Caramelized Onion and Apple Tartlets Recipe
Introduction
These Caramelized Onion and Apple Tartlets offer a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors perfect for autumn gatherings. Featuring a buttery puff pastry filled with tender caramelized onions and softened apples, they make an elegant appetizer that’s easy to prepare.

Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 apples, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Step 2: In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they are caramelized and golden brown, about 20 to 25 minutes.
- Step 3: Add the apple slices to the skillet and cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, until the apples are softened but still hold their shape.
- Step 4: Stir in the honey, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
- Step 5: Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut into small circles that fit into a muffin tin.
- Step 6: Place each pastry circle into the muffin tin cups, pressing gently to form a shell.
- Step 7: Spoon the caramelized onion and apple mixture evenly into each pastry shell.
- Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed, golden, and crisp.
- Step 9: Remove from the oven and garnish each tartlet with fresh thyme before serving warm.
Tips & Variations
- Use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for a nice balance of tartness and sweetness.
- Adding a sprinkle of goat cheese or blue cheese before baking can enhance the savory flavor.
- For extra crispness, chill the puff pastry before cutting and filling.
- Try replacing honey with maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
Storage
Store leftover tartlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes to restore their crispness before serving.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these tartlets ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the caramelized onion and apple filling a day in advance. Keep it refrigerated and assemble the tartlets just before baking to maintain the pastry’s texture.
What type of puff pastry works best?
Store-bought frozen puff pastry sheets work well and are convenient. Just be sure to thaw them according to package instructions before using.
PrintCaramelized Onion and Apple Tartlets Recipe
These Caramelized Onion and Apple Tartlets are a delightful sweet and savory appetizer perfect for autumn. Featuring buttery puff pastry filled with slow caramelized onions and tender apple slices, they make an elegant starter or party snack with a hint of honey sweetness and fresh thyme garnish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 tartlets 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
Puff Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Filling
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 apples, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the tartlets.
- Caramelize Onions: In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook them slowly for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become golden brown and caramelized.
- Add Apples: Add the thinly sliced apples to the skillet with the onions and continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes until the apples soften but still retain their shape.
- Season Mixture: Stir in the honey, and season the mixture with salt and pepper according to your taste, mixing well to combine all flavors.
- Prepare Pastry Shells: Roll out the thawed puff pastry and cut into small circles sized to fit into a muffin tin. Gently press each circle into the muffin cups to form small pastry shells.
- Fill Tartlets: Spoon the caramelized onion and apple mixture evenly into each prepared pastry shell in the muffin tin.
- Bake Tartlets: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed, golden, and crispy on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the tartlets from the oven and garnish each with fresh thyme leaves. Serve warm as an elegant appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Use firm apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to hold shape and add tartness to the tartlets.
- For an extra savory touch, add a small amount of grated cheese such as Gruyere or Parmesan before baking.
- Ensure the puff pastry is fully thawed and cold for easier handling and better puffing in the oven.
- These tartlets can be made ahead and reheated in a low oven before serving.
Keywords: caramelized onion tartlets, apple tartlets, puff pastry appetizers, autumn appetizers, savory sweet tartlets

