This Onion and Bacon Tart is a savory delight, featuring caramelized onions, crispy bacon, and a creamy custard filling baked in a flaky pastry crust. It’s perfect for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner, and pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or as part of a buffet.
Ingredients:
For the crust:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 3-4 tablespoons ice water
For the filling:
- 6 slices bacon, diced
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1 cup grated Gruyère or cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the crust:
- Make the pastry dough:
- In a food processor or bowl, pulse together the flour and salt. Add the cold butter and pulse (or use a pastry cutter) until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough just comes together.
- Chill the dough:
- Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface and transfer it to a 9-inch tart pan. Trim the edges and prick the bottom with a fork. Blind bake the crust for 10-12 minutes, using pie weights or dried beans to prevent puffing. Set aside.
Prepare the filling:
- Cook the bacon:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Drain most of the bacon fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
- Caramelize the onions:
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and thyme, and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes until the onions are soft and caramelized. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Make the custard:
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and heavy cream. Stir in the grated cheese, cooked bacon, and caramelized onions. Season with salt and pepper.
Assemble and bake:
- Fill the tart:
- Pour the onion and bacon filling into the pre-baked tart crust, spreading it evenly.
- Bake:
- Bake the tart in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown.
- Garnish and serve:
- Let the tart cool slightly before garnishing with fresh parsley (if desired). Slice and serve warm.
Enjoy this rich, savory Onion and Bacon Tart as a flavorful dish perfect for brunch, lunch, or even as a light dinner!
