This Ina Garten-inspired quiche features a delightful combination of caramelized onions, creamy goat cheese, fresh tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese, all on a flaky puff pastry crust. The tangy goat cheese complements the sweetness of the onions, while the fresh basil and Parmesan add depth and richness. Perfect for brunch or a light lunch, these tarts are easy to prepare and full of flavor.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• For the Pastry and Filling:

  • 2 sheets (490g) puff pastry, defrosted

  • Olive oil, for cooking

  • 2 large onions (200g), thinly sliced

  • 3 large garlic cloves, cut into thin slivers

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ¼ tsp ground black pepper

  • 45 ml dry white wine

  • 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves, minced

  • 25g Parmesan cheese, grated

  • 55g Parmesan cheese, shaved

  • 110g goat cheese (plain or flavored)

  • 1 large tomato, cut into 4 slices

  • 3 tbsp basil leaves, julienned

Directions

1. Prepare the Pastry:

   • Roll out one sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to an approximately 28×28 cm (11×11-inch) square.

   • Use a 15 cm (6-inch) saucer or similar object to cut out circles, and repeat with the second pastry sheet to make a total of 4 circles.

   • Place the pastry circles on parchment-lined sheet pans. Mark a 1 cm (2-inch) wide border around each pastry circle using a knife. Prick the center of the pastry with a fork and refrigerate.

2. Cook the Onions:

   • Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the onions and garlic, sautéing for 15-20 minutes until the onions are tender and translucent.

   • Season with salt and pepper, then add the white wine and thyme. Cook for another 10 minutes until the onions are lightly browned. Remove from heat.

3. Assemble the Tarts:

   • Preheat the oven to 210°C (410°F) or gas mark 7.

   • Sprinkle 1 tbsp of grated Parmesan on each pastry circle, staying within the border.

   • Spread ¼ of the caramelized onion mixture inside each circle, again within the scored border.

   • Crumble ¼ of the goat cheese on top of the onions, then place a slice of tomato in the center of each tart.

   • Brush the tomatoes with olive oil, and sprinkle with basil, salt, and pepper. Add a few Parmesan shavings on top of each tart.

4. Bake:

   • Bake the tarts for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown.

Nutrients

Each tart contains approximately:

• Calories: 320 kcal

• Protein: 10g

• Carbohydrates: 25g

  • Dietary Fiber: 3g

  • Sugars: 7g

• Fat: 22g

  • Saturated Fat: 10g

• Cholesterol: 40mg

• Sodium: 300mg

• Potassium: 250mg

• Vitamin A: 15% DV

• Vitamin C: 20% DV

• Calcium: 15% DV

• Iron: 10% DV

The Magic of Caramelized Onions and Goat Cheese

One of the standout elements of these tarts is the combination of caramelized onions and goat cheese. Caramelizing onions takes time, but the result is well worth it. Slowly cooking the onions in olive oil over low heat allows their natural sugars to release, resulting in soft, golden-brown, sweet onions that are rich in flavor. The sweetness of the caramelized onions provides the perfect counterpoint to the tangy, creamy goat cheese, creating a harmonious balance of savory and slightly sweet flavors.

Goat cheese has a distinct flavor and smooth texture that melts beautifully when baked, making it an excellent addition to this dish. The creaminess of the goat cheese complements the onions and creates a luscious filling that is both rich and comforting. Depending on your preference, you can use either plain or flavored goat cheese to add a bit of variety. Flavored goat cheeses, such as those with herbs or garlic, can introduce an additional layer of flavor that enhances the overall tart.

The Role of Fresh Tomatoes and Basil

The addition of fresh tomatoes and basil is what really takes these tarts to the next level. Tomatoes, when used in baked dishes, offer a burst of moisture and acidity that brightens the overall flavor profile. In this recipe, the tomatoes are placed on top of the caramelized onions and goat cheese, where their juices meld with the other ingredients, infusing the tarts with a lovely balance of savory and slightly tangy notes.

Basil is the perfect herb to pair with tomatoes. Its aromatic, slightly peppery flavor brings freshness and brightness to the dish, complementing the richness of the onions and cheese. By sprinkling julienned basil leaves on top before baking, you ensure that the basil’s flavor is preserved and enhanced by the heat of the oven, giving the tarts an earthy, herbal finish. The result is a perfect marriage of flavors: the sweet and savory onions, the creamy goat cheese, the juicy tomatoes, and the fragrant basil.

Puff Pastry: The Flaky, Buttery Foundation

The base of these tarts is made from puff pastry, which gives them their signature flaky, buttery texture. Puff pastry is made by layering dough and butter and then rolling and folding the dough repeatedly, which results in thin layers that puff up when baked. This creates a light, airy texture that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the filling.

Puff pastry is also incredibly versatile and easy to work with, making it an ideal choice for creating these individual tarts. By using pre-made puff pastry, you can save time while still achieving that delightful, golden-brown crust that provides a satisfying crunch with every bite. The buttery, crisp edges of the pastry complement the creamy filling, ensuring a balanced bite every time.

The Benefits of Making Tarts Instead of a Full Quiche

While traditional quiche is a beloved dish, making individual tarts offers several benefits. First, tarts are easier to serve and can be customized to accommodate guests’ preferences. Each tart can be made to the right size, making them perfect for portion control. They’re also ideal for mixing and matching flavors, so you can make different variations based on what ingredients you have on hand.

Additionally, individual tarts bake more quickly than a full quiche, so they’re a more convenient option if you’re short on time. They also have a higher pastry-to-filling ratio, which means more of that delightful, flaky texture in each bite. If you’re serving a crowd, individual tarts can also be more visually appealing, adding a touch of elegance and making it easy for everyone to enjoy their own personal serving.

Versatility: Customizing Your Tarts

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. The basic structure of the tart—puff pastry, caramelized onions, goat cheese, tomatoes, and basil—can be easily adapted to suit your tastes or dietary preferences.

For example, if you’re looking to add a bit of variety, you can switch out the tomatoes for roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes. Both of these ingredients will still offer a burst of flavor and moisture while complementing the caramelized onions and goat cheese. You can also experiment with different herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano, to change the flavor profile and tailor the tarts to your liking.

For those who prefer a more substantial filling, consider adding protein, such as sautéed mushrooms, cooked bacon, or even chicken. These additions will add depth and richness to the dish, making it more filling while still maintaining the balance of flavors.

For a vegan version, substitute the goat cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative or simply use a mixture of cashews, nutritional yeast, and lemon juice to create a creamy, dairy-free filling. With these easy substitutions, you can create a tart that is both delicious and aligned with your dietary needs.

Perfect for Brunch or Light Lunch

These tarts are ideal for brunch or as a light lunch option. Their individual size makes them easy to serve at a gathering or party, where guests can enjoy a variety of flavors and combinations. The versatility of these tarts allows them to fit seamlessly into any meal. Serve them alongside a simple salad for a refreshing lunch, or pair them with a bowl of soup for a comforting, light dinner.

The flavor profile of the tarts also makes them suitable for different seasons. In the spring and summer, the fresh basil and tomatoes bring a lightness and vibrancy to the dish, while in the fall and winter, you can add ingredients like roasted squash or sautéed spinach for a heartier meal.

Healthier Alternative to Traditional Quiche

While quiche is traditionally made with cream and eggs, this tart recipe offers a lighter, yet still indulgent, alternative. Using puff pastry, goat cheese, and fresh vegetables provides a rich, creamy texture without the heaviness of a custard-based quiche. The fresh tomatoes and basil also contribute a healthy dose of vitamins and antioxidants, making these tarts a more balanced option.

If you’re looking to reduce the fat content, consider using a lighter puff pastry, or even opting for a whole wheat version. You can also reduce the amount of cheese used or swap the goat cheese for a lower-fat alternative, such as ricotta or cottage cheese. These modifications will still yield a delicious tart, with a lighter profile that’s perfect for those watching their calorie intake.

Conclusion: Why You Should Make These Ina Garten-Inspired Tarts

In conclusion, these Ina Garten-inspired quiche tarts are a delicious and versatile dish that combines the sweetness of caramelized onions, the tanginess of goat cheese, the juiciness of fresh tomatoes, and the richness of Parmesan, all nestled in a flaky puff pastry crust. Whether you’re serving them for brunch, lunch, or as a light dinner, these tarts offer a balanced, flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy.

The combination of ingredients creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, from the buttery crust to the creamy filling and fresh basil topping. The individual tart format makes them perfect for sharing at gatherings, and the recipe is easily customizable to suit your dietary needs or personal preferences.

By making these tarts at home, you can enjoy the freshness and flavor that comes with using high-quality, simple ingredients. The recipe’s ease of preparation and the ability to make it your own ensures that these tarts will quickly become a favorite addition to your repertoire. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this dish is a great way to impress guests and enjoy a comforting, flavorful meal.