A delicate, buttery tart filled with creamy cottage cheese and topped with roasted red onions for a beautifully rustic and savory dish. This tart combines the richness of cheese with the mild sweetness of roasted onions, making it perfect for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy Filling – Cottage cheese and heavy cream create a smooth and flavorful custard.
- Buttery, Flaky Crust – The homemade tart shell adds a delicate crunch to balance the creamy filling.
- Elegant yet Easy – Simple ingredients come together to make an impressive dish.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Ideal for brunch, a light lunch, or as a side for dinner.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – The tart can be baked in advance and reheated before serving.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Tart Crust:
- all-purpose flour
- salt
- unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- egg yolk
- ice water
For the Filling:
- cottage cheese
- heavy cream
- large eggs
- salt
- black pepper
- dried thyme
- shredded Gruyère or Parmesan cheese
- small red onion, thinly sliced
Directions
Prepare the Crust:
- In a bowl, mix flour and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly.
- Add egg yolk and ice water, mixing until dough forms. Roll out and press into a tart pan. Chill for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Prick the crust with a fork, line with parchment paper, and fill with baking weights.
- Blind bake for 10 minutes, remove weights, and bake for another 5 minutes. Let cool.
Prepare the Filling:
- In a bowl, whisk cottage cheese, heavy cream, eggs, salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Stir in shredded cheese and pour the mixture into the pre-baked tart crust.
- Arrange red onion slices on top and bake for 25-30 minutes, until set and golden.
- Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6 slices
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Calories: 280 kcal per serving
Variations
- Caramelized Onion Twist – Sauté onions before adding them for a deeper, sweeter flavor.
- Spinach and Herb Addition – Add sautéed spinach or fresh herbs for extra freshness.
- Cheese Variations – Swap Gruyère for feta, cheddar, or goat cheese.
- Whole Wheat Crust – Substitute part of the flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
- Mini Tarts – Use a muffin tin to create individual-sized tarts for serving at gatherings.
Storage/Reheating
- Storing: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the baked tart (without onions on top) for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
- Reheating: Warm in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes or until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought tart crust?
Yes, a pre-made crust can save time, but homemade crust provides a richer, flakier texture.
What’s the best way to keep the tart crust from getting soggy?
Blind baking the crust before adding the filling prevents it from becoming too soft.
Can I use ricotta instead of cottage cheese?
Yes, ricotta can be used for a smoother texture and a slightly richer taste.
How do I get a crispier crust?
Bake the tart on the lower rack of the oven to ensure a well-baked, golden crust.
What can I serve with this tart?
Pair it with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or a bowl of soup.
Can I make the crust ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and blind bake the crust up to a day in advance. Store it covered at room temperature.
Is this tart suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, as long as the cheese used is vegetarian-friendly.
Can I make this tart crust gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend for the crust.
How do I slice the tart cleanly?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat slices.
Can I serve this tart cold?
Yes, it tastes great warm or at room temperature, making it ideal for picnics and buffets.
Conclusion
This onion cottage cheese tart is a rich, savory dish that combines creamy cheese with the sweetness of roasted red onions in a perfectly crisp tart shell. Whether served warm or at room temperature, it makes an elegant yet simple meal for any occasion. Try this recipe for a delightful blend of textures and flavors!
O
PrintOnion Cottage Cheese Tart
A delicate, buttery tart filled with creamy cottage cheese and topped with roasted red onions for a beautifully rustic and savory dish. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 slices 1x
- Category: Savory Tart, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European, Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Tart Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling:
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère or Parmesan cheese
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
Instructions
-
Prepare the Tart Crust:
- In a bowl, mix flour and salt. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add egg yolk and ice water, mixing just until the dough comes together.
- Roll out the dough and press it into a tart pan. Chill for 30 minutes.
-
Blind Bake the Crust:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Prick the crust with a fork, line with parchment paper, and fill with baking weights.
- Blind bake for 10 minutes, remove the weights, and bake for another 5 minutes. Let cool slightly.
-
Prepare the Filling:
- In a bowl, whisk together cottage cheese, heavy cream, eggs, salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Stir in the shredded cheese and pour the mixture into the pre-baked tart crust.
- Arrange the red onion slices on top.
-
Bake the Tart:
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and golden.
- Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For added depth of flavor, caramelize the red onions before adding them to the tart.
- Swap Gruyère with feta or goat cheese for a tangier taste.
- Serve warm with a side salad for a complete meal.