Chef Mitchell preparing Savory Onion Tart
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I first discovered this Savory Onion Tart while visiting Germany and fell in love with its rich flavors. After several attempts in my kitchen, I've perfected the recipe to balance the sweetness of the onions with the tanginess of the sour cream. It has since become a family favorite at dinner parties and gatherings."

With over a decade of experience in German cuisine, I specialize in hearty dinner recipes that bring comfort and flavor to the table. My passion for cooking shines through in every dish I create, and I love sharing traditional recipes with a modern twist.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Savory Onion Tart served on a plate

Why This Savory Onion Tart Recipe Works

This Savory Onion Tart is a delightful embodiment of German culinary tradition, featuring a perfect balance of sweet caramelized onions and creamy filling. The addition of fresh herbs enhances the flavor, making it a standout choice for dinner. Its flaky crust adds the perfect texture, creating a comforting dish that everyone will love.

The technique of slowly sautéing the onions ensures they become beautifully caramelized, which brings out their natural sweetness. This step is crucial for achieving the best flavor in the tart. The creamy filling binds everything together, resulting in a harmonious blend of taste and texture.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best results, use fresh, high-quality onions and take your time when sautéing them. The longer you cook them, the sweeter and more flavorful they become. Don't rush this step, as it's key to the overall taste of the tart.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the tart a day in advance. Simply bake it, allow it to cool, and store it in the fridge. Reheat it in the oven before serving for the best texture and flavor.

If you don't have sour cream, you can use Greek yogurt as a substitute. It will provide a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture. You can also use crème fraîche or even a blend of cream cheese and milk.

The tart is done when the filling is set and the top is golden brown. A slight jiggle in the center is normal, but it shouldn't be overly wet. You can also insert a toothpick into the center to check for doneness; it should come out clean.

Absolutely! You can freeze the tart before or after baking. If freezing before baking, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. If freezing after, allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

This tart pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. You can also serve it with a dollop of sour cream or a tangy vinaigrette for added flavor. A light white wine or sparkling water complements it nicely.

The Savory Onion Tart can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cover it well to prevent it from drying out. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Yes, this tart can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator. It's also a great make-ahead dish for gatherings. Just follow the reheating instructions to ensure it remains delicious.

The best way to reheat the tart is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, until warmed through. This will help restore its crust's crispiness. You can also use a microwave, but be aware that the crust may become soggy.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: The crust may not be crispy if it's too thick or if it hasn’t been pre-baked.

Solution: Make sure to roll the crust thin and consider blind-baking it for a few minutes before adding the filling to ensure it stays crispy.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: The tart might be overcooked if it appears too dark or hard.

Prevention: To avoid overcooking, check the tart a few minutes before the end of the baking time. If it’s browning too quickly, you can cover it with foil.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: The center of the tart may be undercooked if the filling jiggles too much.

Recovery: If the center is undercooked, return the tart to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, checking periodically.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: The exterior may burn if exposed to too high heat or if baked for too long.

Prevention: Reduce the oven temperature if the exterior browns too quickly, and consider using a baking sheet to diffuse the heat.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the tart is too sweet, add a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the flavors.

Too Salty: If it's too salty, serve with a side of unsalted yogurt or sour cream to balance the taste.

Bland: If the tart lacks flavor, consider adding more herbs or spices, such as garlic or paprika, to enhance its taste.

Fresh ingredients for Savory Onion Tart

Essential Ingredients for Savory Onion Tart

The key ingredients for this Savory Onion Tart include onions, which provide the sweet and savory flavor base. Sour cream adds creaminess and tang, while the cheese adds richness. A good quality pie crust ensures a flaky texture that complements the filling perfectly.

Choosing fresh, high-quality ingredients is crucial for the best flavor. Opt for sweet onions, like Vidalia or Walla Walla, and use real cheese instead of processed options. Fresh herbs will enhance the taste and elevate this comforting dish.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Onions: Always use fresh onions for the best flavor. Sweet onions are preferable for a milder taste, and caramelizing them properly will enhance their natural sweetness.
  • Sour Cream: Full-fat sour cream offers the best texture and flavor for this recipe. If you prefer a lighter option, choose low-fat but avoid fat-free, which can result in a watery filling.
  • Cheese: Use good quality cheese for the richest flavor. Gruyere or Emmental cheese works best, but feel free to experiment with your favorites.
Cooking process for Savory Onion Tart

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The cooking process for Savory Onion Tart starts with the careful preparation of the onions, ensuring they are perfectly caramelized for maximum flavor. The assembly of the tart is straightforward, making it an accessible recipe for cooks of all levels.

The key to achieving perfect results lies in the baking time and temperature. Monitoring the tart as it bakes will help you achieve that ideal golden top and creamy filling.

Key Technique for Perfect Savory Onion Tart

The most important technique for this Savory Onion Tart is the slow caramelization of the onions. Taking the time to sauté them properly will develop their sweetness and bring out their full flavor. This step is crucial for creating a delicious, balanced tart.

Savory Onion Tart

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup sour cream
    For the filling
  • 2 large eggs
    To bind the filling
  • 1 tsp mustard
    For flavor

For the Sauce

  • 2 lbs onions
    Thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
    For sautéing
  • 1 tbsp butter
    For sautéing
  • 1 tsp salt
    For seasoning
  • 1 tsp black pepper
    For seasoning
  • 1 tsp thyme
    For flavor
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
    Gruyere or similar
  • 1 pre-made pie crust
    For the base
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
    For garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven

    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. Sauté Onions

    In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add sliced onions, salt, and pepper, cooking until onions are soft and golden, about 20 minutes.

  3. Prepare Filling

    In a bowl, whisk together sour cream, eggs, mustard, and thyme until well combined.

  4. Combine Ingredients

    Stir the sautéed onions into the sour cream mixture. Add cheese and mix well.

  5. Assemble Tart

    Roll out the pie crust into a tart pan. Pour the onion mixture into the crust, spreading it evenly.

  6. Bake Tart

    Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tart is set and the top is golden.

  7. Cool and Serve

    Allow the tart to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley.

  8. Enjoy

    Serve warm as a delightful appetizer or main dish.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To keep the crust crispy, reheat in the oven rather than the microwave.

Serving Suggestions

Savory Onion Tart is delicious on its own or served with a simple green salad. It also pairs well with a light vinaigrette for added zing.

Recipe Variations

For a twist, try adding cooked bacon or ham to the filling for extra flavor. You can also experiment with different types of cheese or herbs to suit your taste.