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Cheese Plum Tart with Caramelized Onions and Fresh Basil Recipe


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4.1 from 45 reviews

  • Author: Sky
  • Total Time: 37 minutes
  • Yield: Makes 12 tarts

Description

A delightful Cheese Plum Tart combining flaky puff pastry with a creamy mascarpone and goat cheese blend, topped with caramelized red onions, tender plums, and a touch of honey and fresh basil. This sweet and savory tart is perfect as an elegant appetizer or a sophisticated snack.


Ingredients

For the Tart Base

  • 1 sheet puff pastry
  • Egg wash, for brushing

For the Filling

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup sliced red onion
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 2 - 3 red or white plums, pitted and sliced
  • 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 tablespoons mascarpone cheese
  • 2 oz. goat cheese or ricotta or cream cheese
  • 3 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped
  • Honey, for drizzling


Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Cut and Brush Pastry: Cut the puff pastry into 6 even rectangles and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each piece thoroughly with egg wash to help achieve a golden color during baking.
  3. Bake Pastry: Bake the puff pastry rectangles for 20 to 22 minutes or until they have puffed up beautifully and are golden brown. Remove from oven and set aside to cool slightly.
  4. Cook Onions: Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced red onions and cook until softened, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  5. Add Thyme: Add the fresh thyme sprigs to the onions, reduce heat to low, and cook for one additional minute to infuse the flavors. Remove onions from the pan and transfer to a bowl, discarding the thyme sprigs.
  6. Sauté Plums: In the same pan, add unsalted butter, the sliced plums, and sugar over low heat. Cook lightly until the plums soften, then add a splash of balsamic vinegar to enhance the flavor. Remove from heat and set aside.
  7. Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine mascarpone cheese and goat cheese (or ricotta/cream cheese). Lightly season with salt and mix until smooth and creamy.
  8. Assemble Tarts: Spread a layer of the cheese mixture over each baked puff pastry rectangle. Top with the caramelized onions, followed by the sautéed plums.
  9. Finish and Garnish: Drizzle each tart lightly with honey and sprinkle with finely chopped fresh basil leaves. Serve slightly warm or at room temperature for the best flavor.

Notes

  • You can substitute goat cheese with ricotta or cream cheese depending on preference.
  • For a vegan version, use plant-based puff pastry, vegan cheeses, and substitute honey with maple syrup.
  • Make sure the puff pastry is cold before baking for best puff results.
  • These tarts pair wonderfully with a light white wine or sparkling beverage.
  • Leftover tarts can be refrigerated and gently reheated in a low oven for a few minutes.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 22 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French-inspired