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    Home » Appetizers » Caramelized Onion Tartlets with Brie

    Published: Oct 12, 2021 · Updated: May 21, 2024 by Liz Cipolla · This post may contain links and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Caramelized Onion Tartlets with Brie

    These elegant and delicious bite sized Caramelized Onion Tartlets with Brie are the perfect make-ahead party appetizer. Crispy phyllo cup shells are filled with savory and sweet caramelized onions and melty cheese creating an irresistible treat everyone will want more of.

    Caramelized Onion and Brie Bites
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    These Caramelized Onion Tartlets are a simple but elegant make-ahead appetizer perfect for a casual brunch or a dressed-up holiday party. Flakey phyllo cups filled with sweet and savory caramelized onions and melty cheese create a mouthwatering combination. There are only a few ingredients in these appetizer tartlets, but I promise your guests will keep coming back for more! 

    I adore phyllo cup appetizers because they are so easy and versatile. Phyllo cup shells come frozen (already precooked) and only take a few minutes to crisp up in the oven. There are no limits to what fillings you can use in the tartlets. Since the phyllo cups come precooked, filling them after baking is also an option. These mini savory tarts are among my favorite recipes because you can caramelize the onions in advance, freeing even more time to entertain guests.

    Caramelizing onions takes a bit of patience but is surprisingly easy to make. The natural sugars become released and caramelized when onions are allowed to cook low and slow. The flavor profile completely transforms into an addicting sweet and sticky mixture. Not only are they simple, but they are incredibly delicious. It becomes difficult to resist eating them with a fork out right out of the pan! If you love them as much as I do, you'll love this post featuring 17 Ways to Use Caramelized Onions.

    Ingredients

    An unopened box of phyllo shells, four whole onions, a large wedge of brie cheese, a small glass container of chicken broth, salt, fresh thyme, olive oil , and butter on a white counter top.

    Frozen Phyllo Cup Shells: Fresh phyllo pastry sheets are notoriously difficult to work with. Thankfully, you can purchase precooked frozen phyllo cup shells at most major grocery stores, which could not be easier. They work with just about any filling you can imagine and make the perfect appetizer tartlets.  

    Yellow Onions - Sweet yellow onions work best for this onion tartlet recipe. It may seem like a large number of onions, but as they cook, the moisture is released, and their volume shrinks considerably.

    Brie Cheese - Just about any cheese you can think of would be delicious in these caramelized onion phyllo cups. Goat cheese or even feta cheese would make great alternatives.

    Vegetable or Chicken Broth - Broth is used to deglaze the pan while the onions cook. The broth ensures the onions do not dry out and burn while cooking low and slow.

    Olive Oil - We prefer using extra virgin olive oil in this recipe. 

    Butter - Use unsalted butter to control the amount of salt. It's always possible to add more salt. However, it isn't easy to salvage an overly salty dish.

    Fresh Thyme - Fresh thyme adds a beautiful pop of color and fresh taste to this appetizer tartlet recipe.

    Several caramelized onion tartlets with brie cheese on a white counter top with a sprig of fresh thyme.

    How to Make Caramelized Onion Mini Tarts

    Caramelizing The Onions

    1. First, thinly slice the onions and add them to a sauté pan with olive oil and butter. Like many others, slicing onions makes my eyes water like crazy. I have found these onion goggles work wonders if this happens. They might make you look funny, but they sure make slicing onions much easier! 
    2. Next, cook the onions over medium to medium/low heat, stirring every 5 minutes for 35 to 45 minutes. At this point, if the onions become too dry in the pan, add a small amount of chicken or vegetable broth to keep them moist. 
    A photo on the left of a large cast iron skillet with four onions peeled and thinly sliced on a white platter. On the left the same photo with the onions reduced after cooking for forty five minutes.
    1. Continue sautéing the onions for 15 to 30 more minutes until the color slowly turns from golden brown to a deep amber color. The onions will continue to darken the longer they cook. You will also notice the volume of onions has significantly reduced and become a mix of sticky, sweet brown deliciousness. Once done, add salt to taste.
    2. Place the caramelized onions in a bowl and set aside. If making in advance, place the onions in an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.
    A photo on the left of a large cast iron pan with a small amount of caramelized onions on a white counter top and a picture on the left of a small white bowl with caramelized onions in it on a white counter top.

    Making the Caramelized Onion Tartlets

    1. Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Then, remove the phyllo cup shells from the package and place them on a large baking sheet. 
    2. Next, fill each phyllo shell with about one teaspoon of creamy brie cheese and bake for five minutes. 
    A photo on the left of a baking sheet pan with fifteen empty phyllo shell cups and a photo on the right of the same pan with the phyllo shells filled with creamy brie cheese.
    1. Remove the tartlets from the oven and top with about half a teaspoon of caramelized onions. 
    2. Finally, garnish the cheese and onion tartlets with fresh thyme. Serve warm or at room temperature.
    A photo on the left of a baking sheet pan with fifteen phyllo shell cups with melted brie cheese topped with caramelized onions and the same caramelized onion tartlets on the right garnished with fresh thyme leaves.

    Variations and Substitutions

    Use a different cheese - Just about any cheese works with this recipe. I prefer a creamy cheese; however, onion tartlets with goat cheese or feta cheese would be as delicious. 

    Bourbon caramelized onions: While the onions are caramelizing, add a splash of bourbon to the mixture and allow the alcohol to cook-off. What will be left is a subtle, delicious bourbon flavor.    

    Vegan caramelized onion tartlets: Omit the butter and cheese and use vegetable broth to make this tartlet appetizer vegan. Add some chopped mushrooms sauteed in olive oil for a delicious twist in place of cheese.

    A close up picture of a caramelized onion tartlet with phyllo shells and brie cheese on a wooden cutting board with a jar of caramelized onions in the background.

    Tips For This Recipe

    • Using four large onions will seem like a large amount. Make sure to use the full amount the recipe calls for as they cook down in volume significantly. 
    • Add broth to prevent burning if the onions look like they may be drying out while cooking. Add a tablespoon of chicken broth or vegetable broth to deglaze the pan and prevent the onions from becoming too dry. 
    Eight caramelized onion tartlets on a white counter top with a jar of caramelized onions and a white ramekin of fresh thyme on a wooden cutting board.

    FAQ's

    What else can I do with caramelized onions?

    If you have any caramelized onions left over, they're such an amazing ingredient to add to just about any dish. Use them in a grilled cheese sandwich, a topping on burgers, add them to a salad, use them as a garnish with soup or even sprinkle some on top of pizza. You are really only limited to your imagination!

    How long do caramelized onions stay good?

    Caramelized onions will stay fresh for up to three days in advance if kept refrigerated in an airtight container.

    Can you prep caramelized onions ahead of time?

    Yes, because caramelized onions take so long to make, they are best prepared in advance. Store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days.

    How do you make caramelized onions better?

    Add a splash of bourbon, chicken broth, or even maple syrup while the onions cook to add additional flavor.

    More Related Recipes

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    Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Palmiers

    Easy Cheesy Jalapeño Corn Bites

    Several caramelized onion tartlets garnished with fresh thyme on a white platter.

    Caramelized Onion Tartlets with Brie

    These elegant and delicious bite sized Caramelized Onion Tartlets are the perfect make-ahead party appetizer. Crispy phyllo cup shells are filled with savory and sweet caramelized onions and melty cheese creating an irresistibly everyone will want more of.
    4.84 from 12 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 50 minutes mins
    Total Time 55 minutes mins
    Course Appetizer, Snack
    Cuisine American
    Servings 15 Mini Tartlets
    Calories 63 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 box frozen phyllo cups (15 per box)
    • 4 medium yellow onions peeled and thinly sliced
    • 4 oz brie cheese
    • ¼ cup chicken broth
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
    • salt to taste
    • fresh thyme for garnish

    Instructions
     

    Caramelizing The Onions

    • Add butter and olive oil to a large skillet along with the onions and sauté over medium heat making sure to stir every 5 minutes.
    • Cook the onions over medium to medium/low heat, stirring every 5 minutes for 35- 45 minutes. At this point, if the onions become too dry in the pan, add a small amount of chicken or vegetable broth to keep them moist. 
    • Continue to sauté the onions for 15 to 30 minutes longer until the color slowly turns from golden brown to a deep amber color. The onions will continue to darken the longer they cook. You will also notice the volume of onions has significantly reduced as well. Once done, season with salt to taste.
    • Transfer the caramelized onions to a bowl and set aside. If making in advance, place the onions in an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.

    Assembling The Caramelized Onion Mini Tarts

    • Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Then, remove the phyllo cup shells from the package and place them on a large baking sheet. 
    • Fill each phyllo shell cup with about one teaspoon of creamy brie cheese and bake for five minutes. 
    • Remove the tartlets from the oven and top with about half a teaspoon of caramelized onions. 
    • Garnish the cheese and onion tartlets with fresh thyme. Serve warm or at room temperature.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1TartletCalories: 63kcalCarbohydrates: 4.3gProtein: 2.2gFat: 4.3gCholesterol: 12mgSodium: 71mgPotassium: 58mgFiber: 0.6gCalcium: 22mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jen says

      November 24, 2023 at 1:36 pm

      5 stars
      I served these yesterday for Thanksgiving; they were so good! I caramelized the onions the day before to save time. What a huge hit these were, I will definitely make these again!

      Reply
    2. Bernadette says

      November 09, 2023 at 4:48 pm

      5 stars
      This looks like the perfect savory pop in your mouth app.

      Reply
    3. Catherine Sokolowski says

      April 15, 2023 at 1:01 am

      5 stars
      I am so excited about trying these! I can't wait to have an excuse to make them!

      Reply
    4. Kerryanne says

      April 14, 2023 at 9:18 am

      5 stars
      These look and sound amazing!
      Thank you for sharing your caramelised onion brie bites recipe at Create, Bake, Grow & Gather this week. I'm delighted to be featuring your recipe at tonight's party and pinning too.
      Hugs ~ Kerryanne

      Reply
    5. Michelle says

      April 05, 2023 at 1:12 pm

      5 stars
      I love bitesize appetizers, and these look so tasty! A recipe to try for sure - pinning!
      Popping by from the Creative Muster Party 🙂

      Reply
    6. Kelly P says

      December 14, 2021 at 8:12 pm

      5 stars
      These are so easy and cute. We didn't have any left by the end of the night!

      Reply
    4.84 from 12 votes (6 ratings without comment)

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