French Onion Tartlets with Cream Cheese and Herbs Recipe
These French Onion Tartlets are a delightful appetizer featuring sweet, caramelized onions seasoned with thyme and white wine, combined with a creamy cheese filling, all nestled in crisp mini fillo shells. Perfect for parties or elegant snacks, they blend classic French flavors into bite-sized treats.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 30 tartlets
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Filling
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 2 medium yellow onions, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, picked from stem
- 1 tablespoon dry white wine
- 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Shells
- 30 mini fillo dough shells
Instructions
- Caramelize Onions: In a skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped yellow onions, season with salt and pepper, and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn golden brown and caramelized, about 20-25 minutes.
- Add Thyme and Wine: Stir in the fresh thyme leaves and pour in the dry white wine. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes to let the wine reduce and flavors meld. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Prepare Filling: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and lightly beaten egg. Mix until smooth and well blended.
- Combine Mixtures: Add the caramelized onion mixture and chopped parsley to the cream cheese mixture. Stir gently until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Fill Shells: Spoon the onion and cream cheese mixture evenly into the 30 mini fillo dough shells, filling each shell generously.
- Bake Tartlets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the filled tartlets on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the filling is set and the shells are crisp and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving warm. These tartlets make an elegant appetizer or party snack.
Notes
- You can prepare the caramelized onions a day ahead and refrigerate for convenience.
- If mini fillo shells are unavailable, small tartlet shells or phyllo pastry can be shaped and baked before filling.
- For a richer flavor, sprinkle some grated Gruyère or Parmesan cheese on top before baking.
- These tartlets are best served fresh but can be reheated gently in the oven.
- Make sure not to overfill the shells to prevent spilling during baking.
