Caramelised Onion & Gorgonzola Tartlets

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Caramelised Onion & Gorgonzola Tartlets

Are you a fan of blue cheeses? I am NOT, but I drew inspiration from a magazine article and tried this combination in a tartlet many years ago, and much to my surprise, I absolutely loooved it. The caramelised onion adds a sweetness that balances the polarising flavour of the blue cheese, and the pastry adds a nice buttery element.

They look fancy but really take very little time considering the elements. If you are hosting multiple functions or parties, you can make these well ahead of time and have stock in the freezer to just heat up last minute. I guarantee this will be popular amongst your guests.

I have made these tartlets many times, and the majority have loved them, even the sceptics (including me) – it’s always an unanticipated surprise! This simple canapé recipe has become one of my go-to options for gatherings. What I particularly love about it is that they can be made several days ahead of time and frozen, which is incredibly convenient, especially when preparing for multiple events.

The combination of flavours is magic in a mouthful – the sweetness of the caramelised onion perfectly complements the intense and tangy flavour of the blue cheese, making it incredibly satisfying. The buttery pastry creates a lovely contrast to the savoury and sweet components, resulting in a harmonious blend of flavours and textures.

The versatility and make-ahead nature of these tartlets make them an excellent choice for entertaining. Whether it’s a small gathering or a larger event, having a batch of these in the freezer allows you to effortlessly serve up a delicious treat at a moment’s notice. Your guests will surely be impressed by these elegant and flavourful tartlets, and you can revel in the fact that they can be prepared with such ease.

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Caramelised Onion & Gorgonzola Tartlets

(Serves 12 Prep Time 30 mins)

You Will Need:

1. Savoury pastry tartlet shells: These pre-made pastry shells provide a convenient and delicious base for the tartlets. Made from flaky and buttery pastry, they offer the perfect canapé base.
2. Red onions: The red onions bring a sweet and pungent flavour to the dish. When cooked down, they become soft, caramelised, and rich in flavour, making them a perfect complement to the other ingredients. The onions should be sliced to keep a bit of texture & you want enough onion to put a little at the bottom of the tartlets and then top the cooked tartlets as a garnish.
3. Salted butter: The butter is used for sautéing the onions & adds a richness to the onions, enhancing their natural sweetness.
4. Brown sugar: The brown sugar helps to caramelise the onions, adding a subtle sweetness.
5. Balsamic vinegar: Balsamic vinegar adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavour to the caramelised onions. It also helps to enhance the depth of flavour and adds a touch of acidity to balance the richness of the other ingredients. Ingredients 3, 4 & 5 all work well together to add depth of flavour.
6. Gorgonzola: This creamy and tangy blue cheese adds a bold and savoury flavour to the tartlets. Its distinctive taste pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the caramelised onions and the richness of the mascarpone.
7. Mascarpone: Mascarpone cheese adds a luxurious creaminess to the filling. Its mild flavour and smooth texture provide a perfect contrast to the bold characters of the other ingredients.
8. Egg yolk: The egg yolk is used to bind the mascarpone cheese and add richness to the filling. It helps to create a smooth and creamy texture incorporating the Blue cheese.
9. Sour cream (optional): Sour cream can be added as a topping for the tartlets. It adds a tangy flavour and creamy texture that complements the richness of the tartlet filling.
10. Garlic chives: Fresh chives add a pop of colour and a subtle garlic flavour to the finished tartlets. They make a delicious garnish that enhances the overall flavour of the dish.

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (or 160°C for fan-forced ovens)
2. In a frying pan over medium-high heat, melt the knob of butter until it begins to sizzle. Add sliced onions to the pan, stirring to coat them in the melted butter.
3. Cook the onions gently, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and translucent. Lower the heat to medium and continue cooking, allowing the onions to caramelise slowly for maximum flavour development. They will naturally caramelise to a degree before adding the sugar & balsamic.
4. Once the onions are soft and have begun to caramelise, sprinkle in a spoonful of brown sugar and a splash of balsamic vinegar, stirring until they are well combined. The sugar will help to further caramelise the onions, while the balsamic vinegar adds a sweet and tangy depth of flavour.
5. Meanwhile, arrange your tartlet shells on a baking tray lined with baking paper, ready for filling.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the mascarpone and egg yolk until smooth and creamy. This mixture will provide a rich and velvety base for the tartlets.
7. Take the caramelised onion mixture off the heat, spooning approximately 1 teaspoon of the mixture into each tartlet shell. Next, crumble a teaspoon of blue cheese onto the onions in each shell.
8. Fill each tartlet shell to the top with the mascarpone and egg mixture, ensuring they are evenly filled for consistent baking.
9. Place the filled tartlets in the preheated oven and bake until they turn a golden color, which typically takes around 7-8 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
10. Once baked to perfection, remove the tartlets from the oven and allow them to cool slightly.
11. Top each tartlet with generous spoonful of caramelised onion or a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkling of freshly chopped chives.
12. Serve the tartlets warm or at room temperature, allowing guests to enjoy the irresistible combination of sweet caramelised onions, tangy blue cheese, creamy mascarpone, and zesty sour cream. These flavourful tartlets are sure to be a hit at any gathering or event & are freezable.

Helpful Hints

• Any blue cheese is fine. 

• I am not a fan of blue cheese but I love this combination & I find the Gorgonzola less sharp than some other blue cheeses.

• You could potentially “water down” the blue cheese flavour and add some feta as well or ricotta and Parmesan.

• Get creative, there are so many options here.

• You can use any pastry shells, I tend to use short crust pastry.

• You can omit the balsamic as the onions and the sugar will caramelise on medium heat after about 30mins but the balsamic vinegar is complementary to the onions.

• You can make these ahead of time and freeze them, then just heat up for 10 mins at 160 C.

• You can double the recipe and freeze the excess in an airtight container for up to 3 mths.

• You can make caramelised onions ahead of time also and store in an airtight jar in fridge to add as an accompaniment to meat, salads or have with crackers and cheese.

Caramelised Onion & Gorgonzola Tartlets

Recipe

(Serves 12 Prep 30)

Ingredients

• 12 savoury pastry tartlet shells
• 2 large red onions finely sliced
• 30 g salted butter
• 2 Tbsp brown sugar
• 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 60g Gorgonzola
• 3 Tbsp mascarpone
• 1 egg yolk
• (2 Tbsp sour cream optional)
• Garlic chives finely chopped

Method

1. Pre heat oven to 180 C (160 C Fanforced)
2. Melt butter in fry pan on medium high heat
3. Stir in the onions
4. Cook gently until soft
5. Turn heat down to medium & continue to cook
6. Add brown sugar and balsamic vinegar
7. Stir until well combined
8. Place tartlet shells on a baking tray
9. In a small bowl whisk the mascarpone and egg yolk
10. Take the onions off the heat
11. Spoon 1 tsp onion mixture into each shell
12. Add a tsp of crumbled blue cheese to each
13. Fill each tartlet to top with mascarpone mix
14. Bake until golden (approx 8mins)
15. Remove from heat
16. Top with sour cream & chives
17. Serve & enjoy!!

Wine Pairing Suggestions:

Chardonnay: A full-bodied, oaked Chardonnay can work well with the creamy Gorgonzola and provide a nice balance to the sweetness of the caramelised onions.

Sauvignon Blanc: A crisp and acidic Sauvignon Blanc can be a good choice to cut through the richness of the Gorgonzola and refresh your palate between bites.

Riesling: If you prefer a white wine with a touch of sweetness, an off-dry Riesling can complement the caramelised onions and balance the bold flavour of Gorgonzola.

Pinot Noir: A light to medium-bodied Pinot Noir can be a great red wine option. Its soft tannins and red fruit flavours won’t overpower the delicate tartlets.

Merlot: A fruit-forward and not too tannic Merlot can also be a good match, especially as the caramelised onions add a touch of sweetness to the dish.

Spotlight

Gorgonzola

Gorgonzola is a traditional cheese used in Italian cuisine & is rich in Vitamin B2, B6 and B12, lending itself toward aiding Nervous system and Immunity health. It also contains Calcium and Phosphorous, which are important for maintaining strong teeth & bones. Moreover, the probiotics found in Gorgonzola can contribute to a healthy gut flora, which is essential for digestion and overall well-being.

Additionally, the creamy texture and intense flavour of Gorgonzola make it a versatile ingredient in a multitude of dishes, adding depth and complexity to salads, sauces and even desserts.