Sweet Potato, Feta & Caramelised Onion Tart Recipe
If you’re longing for a dish that perfectly balances sweetness, tanginess, and a touch of savory comfort, then this Sweet Potato, Feta & Caramelised Onion Tart Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. Imagine buttery, flaky puff pastry loaded with layers of tender sweet potatoes, deeply caramelised onions bursting with flavor, and creamy feta cheese that adds the perfect salty contrast. Every bite brings a comforting yet sophisticated medley of textures and tastes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re serving it as an elegant appetizer or a satisfying main course, this tart never fails to impress and delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This tart comes together beautifully with just a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a vital role — from the crispness of the puff pastry to the rich sweetness of onions and the tang of feta cheese, these essentials combine for a truly memorable dish.
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed): The flaky base that creates a perfect crisp and buttery crunch for your tart.
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled and thinly sliced): Offering a gentle sweetness and tender texture when baked.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided): Helps caramelise the onions and coat the sweet potatoes for roasting.
- 1 large red onion (thinly sliced): When slowly cooked, it turns golden and sweet, adding rich depth.
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar: Adds acidity to lift the flavors and balance the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar: Enhances caramelisation of the onions and adds warmth.
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese: Brings that creamy, salty punch that perfectly contrasts the sweet toppings.
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried): Adds an earthy, herbal note that ties the flavors together beautifully.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to elevate all other ingredients.
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash): Ensures a golden, glossy finish on the pastry edges.
- Optional honey drizzle for serving: A sweet finishing touch that rounds off the tart with a delightful hint of floral sweetness.
How to Make Sweet Potato, Feta & Caramelised Onion Tart Recipe
Step 1: Caramelise the Onions
Start by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced red onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll notice them turn soft and golden, releasing their natural sweetness. Stir in the balsamic vinegar and brown sugar and cook for another couple of minutes to deepen those rich flavors. Once perfectly caramelised, remove the pan from the heat and let those onions rest while you prepare the other components.
Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
While the onions cook, toss the thin sweet potato slices with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, sprinkling on salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance their natural sweetness. This coating helps them roast beautifully in the tart, ensuring each slice turns tender and flavorful during baking.
Step 3: Prepare the Puff Pastry Base
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Lay out the thawed sheet of puff pastry on the baking sheet, then carefully score a one-inch border around the edges with a knife — be sure not to cut all the way through. This border will help create a lovely, raised edge once baked and keep your filling neatly contained.
Step 4: Assemble the Tart Layers
Inside the scored border, arrange an even layer of sweet potato slices, covering the base completely. Spread the beautifully caramelised onions over the sweet potatoes, letting their savory sweetness ooze over every inch. Next, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese generously on top, followed by fresh thyme leaves. This combination ensures each bite has a fantastic mix of textures and flavors that sing in harmony.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Brush the pastry border with the beaten egg to give it that irresistible golden sheen once cooked. Bake your tart in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until the puff pastry puffs up and turns golden brown, and the sweet potatoes are tender to the touch. The aroma alone will have you eager to dig in!
Step 6: Optional Finishing Touch
Once out of the oven, consider drizzling a little honey over the tart for a subtle sweet-savory finish that enhances the caramelised onions and mellow sweet potatoes. This final step turns a great tart into an unforgettable flavor experience.
How to Serve Sweet Potato, Feta & Caramelised Onion Tart Recipe
Garnishes
A few fresh thyme sprigs sprinkled on top just before serving add a fresh herbal flair and make your tart look as beautiful as it tastes. For an extra layer of brightness, a light scatter of finely chopped parsley or a few chili flakes can add color and a gentle kick.
Side Dishes
This tart pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to counterbalance the richness of the pastry and feta. Roasted or steamed green vegetables such as asparagus or green beans also complement the flavors wonderfully and add a fresh crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the tart as individual squares for a party appetizer or slice it into wedges for a stunning main course centerpiece. You can also place it on a wooden board surrounded by bowls of olives, nuts, and fresh herbs to create a Mediterranean-inspired sharing platter that invites everyone to indulge.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The tart holds up well for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually deepen a bit as it rests, making for tasty next-day meals or snacks.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the cooled tart tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to protect against freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through and the pastry regains some of its crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep that flaky texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta?
Absolutely! While feta’s salty tang works beautifully, goat cheese or ricotta are excellent alternatives that will bring a creamy texture without overpowering the sweet potato and onion flavors.
Is this tart gluten-free?
The traditional recipe uses puff pastry, which contains gluten. However, you can find gluten-free puff pastry options in many stores or make your own to keep this recipe gluten-free.
Can I make this tart vegan?
Yes! Substitute the feta with vegan cheese or omit it altogether, use a flax egg or plant-based milk to brush the pastry edges, and ensure your puff pastry is vegan-friendly. The caramelised onions and sweet potatoes remain naturally vegan.
What’s the best way to slice the sweet potatoes thinly?
A mandoline slicer is perfect for getting even, paper-thin slices quickly and safely, which helps them cook evenly and layer beautifully in your tart.
Can I prepare parts of this tart in advance?
You can prepare the caramelised onions and slice your sweet potatoes ahead of time. Assemble the tart just before baking for the freshest pastry, or fully assemble and bake just before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet Potato, Feta & Caramelised Onion Tart Recipe is a love letter to comfort food with a sophisticated twist. It’s the kind of dish you can make any night of the week and feel proud serving to guests, or simply enjoy as a cozy self-treat. Give it a try, and I promise it will quickly become one of your favorite recipes to return to time and time again.
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Sweet Potato, Feta & Caramelised Onion Tart Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Sweet Potato, Feta & Caramelised Onion Tart is a delicious Mediterranean-inspired savory tart featuring thinly sliced sweet potatoes layered on a flaky puff pastry base, topped with sweet caramelised onions, salty feta cheese, and fragrant thyme. Perfect as a vegetarian main or appetizer, it offers a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, with an optional honey drizzle to elevate the taste even further.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
Vegetables & Toppings
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled and thinly sliced)
- 1 large red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Optional honey drizzle for serving
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Caramelise the Onions: In a skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the thinly sliced red onion. Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and golden brown. Then stir in the balsamic vinegar and brown sugar, cooking for another 2 minutes to deepen the sweetness and flavor. Remove from heat once done.
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Toss the thinly sliced sweet potatoes with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, and season with salt and black pepper to taste to enhance their natural sweetness and flavor.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry Base: Place the thawed puff pastry sheet on the prepared baking sheet. Using a knife, score a 1-inch border around the edges without cutting all the way through, which will help the edges puff up nicely while baking.
- Assemble the Tart: Inside the scored border, evenly layer the olive oil-coated sweet potato slices. Then top with the caramelised onions, crumbled feta cheese, and sprinkle the fresh thyme leaves evenly over the top for an herbaceous note.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the exposed pastry edges with the beaten egg to give the crust a glossy, golden finish once baked.
- Bake the Tart: Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden and puffed and the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Serve: Optionally drizzle with honey to add a sweet-savory balance just before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature as a flavorful vegetarian main or appetizer.
Notes
- You can prepare this tart ahead of time and reheat it before serving without loss of flavor or texture.
- This tart makes a great vegetarian main course or a savory appetizer at any gathering.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the feta or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- The optional honey drizzle adds a nice sweet contrast, but can be omitted for a less sweet dish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
