Rich & Tangy Blue Cheese Tartlets with Caramelized Onions

The Christmas season is fast approaching, which means it's time to indulge in some delicious festive treats. Whilst traditional mince pies and Christmas pudding are always a crowd pleaser, why not try something a little different this year? Introducing my unique festive treat: Caramelised Onion and Blue Cheese Tartlets. These delectable tartlets combine the sweetness of caramelised onions with the sharp tang of blue cheese, making them the perfect combination of savoury and sweet. Not only are they a show-stopping addition to any festive spread, but they are also incredibly easy to make. Get ready to impress your guests with this unexpected and mouth-watering treat.

These SUPER easy caramelized onion tartlets are loaded with tangy blue cheese and a flaky puff pastry crust baked to perfection, then drizzled with honey. They are a must have at any party this year.

To make these tartlets you will need...

Ingredients

• 500g Puff Pastry (I cheated and used shop bought as I haven't the time to make this time of year)
• Plain Flour For Dusting
• Butter For Greasing
• 3 tbsp Olive Oil
• 4 Large Onions (800g roughly, finely sliced)
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Granulated Sugar
• 220g Creamy Blue Cheese (either thinly sliced or in small crumbs)
• 30g Walnuts (optional)

Method

1. On a lightly floured surface roll the pastry into a thin rectangle. Cut them into smaller rectangles then carefully lift it them onto a parchment lined baking tray and prick all over with a fork. Place in the fridge and leave to chill for at least 20 minutes while we get the fillings cooked and prepared.

2. Preheat your own to 180'c. In a large frying pan, heat the oil over a medium heat, adding the onions and salt. Fry gently for around 10 minutes stirring every now and then. Sprinkle over the sugar and continue to cook stirring more as they start to become softer. Allow them to catch slightly on the base of the pan before stirring again as this helps them to caramelise. Once they are a rich caramelised colour, season to taste and set aside.

3. Next bake the pastry for 20 minutes on one side, remove from the over, gently flip it over and bake for a further 5 on the other side. Remove the tray once more and flip the pastry back over, setting it aside for a few minutes while it deflates slightly.
4. Spread the pastry base with the caramelised onions leaving a a small border around the edges, Next top with either your sliced or crumbled cheese making sure it's evenly spread.

5. Bake for 5-6 minutes until the cheese has started to melt.
6. This next part is optional but I like to sprinkle the tops with a few crushed up walnuts and serve while still slightly warm and crisp.

So there you have it, my Caramelised Onion & Blue Cheese Tartlets.

When it comes to serving your delicious caramelised and blue cheese tartlets, the possibilities are endless. These tartlets are incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of accompaniments to create the perfect holiday spread. Here are a few pairing ideas to get you started:

1. Fresh Salad: Serve your tartlets alongside a fresh green salad to add a light and refreshing element to your festive spread. A simple mix of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette will complement the richness of the tartlets.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables are a classic side dish that pairs beautifully with the savoury and sweet flavours of the tartlets. Try roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, and parsnips for a colourful and flavourful addition to your plate.
3. Cranberry Sauce: For a festive twist, serve your tartlets with a dollop of tangy cranberry sauce. The tartness of the cranberries will complement the creamy blue cheese and add a pop of colour to your plate.
4. Mulled Wine: Complete your holiday spread with a glass of warm and spiced mulled wine. The aromatic flavours of the mulled wine will complement the richness of the tartlets and add an extra touch of warmth to your gathering.

These are just a few ideas to inspire you, but feel free to get creative and experiment with different pairings. The key is to find a balance between savoury and sweet, and to create a satisfying meal that will leave your guests impressed. Happy pairing!

If you make this dish, why not send me a picture on Instagram using the #acountrygirlskitchen so I can go over and show it some love.

I hope you all have a wonderful day.

*Chefs Kiss*