Onion Cottage Cheese Tart

Looking for a savory tart that’s easy to make, full of flavor, and sure to wow your guests? Look no further than this Onion Cottage Cheese Tart! It’s the perfect combination of sweet caramelized onions, creamy cottage cheese, and a crisp, buttery crust. Trust me, you’re going to fall in love with this dish the moment you take a bite. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, a light lunch, or a side to a bigger meal, this tart is both comforting and impressive. Get ready to enjoy a slice of pure savory goodness!

Why You’ll Love Onion Cottage Cheese Tart

Let’s break down why this tart will be a new favorite:

Balanced Flavors: The sweetness of caramelized onions contrasts perfectly with the creamy, slightly tangy cottage cheese filling. Add in the flaky crust, and you’ve got a flavor explosion that’s totally irresistible.

Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: This tart is made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. But once combined, they create a dish that tastes way more luxurious than its simple ingredients would suggest.

Comforting and Elegant: The creamy filling and flaky crust make it feel comforting and indulgent, while the onions and cottage cheese give it an elegant, savory depth. It’s the best of both worlds.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, brunch, or a party, this tart is always a hit. It’s versatile and can be made ahead, making it perfect for entertaining.

Make-Ahead Friendly: You can easily prepare this tart ahead of time and bake it just before serving. This makes it an ideal option for busy days when you want to serve something that looks like it took hours to prepare, but really didn’t!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this savory tart:

Onions: Sweet onions work best for this tart. Caramelizing them will bring out their natural sweetness and create that delicious, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Cottage Cheese: The star of the filling! Cottage cheese adds a rich creaminess without being too heavy. It’s the perfect partner for the onions.

Eggs: These help bind the filling together and give it a custard-like texture.

Heavy Cream: Adds richness and smoothness to the filling. It helps balance the tanginess of the cottage cheese.

Parmesan Cheese: A little grated parmesan gives the tart an extra boost of umami flavor.

Butter: For sautéing the onions and greasing the tart pan. It adds richness to the filling and crust.

Flour: You’ll need some flour to make the crust—either regular all-purpose flour or whole wheat for a nuttier flavor.

Olive Oil: For cooking the onions, adding a bit of extra richness.

Salt and Pepper: To season the tart filling and crust to perfection.

Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary pair wonderfully with the onions and give the tart an aromatic flavor.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get started and turn these simple ingredients into a delicious tart:

Make the Tart Crust: Start by making the crust. In a bowl, mix flour and a pinch of salt. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add a few tablespoons of cold water, one at a time, until the dough comes together. Press the dough into the base of a tart pan, and chill it in the fridge for 20 minutes to firm up.

Preheat the Oven: While the crust is chilling, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Caramelize the Onions: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook them slowly, stirring occasionally until they are golden brown and caramelized. This should take about 15-20 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, and set aside to cool.

Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, combine cottage cheese, eggs, heavy cream, grated parmesan, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well-combined. Fold in the caramelized onions and stir until evenly distributed.

Assemble the Tart: Take the chilled tart crust and spoon the onion and cottage cheese mixture into it, spreading it out evenly.

Bake the Tart: Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly golden on top. The crust should also be golden and crisp.

Cool and Serve: Let the tart cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 280

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

How to Serve Onion Cottage Cheese Tart

This tart is delicious on its own or paired with a variety of sides:

With a Green Salad: Serve with a fresh, lightly dressed salad of mixed greens to balance out the richness of the tart.

With Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini pair beautifully with this tart, adding color and freshness.

With Soup: A bowl of warm, comforting soup, like a tomato bisque or butternut squash soup, makes for a cozy, hearty meal when paired with this tart.

As an Appetizer: Slice it into smaller portions and serve as an appetizer or starter at your next dinner party. It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

With a Side of Bread: A warm baguette or rustic bread would be perfect for sopping up any extra filling.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to get the most out of your Onion Cottage Cheese Tart:

Use a Tart Pan: A tart pan with a removable bottom makes it easy to remove the tart and serve it without the crust breaking.

Caramelize the Onions Slowly: Patience is key when caramelizing onions. Slow cooking them over medium heat allows the natural sugars to develop, creating that deep, sweet flavor.

Chill the Crust: Don’t skip the step of chilling the dough—it helps prevent shrinkage when baking.

Add Extra Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or even a bit of garlic can elevate the flavor of this tart. Feel free to experiment!

Freeze the Tart: This tart can be made ahead and frozen for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, add about 10 extra minutes to the cooking time.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a store-bought crust?
A1: Yes, a store-bought pie crust or puff pastry can be used if you’re short on time. Just make sure to bake it according to the package instructions before adding the filling.

Q2: Can I make this tart ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! This tart can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes before serving.

Q3: Can I use ricotta instead of cottage cheese?
A3: Yes, ricotta will work as a substitute for cottage cheese. It will be a bit smoother, but still delicious!

Q4: What can I substitute for heavy cream?
A4: If you need a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even milk. The filling won’t be as rich, but it will still work.

Q5: Can I make this tart gluten-free?
A5: Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend for the crust and be sure to check that the cottage cheese and other ingredients are gluten-free.

Q6: Can I add meat to this tart?
A6: If you’d like to add some protein, cooked bacon, sausage, or ham would be delicious in this tart. Just be sure to chop it up into small pieces and fold it into the filling.

Q7: How do I store leftovers?
A7: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven for the best texture.

Q8: Can I freeze this tart?
A8: Yes, you can freeze the tart after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Q9: Can I serve this tart cold?
A9: Yes, this tart can be served cold or at room temperature. It’s delicious either way!

Q10: Can I add other vegetables?
A10: Definitely! Feel free to add sautéed spinach, leeks, or roasted peppers to the filling for extra flavor and color.

Conclusion

This Onion Cottage Cheese Tart is a savory treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With its sweet caramelized onions, creamy cottage cheese filling, and buttery crust, it’s a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch, an appetizer, or as part of a dinner spread, it’s sure to impress. Enjoy this delicious and comforting tart, and don’t forget to share the recipe with your friends—this one’s a keeper!

Print