My goat cheese tartlets with caramelized onions are one of my favorite appetizers to prepare when I want something elegant but simple. The puff pastry keeps them light and flaky, while the creamy goat cheese and sweet balsamic onions bring a perfect balance of richness and tang. These are the type of little bites I put out for the holidays, and they’re always the first to disappear.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s easy but feels impressive. The puff pastry gives me a professional-looking base without much work, and the goat cheese provides a tangy creaminess that pairs so well with the balsamic onions. I also love that I can prepare them ahead of time and just bake when I’m ready to serve. They pair beautifully with a glass of champagne or even a simple glass of wine, which makes them one of my go-to appetizers for entertaining.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Puff pastry sheets

• Crumbled goat cheese

• Yellow onion

• Red onion

• Olive oil

• Balsamic vinegar

• Honey

• Fresh rosemary

• Salt and pepper

Directions

1. I start by preheating my oven to 400°F (205°C).

2. I slice the onions very thin and cook them in olive oil until soft and caramelized. Then I add the balsamic vinegar and let it reduce, followed by honey, rosemary, salt, and pepper.

3. While the onions cook, I cut out 3-inch circles of puff pastry and fit them into a mini muffin tin to form little tart shells.

4. I place about ½ teaspoon of goat cheese into each tart shell.

5. Once the onion mixture cools slightly, I spoon it on top of the cheese.

6. I bake the tartlets for 10–12 minutes until the pastry is golden and flaky.

7. I let them cool for just a few minutes before serving so they hold together better.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 24 mini tartlets. Prep takes about 30 minutes, and baking takes 10–12 minutes, so I usually have them ready in around 40–45 minutes total.

Variations

• I sometimes swap goat cheese for brie or blue cheese, depending on what I have on hand.

• For a sweet twist, I’ve added a thin layer of fig jam or sautéed apples beneath the onion layer.

• Using gluten-free puff pastry works just as well if I’m serving guests with dietary restrictions.

Storage/Reheating

I like to prepare these tartlets ahead of time, keep them in the muffin tin, and refrigerate or freeze until I’m ready to bake. If frozen, I bake them straight from the freezer—no need to thaw. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 2–3 days and reheated in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I make these tartlets a day ahead?

Yes, I usually assemble them the day before, refrigerate, and then bake fresh before serving.

Can I freeze goat cheese tartlets?

Absolutely, I freeze them right in the muffin tin and bake directly from frozen.

What other cheeses can I use instead of goat cheese?

I like to substitute brie or blue cheese if I want something creamier or stronger in flavor.

How do I keep the puff pastry from getting soggy?

I make sure the onion mixture cools before topping, and I always keep the pastry chilled until it goes in the oven.

What’s the best way to serve these at a party?

I like to place them on a simple white platter, garnish with a sprig of rosemary, and serve them warm with napkins since puff pastry can be a little flaky.

Conclusion

These goat cheese tartlets are one of my favorite appetizers because they’re elegant, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of flaky pastry, tangy cheese, and sweet caramelized onions is irresistible, and I love that I can prep them ahead for stress-free entertaining. Whether I serve them at the holidays or for a casual gathering, they’re always the first to vanish from the platter.