Growing up, my mom used to make the most incredible Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart every Thanksgiving. The aroma of the sweet, caramelized onions and the creamy, roasted squash would fill our cozy little kitchen, making our mouths water in anticipation. I can still remember the first time I sank my teeth into that flaky, golden crust, and the burst of flavors that danced on my tongue. It was love at first bite, and it’s been a treasured family recipe ever since.
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Why This Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart
What sets this Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart apart is the attention to detail in the preparation. By roasting the butternut squash to perfection and taking the time to slowly caramelize the onions, you end up with a filling that’s bursting with depth of flavor. The combination of the sweet, nutty squash and the rich, savory onions is simply irresistible. And when you wrap it all up in a buttery, flaky puff pastry crust, it becomes a true culinary masterpiece.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
The star of this Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart is, of course, the butternut squash. We’re using a 2-pound squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed, to get the perfect texture and balance of sweetness. The olive oil and salt and pepper help to season the squash and bring out its natural flavors.
The caramelized onions are the real secret weapon, though. We’re using 3 large onions, thinly sliced, and cooking them low and slow with a touch of butter, brown sugar, and balsamic vinegar. This transforms the onions into a rich, sweet, and slightly tangy topping that complements the squash beautifully.
Finally, the puff pastry crust adds a delightful flakiness and buttery richness to the tart. And the egg wash gives it that gorgeous golden-brown color and shine.
Step-by-Step Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart Instructions
Preparing Your Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart
This Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart comes together in just 45 minutes, with 15 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking. You’ll need a baking sheet, a large skillet, and a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
1- Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Spread the cubed butternut squash on a baking sheet, drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Toss to coat and roast for 20-25 minutes, until the squash is tender and lightly caramelized.
2- In the meantime, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes until they’re deeply caramelized and sweet.
3- Once the onions are caramelized, stir in the 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the mixture is thick and syrupy.
4- Remove the roasted butternut squash from the oven and let it cool slightly. Then, transfer the squash to a food processor and pulse until it’s smooth and creamy.
5- Unroll the thawed puff pastry and press it into the tart pan, making sure to crimp the edges. Prick the bottom with a fork and bake for 10-12 minutes, until the crust is lightly golden.
6- Spread the roasted butternut squash puree into the pre-baked tart crust, then top with the caramelized onions. Brush the edges of the tart with the egg wash, and bake for an additional 15-18 minutes, until the crust is deep golden brown and flaky.
Pro Tips for Success
- Roast the butternut squash until it’s tender and caramelized for the best flavor.
- Take your time caramelizing the onions – the low and slow method is key to getting that rich, sweet flavor.
- Use a food processor to get a smooth, creamy butternut squash puree.
- Be sure to bake the puff pastry crust before adding the fillings to ensure a crisp, flaky base.
Serving and Storing Your Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart
Perfect Pairings for Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart
This Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart is the perfect centerpiece for a fall gathering, serving 6 guests. It pairs beautifully with a fresh arugula salad, roasted Brussels sprouts, and a crisp white wine or a full-bodied red. For dessert, a slice of this tart is delicious on its own, or you could serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart is a great make-ahead option. You can prepare the butternut squash puree and caramelized onions up to 3 days in advance, and simply assemble and bake the tart on the day you plan to serve it. Once baked, the tart will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place it in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also freeze the baked tart for up to 3 months, thawing it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart
Creative Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart Variations
For a seasonal twist, you could swap out the butternut squash for pumpkin or sweet potato. You could also add a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh sage or thyme to the filling for an extra layer of flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a layer of crumbled bacon or toasted pecans on top of the caramelized onions for a delightful crunch.
Making Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart Diet-Friendly
To make this tart gluten-free, simply use a pre-made gluten-free puff pastry or a gluten-free pie crust. For a vegan version, you can replace the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter, and use a plant-based milk or cream to thin out the butternut squash puree. To reduce the carbs, you can substitute the brown sugar with a zero-calorie sweetener and use a low-carb puff pastry or almond flour crust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of squash in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! While butternut squash is the classic choice, you can also use pumpkin, acorn squash, or even sweet potatoes in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the roasting time as needed.
Q: How long does it take to make this Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart?
A: The total time to make this tart is 45 minutes, with 15 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking time.
Q: Can I make this tart ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the butternut squash puree and caramelized onions up to 3 days in advance. Simply assemble and bake the tart on the day you plan to serve it. The baked tart will also keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Q: How many servings does this Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart make?
A: This recipe makes 6 servings of Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart.
Q: What if the crust doesn’t come out flaky?
A: Make sure to fully bake the puff pastry crust before adding the fillings, and be gentle when pressing it into the tart pan. If the crust still doesn’t come out as flaky as you’d like, try using a homemade or all-butter puff pastry for best results.
Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart is a savory, flavor-packed vegetarian dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of sweet caramelized onions and roasted butternut squash in a flaky crust makes for a truly mouthwatering experience.
Ingredients
– 1 (2-pound) butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt, divided
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
– 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 3 large onions, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
– 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Toss the butternut squash cubes with the olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, until tender and lightly browned.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 30-35 minutes, until the onions are very soft and caramelized. Stir in the brown sugar and balsamic vinegar, and season with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
3. Unroll the puff pastry and fit it into a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Prick the bottom with a fork.
4. Spread the caramelized onions evenly over the puff pastry. Top with the roasted butternut squash cubes.
5. Brush the edges of the pastry with the egg wash.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the crust is golden brown. Let cool for 10 minutes before removing the tart from the pan and slicing.
Notes
This tart can be served warm or at room temperature. For a richer flavor, you can add crumbled feta or goat cheese on top before baking.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Vegetarian & Vegan Mains
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
This Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart is a true showstopper, with its perfectly balanced flavors and irresistible texture. The sweet, creamy butternut squash and the rich, caramelized onions are a match made in heaven, wrapped up in a buttery, flaky crust. It’s the ultimate autumn treat that’s sure to become a new family favorite. So don’t wait – give this recipe a try, and let me know what you think in the comments below! Bon appétit!
