Upside-Down Onion and Gruyere Tarts with Hot Honey Drizzle

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Golden, flaky, and irresistibly savory-sweet, these Upside-Down Onion and Gruyere Tarts with Hot Honey Drizzle are a showstopper for brunches, holiday parties, or an elevated everyday snack. Each tart features a caramelized round of onion nestled into buttery puff pastry, with melted Gruyere cheese lending its nutty richness to every bite. Drizzled with hot honey and sprinkled with fresh thyme, the flavor is a complex blend of sweet, salty, and tangy with a whisper of heat.

These tarts are not just a treat for the palate—they’re visually stunning with their rustic, golden-brown finish and herb-flecked sheen. Best of all, they’re deceptively easy to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients and prep time. Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or main course with a leafy green salad, this is the kind of dish that turns everyday ingredients into something truly extraordinary.

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Ingredients for Upside-Down Onion and Gruyere Tarts with Hot Honey Drizzle

• 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
• 2 medium yellow onions, sliced into ¼ inch rounds
• 1 cup grated Gruyere cheese
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh thyme sprigs
• Hot honey, for drizzling (store-bought or homemade: honey + chili flakes)

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Step 1: Prepare the Onion Base

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with the olive oil. Once hot, add the sliced onions in a single layer and cook for about 5–6 minutes per side until they become golden and slightly caramelized. Sprinkle in the brown sugar and balsamic vinegar, then stir gently. Season with salt and a generous crack of black pepper. Remove from heat once the onions are soft and golden.

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Step 2: Arrange the Onion Rounds

On the parchment-lined baking sheet, place the caramelized onion rounds about 2–3 inches apart. Sprinkle some fresh thyme leaves on top of each slice. These will become the tops of your tarts when flipped later, so make sure they look pretty and well-seasoned.

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Step 3: Add the Cheese Layer

Generously mound about 2 tablespoons of grated Gruyere cheese over each onion round. Let the cheese spread slightly wider than the onions for extra crispy edges. The Gruyere will melt down into the onions and provide a rich, nutty base.

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Step 4: Top with Puff Pastry

Cut the puff pastry sheet into squares just large enough to cover each cheese-and-onion mound (about 3×3 inches). Gently place one square over each stack, tucking the edges in slightly if needed to encase the filling. Press the edges softly to help them stay sealed during baking.

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Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Transfer the tray to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is deeply golden and puffed. Rotate the tray halfway through to ensure even baking. Once done, let them cool for a couple of minutes before flipping each tart upside down using a spatula.

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Step 6: Drizzle and Garnish

Once flipped, drizzle each tart with a light stream of hot honey. Garnish with extra thyme and a small pinch of flaky salt if desired. Serve warm and enjoy the perfect balance of crisp pastry, creamy cheese, sweet caramelized onion, and spicy honey.

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Estimated Nutrition (per tart, assuming 6 tarts total)

• Calories: ~230 kcal
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 220mg

Note: Nutrition values may vary based on specific brands and quantities used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of onions work best for this recipe?

Yellow onions are ideal because they balance sweetness and depth, especially when caramelized. However, red or sweet Vidalia onions can also be used for different flavor notes.

Can I substitute Gruyere cheese?

Absolutely! Fontina, Emmental, or even sharp white cheddar work well if Gruyere isn’t available.

Is it necessary to use hot honey?

Hot honey adds a nice kick, but you can use plain honey or omit it altogether if preferred. You can also make your own by warming honey with chili flakes.

How do I prevent soggy bottoms?

Ensure your onions are well-cooked and moisture is reduced before assembling. Baking on parchment and flipping promptly also helps keep the pastry crisp.

Can I make these ahead of time?

You can caramelize the onions and prepare the pastry squares a day ahead. Assemble and bake just before serving for best results.

What pairs well with these tarts?

Serve with a simple green salad, a glass of dry white wine, or alongside a charcuterie board as an appetizer.

Are these tarts vegetarian?

Yes! All the ingredients are vegetarian-friendly. Just ensure the puff pastry doesn’t contain animal fats if that’s a concern.

Can kids eat these with the hot honey?

If kids are sensitive to spice, either skip the hot honey or use regular honey for a milder flavor.

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