slightly and makes it easier to slice.

Variations:

Add different cheeses. You can substitute other cheeses for the Gruyere and Parmesan, such as cheddar, Swiss, or Fontina.
Add different herbs. You can add other herbs to the onion filling, such as rosemary, sage, or oregano.
Add bacon or ham. For a heartier tart, you can add cooked bacon or ham to the onion filling.
Make it vegetarian. Omit the bacon or ham for a vegetarian version.
Use a different crust. If you're short on time, you can use a store-bought pie crust.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve the Cheesy Potato Onion Tart as a main course for lunch or dinner.
Serve it as a side dish with roasted chicken, pork, or beef.
Serve it as an appetizer at a party or gathering.
Serve it with a side salad for a complete meal.

This Cheesy Potato Onion Tart is a delicious and impressive dish that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of the flaky crust, sweet caramelized onions, creamy potatoes, and savory cheese is simply irresistible. I hope you enjoy making and eating this tart as much as I do!

Conclusion:

This Cheesy Potato Onion Tart isn't just another recipe; it's a culinary hug on a plate, a symphony of comforting flavors that will have you reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds!). The creamy, cheesy potatoes, the sweet caramelized onions, and the flaky, buttery crust combine to create a truly unforgettable experience. I know, I know, I'm biased, but trust me on this one – you absolutely *need* this in your life. Why is it a must-try? Because it's incredibly versatile! It's perfect as a show-stopping centerpiece for a brunch gathering, a satisfying side dish for a weeknight dinner, or even a delightful light lunch. Plus, it's surprisingly easy to make, even if you're not a seasoned baker. The steps are straightforward, and the results are consistently impressive. Forget ordering takeout; this Cheesy Potato Onion Tart is the ultimate comfort food that you can proudly create in your own kitchen. But the fun doesn't stop there! Feel free to get creative with your serving suggestions and variations. For a truly decadent experience, try serving it with a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche and a sprinkle of fresh chives. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the tart. Looking for variations? Oh, the possibilities are endless! Consider adding some crispy bacon or pancetta for a smoky, savory twist. A sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary adds an herbaceous note that complements the potatoes and onions beautifully. For a spicier kick, incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce. If you're feeling adventurous, try using different types of cheese! Gruyere, fontina, or even a sharp cheddar would all be delicious additions. You could even add some roasted garlic to the onion mixture for an extra layer of flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve warm or at room temperature.
Pair with a green salad for a complete meal.
Top with sour cream or crème fraîche and chives.
Enjoy as a side dish or a light lunch.

Variations to Explore:

Add crispy bacon or pancetta.
Incorporate fresh thyme or rosemary.
Include a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyere or fontina.
Add roasted garlic to the onion mixture.

I truly believe that this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. It's a crowd-pleaser, a comfort food champion, and a guaranteed way to impress your friends and family. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of this Cheesy Potato Onion Tart. And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try any variations? Did you serve it with something special? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I can't wait to see your creations and hear how much you enjoyed this recipe. Happy baking! Let me know if you have any questions, I'm always happy to help. This recipe is a labor of love, and I hope it brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own! After all, the best recipes are the ones that are personalized and shared with love.