If you’re a fan of sweet-savory combos that just *wow* your taste buds, you’re going to adore this Apple Brie & Caramelized Onion Tart with Pomegranate Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to pull off, and it brings such an amazing harmony of flavors and textures. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy weekend brunch, a simple dinner, or a festive gathering, this tart will have everyone asking for seconds (trust me!). Grab your favorite apples and let’s dive in — I can’t wait to share all my tips to help you nail this recipe perfectly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredible Flavor Balance: The sweetness of caramelized onions and apples pairs beautifully with creamy brie and tart pomegranate.
- Easy Yet Elegant: Puff pastry makes this look gourmet without a ton of fuss or fancy techniques.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it warm from the oven or at room temperature, perfect for any occasion.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare parts in advance and assemble right before baking—super convenient!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Apple Brie & Caramelized Onion Tart with Pomegranate Recipe lies in its simple ingredients working in perfect harmony. Choosing the right apples and quality brie really elevates the dish, so I’ll share what’s worked best for me along the way.
- Sweet onions: Yellow or Vidalia onions work best for that deep, natural sweetness when caramelized.
- Olive oil: Use good quality olive oil for richness when cooking the onions.
- Butter: Adds indulgence and helps those onions caramelize beautifully.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and drawing out onion sweetness.
- Puff pastry sheet: Frozen ready-rolled puff pastry saves so much time—just thaw as directed.
- Apples: I like sweet-tart varieties like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady for brightness and texture.
- Brie cheese: Choose a creamy brie with the rind on – thinly sliced for even melting.
- Egg and water for egg wash: Gives the puff pastry that beautiful golden shine.
- Pomegranate arils: These add a jewel-like pop of color and tartness that’s irresistible.
- Pomegranate molasses: A drizzle of this syrup finishes the tart with tangy sweetness—it’s a game changer.
Variations
While I love this tart as written, I encourage you to customize it to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. I’ve tried a few tweaks over time that make this recipe feel new and exciting every time.
- Swap the cheese: I’ve made it with goat cheese or Camembert for a tangier or milder flavor, and it’s just as delicious!
- Add fresh herbs: A sprinkle of thyme or rosemary over the onions before baking adds a fragrant herbal note I adore.
- Make it vegan: Use vegan puff pastry and substitute brie with a plant-based cheese, plus olive oil in place of butter for caramelizing the onions.
- Use different fruit: Pears work wonderfully if you want a softer, sweeter fruit layer instead of apples.
How to Make Apple Brie & Caramelized Onion Tart with Pomegranate Recipe
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions to Sweet Perfection
The secret to this tart’s depth of flavor is in those onions. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-low heat and add your thinly sliced onions with a big pinch of kosher salt. Stir frequently and let them slowly transform, turning golden and sweet over 25-30 minutes. I always keep an eye on them and lower the heat if they start to brown too fast—burnt onions can ruin the dish! They don’t need to be completely caramelized here because they’ll cook a bit more in the oven.
Step 2: Prepare Your Puff Pastry Base
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay out your thawed puff pastry on the sheet. If you’re feeling creative, you can twist extra pastry strips around the edges for a pretty border, but honestly, the simple square tastes just as incredible and saves time.
Step 3: Layer the Flavors
Spread the caramelized onions evenly across the puff pastry, leaving a small border around the edges. Next, layer on those gorgeous slices of brie, letting them overlap slightly. Then, fan out the thin apple slices on top—this layered assembly creates a beautiful contrast of textures and tastes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper if you like. Finally, brush the exposed pastry border with your egg wash to get that golden shine.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Puffed
Bake your tart for 20-25 minutes, until the puff pastry is beautifully golden and puffed up. The smells that fill your kitchen here are going to be incredible—apple, onion, butter, and cheese all coming together. When it’s out of the oven, immediately scatter the pomegranate arils over the top and drizzle generously with pomegranate molasses. The tartness and juice bursts from the pomegranate are what really set this recipe apart.
Pro Tips for Making Apple Brie & Caramelized Onion Tart with Pomegranate Recipe
- Low and Slow Onions: Don’t rush caramelizing onions! The low heat brings out maximum sweetness without bitterness.
- Keep Apples Thin: Thin apple slices cook quickly and meld perfectly with the cheese without making the tart soggy.
- Don’t Skip the Egg Wash: Brushing the crust ensures a glossy, golden finish that elevates the tart’s presentation.
- Fresh Pomegranate on Top: Add the arils right after baking to keep their crunch and fresh burst of flavor.
How to Serve Apple Brie & Caramelized Onion Tart with Pomegranate Recipe
Garnishes
I love finishing this tart with extra pomegranate arils for color and a drizzle of pomegranate molasses for that surprise tang. Sometimes I sprinkle a few fresh thyme leaves on top, too—it adds such a lovely earthy aroma that complements the cheese beautifully.
Side Dishes
This tart pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or even a bowl of butternut squash soup for a cozy combo. For brunch, I like serving it alongside scrambled eggs or a crisp apple cider mimosa to highlight the apple notes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I sometimes make mini tarts using a muffin tin and puff pastry squares—perfect for passing around a party. You can also break this tart into rustic wedges and serve on a wooden board with a few clusters of grapes and nuts for an elegant cheese board vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover tart wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. It keeps its flavor well, but the puff pastry can lose some crispness, which leads me to my reheating tip.
Freezing
Freezing the assembled tart before baking is possible, but I recommend freezing it unbaked without the pomegranate arils and molasses. When ready to cook, just bake straight from frozen and add toppings after baking. This method worked well when I prepped for a dinner party!
Reheating
To reheat, I gently warm the tart in a 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes to restore the puff pastry’s crispness without drying out the filling. Avoid the microwave—it tends to make the pastry soggy. Add fresh pomegranate arils after reheating to bring back that fresh burst.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of cheese instead of brie in this tart?
Absolutely! While brie is creamy and mild, goat cheese, Camembert, or even a soft blue cheese can work well if you prefer a different flavor profile. Just keep the slices thin to ensure even melting.
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What kind of apples work best for this tart?
I recommend sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Fuji. They hold their shape well when baked and balance sweetness with a nice tang, which pairs perfectly with brie and onions.
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Can I make this tart gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free puff pastry available at many grocery stores nowadays. Just make sure to check the brand’s baking instructions for best results.
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How should I store leftover tart to keep it fresh?
Wrap leftovers tightly and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven to maintain that delicious flaky crust and warm filling.
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Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! Caramelize the onions a day ahead and prep your apples so assembly is quick. Keep the puff pastry chilled until ready to assemble and bake.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Apple Brie & Caramelized Onion Tart with Pomegranate Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen repertoire because it’s one of those dishes that feels gourmet but is approachable enough for any weeknight. I remember making it for my family the first time and watching everyone’s faces light up with the first bite—it’s that good. You’ll enjoy how the sweet, savory, creamy, and tart flavors come together in perfect harmony. So go ahead, give it a try and treat yourself and your loved ones to something truly delicious and a little bit special!
PrintApple Brie & Caramelized Onion Tart with Pomegranate Recipe
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 people 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
Description
This Apple Brie & Caramelized Onion Tart combines sweet, savory, and tangy flavors with a flaky puff pastry crust. Caramelized onions provide a rich base, complemented by creamy brie and thinly sliced apples. Topped with pomegranate arils and a drizzle of pomegranate molasses, this tart offers a beautiful balance perfect for a warm appetizer or light meal.
Ingredients
Caramelized Onions
- 2 sweet onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Kosher salt, to taste
Tart Base & Topping
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed if frozen
- 2 apples, thinly sliced
- 8 ounces brie cheese, thinly sliced
- 1 egg + 1 tablespoon water, beaten together for egg wash
- ⅓ cup pomegranate arils
- Pomegranate molasses, for drizzling
Instructions
- Caramelize Onions: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions with a big pinch of kosher salt and stir to combine. Cook, stirring often, until the onions become golden and caramelized, about 25 to 30 minutes. Reduce heat as needed to prevent burning. The onions don’t need to be fully caramelized as they will bake further in the oven.
- Prepare the Oven and Pastry: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the thawed puff pastry sheet on it. Optionally, create a decorative edge by twisting strips of additional puff pastry and placing them around the edges.
- Assemble the Tart: Spread the caramelized onions evenly over the puff pastry. Layer the brie cheese slices on top of the onions, then arrange the thinly sliced apples on the cheese. Lightly season with salt and pepper if desired. Brush the exposed edges of the pastry with the egg wash mixture.
- Bake the Tart: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed up.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the tart from the oven. Immediately sprinkle the pomegranate arils over the top and drizzle with pomegranate molasses. Slice into portions and serve warm. Leftovers can be reheated briefly in a low oven to restore crispness.
Notes
- Use low heat to caramelize onions slowly to avoid burning and develop sweetness.
- The tart is best served warm but can be enjoyed at room temperature.
- Leftovers reheat well in a low-temperature oven to maintain flakiness.
- If puff pastry is frozen, allow it to thaw fully in the refrigerator before assembling.
- The pomegranate molasses adds a bright tangy contrast—do not skip this step.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 tart
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 50mg