Jamie Oliver Caramelised Onion And Goats Cheese Tart Recipe [Tips & Tricks]

I remember the first time I tried Jamie Oliver’s Caramelised Onion and Goats Cheese Tart. It was at a small dinner party, and the moment the tart came out of the oven, the whole room was filled with this sweet, savory aroma that made everyone pause. It wasn’t just food; it was an experience. The golden crust, the rich tang of goats cheese, and the melt-in-your-mouth sweetness of caramelised onions combined perfectly. From that day, this tart became my go-to comfort dish whenever I wanted something simple yet impressive.

• This tart is more than just a recipe – it’s a celebration of balancing flavors.
• The contrast between sweet caramelised onions and the creamy, slightly tangy goats cheese makes each bite exciting.
• Perfect for casual dinners, fancy brunches, or even packed lunches.

Jamie Oliver’s Caramelised Onion And Goats Cheese Tart Recipe

Jamie’s version of this tart is a masterclass in simplicity. What makes it stand out is the slow caramelisation of onions that brings out their natural sugars and depth, paired with the creamy goats cheese that adds a luxurious texture and a subtle tang.

• The tart’s base is flaky and buttery – a canvas for the topping.
• Caramelised onions develop a deep, almost jammy sweetness.
• Goats cheese provides a creamy, slightly sharp counterbalance.
• A few fresh herbs and seasoning tie it all together for a rustic, hearty dish.

Ingredients Needed

I always keep these ingredients on hand because they’re staples in my kitchen and great for improvising. Here’s what you’ll need for this tart:

• For The Pastry

  • Plain flour (for that tender, crumbly base)
  • Unsalted butter (cold, to make the pastry flaky)
  • A pinch of salt
  • Cold water (to bring the dough together)

• For The Filling

  • Red onions (thinly sliced for even caramelisation)
  • Olive oil or butter (for cooking the onions)
  • A touch of sugar (to help bring out the sweetness)
  • Fresh thyme or rosemary (aromatic herbs that lift the flavors)
  • Goats cheese (creamy, fresh or aged, depending on preference)
  • Salt and black pepper (to taste)
  • Optional: balsamic vinegar (for a little extra tang and depth)

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Caramelised Onion And Goats Cheese Tart

When I’m making this tart, I think of it as a slow-cooked labor of love. The caramelisation takes patience, but the reward is incredible. Here’s a step-by-step:

• Make The Pastry

  • Combine flour, salt, and cold butter.
  • Rub the butter into the flour until it resembles breadcrumbs.
  • Add cold water a tablespoon at a time until it forms a dough.
  • Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

• Caramelise The Onions

  • Heat olive oil or butter in a pan over low heat.
  • Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt.
  • Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until onions turn golden brown and soft (this can take 25-30 minutes).
  • Sprinkle a bit of sugar to speed caramelisation if needed.
  • Add fresh thyme or rosemary near the end for aroma.

• Assemble The Tart

  • Roll out the chilled pastry thinly.
  • Line your tart tin with the pastry and prick the base with a fork.
  • Blind bake the pastry base for about 10-15 minutes until lightly golden.
  • Spread the caramelised onions evenly on the pastry.
  • Crumble or slice the goats cheese on top.
  • Season with pepper and a little salt if needed.

• Bake

  • Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Caramelising onions is a fascinating chemical process that transforms sharp, pungent onions into sweet, rich caramel notes.

• Onions contain natural sugars and amino acids.
• Slow cooking triggers the Maillard reaction – sugars and proteins break down and recombine to form new, complex flavors and a rich brown color.
• The longer you cook, the sweeter and more flavorful the onions become.
• Adding a pinch of sugar jumpstarts the caramelisation.
• Goats cheese’s tanginess comes from lactic acid produced by bacteria during cheese fermentation, which balances the sweetness beautifully.

Expert Tips

Over time, I’ve picked up a few tips that make this tart foolproof:

• Don’t rush the onions – low and slow is key to perfect caramelisation.
• Use cold butter for the pastry; this helps create flaky layers.
• Chill the pastry dough before rolling to avoid shrinkage while baking.
• If you like a stronger goats cheese flavor, choose aged varieties; for creamier texture, fresh is best.
• A splash of balsamic vinegar added to onions can deepen the flavor profile.
• Use fresh herbs to add brightness but avoid overpowering the main ingredients.
• Blind bake the pastry to avoid sogginess once the wet filling goes in.

Recipe Variations

What I love about this tart is how versatile it is. Here are some ways I’ve mixed it up:

• Add nuts: Toasted walnuts or pine nuts for crunch.
• Swap cheese: Use feta, ricotta, or even blue cheese for different flavor profiles.
• Add greens: Spinach or rocket tossed into the onions before baking.
• Make it vegan: Use a vegan pastry and swap goats cheese for a plant-based cheese alternative.
• Add sweetness: A drizzle of honey on top after baking complements the savory elements.

Final Words

Every time I make this tart, it reminds me that simple ingredients, given time and care, can create something truly special. It’s a dish that invites sharing, perfect for both casual and formal occasions. The balance of sweet, savory, creamy, and flaky elements always impresses guests and comforts friends. It’s proof that great food doesn’t have to be complicated.

FAQs

What Ingredients Do I Need For Jamie Oliver’s Caramelised Onion And Goats Cheese Tart?

You’ll need puff pastry, onions, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, thyme, goats cheese, and a bit of seasoning like salt and pepper.

How Long Does It Take To Make Jamie Oliver’s Caramelised Onion And Goats Cheese Tart?

The whole process should take about 45 minutes, including 30 minutes of baking time.

Can I Use A Different Type Of Cheese Instead Of Goats Cheese?

Yes, you can use feta or ricotta if you prefer, but it will change the flavor a bit.

Is This Recipe Suitable For Vegetarians?

Yes, it’s vegetarian-friendly!

Can I Make The Caramelised Onions Ahead Of Time?

Absolutely! You can caramelise the onions the day before and store them in the fridge.

Do I Need To Pre-cook The Puff Pastry?

No, you can put it straight into the oven. It bakes perfectly with the other ingredients.

Can I Add Other Vegetables To The Tart?

Sure! Roasted red peppers, spinach, or even zucchini would work well.

How Can I Make The Tart More Savory?

You could add some garlic, anchovies, or even a bit of Parmesan for a deeper flavor.

How Do I Prevent The Puff Pastry From Getting Soggy?

Make sure to cook the onions until most of the moisture is gone, and avoid adding too much liquid to the tart.

Can I Freeze The Tart?

Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Just make sure to wrap it tightly and bake it from frozen when you’re ready.