Upside Down Onion Tart with Brie
Discover the delightful Upside Down Onion Tart with Brie, a savory tart that beautifully combines sweet, caramelized onions with creamy, luscious brie cheese atop a golden, flaky crust. Perfect as an appetizer, main course, or brunch offering, its unique upside-down baking creates a stunning, glossy finish and rich harmonious flavors that bring comfort and elegance to any meal.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Vegetables & Herbs
- 2 large sweet onions (yellow or Vidalia), thinly sliced
- 1–2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
Dairy & Fats
- 4 tablespoons butter (or vegan butter for vegan option)
- 6–8 oz soft brie cheese, sliced
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry or tart dough (gluten-free option available), enough to fit a 9-inch tart pan
Others
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Prepare the Onions: Slice the onions thinly and cook them slowly in butter and olive oil over medium-low heat, stirring often, until they’re soft, deeply golden, and caramelized. This process typically takes 30-40 minutes and develops the rich sweetness essential to the tart’s flavor.
- Prepare the Tart Base: Roll out your puff pastry or tart dough to fit a 9-inch tart pan. Lightly grease the pan, then carefully lay the dough inside, trimming any excess edges. Ensure the dough edges slightly rise up the pan walls to hold the filling during baking.
- Arrange the Toppings Upside Down: Evenly spread the caramelized onions across the bottom of the tart pan. Layer slices of brie cheese on top of the onions, then sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the layers. Add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Bake: Place the tart in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and soft.
- Invert and Serve: After baking, remove the tart and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes. Carefully invert the tart onto a serving plate so the caramelized onions and cheese are on top, showcasing a glossy, appetizing finish. Serve warm for best flavor.
Notes
- Slowly caramelize onions for maximum sweetness and flavor development.
- Choose rind-on brie for better flavor and presentation, removing the rind if preferred.
- Keep tart dough chilled until just before baking to maintain a flaky crust.
- Trim excess dough on edges to prevent sogginess and facilitate easy inversion.
- Allow the tart to cool slightly (about 10 minutes) before inverting to avoid breaking.
- For vegan variation, swap brie with creamy cashew-based cheese and use vegan butter and vegan pastry.
- To add a smoky twist, include crisped bacon or prosciutto slices in the topping.
- Experiment with herbs such as rosemary, sage, or oregano instead of thyme.
- Add toasted nuts like walnuts or pecans on top for crunch and enhanced flavor.
- For a spicy kick, mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the caramelized onions.
- Store leftovers tightly wrapped in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Freeze unbaked tart wrapped tightly for up to 2 months; bake directly from frozen with additional baking time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of tart)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: upside down tart, onion tart, brie tart, caramelized onions, savory tart, brunch recipe, appetizer recipe, gluten free tart, vegetarian tart, easy tart recipe