Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart – A Savory Autumn Delight

Growing up, my mom would make the most amazing Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart every year as the weather turned crisp. The aroma of the sweet onions and roasted squash would fill our home, and it always felt like the start of the cozy autumn season. I can still vividly remember the first time I took a bite – the flaky crust, the creamy filling, and the caramelized onions that melted in my mouth. It was love at first taste, and this dish has become a cherished tradition in our family ever since.

Why This Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart Recipe Will Become Your Go-To

The Secret Behind Perfect Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart

There’s something truly special about this Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart recipe. The secret lies in the perfect balance of flavors and textures – the sweet, earthy butternut squash, the savory and subtly sweet caramelized onions, and the rich, creamy custard-like filling. But what really sets this tart apart is the technique used to create those caramelized onions. By slowly simmering the onions with a touch of brown sugar, you end up with a deep, complex flavor that takes this dish to the next level.

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need

The key ingredients that make this Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart so special are:

• 1 pound butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed: This versatile squash provides a wonderful sweetness and creamy texture to the filling.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used to roast the butternut squash to perfection, bringing out its natural flavor.
• 1 teaspoon salt, divided: Helps to enhance all the flavors in the tart.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided: Adds a subtle warmth and depth to the dish.
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced: The star of the show, these onions caramelize to create a rich, complex flavor.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Helps the onions caramelize beautifully.
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar: The secret ingredient that takes the caramelized onions to the next level.
• 1 pre-made pie crust: Provides a flaky, buttery base for the tart.
• 2 eggs: Helps to create the creamy custard-like texture of the filling.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream: Adds richness and a luxurious mouthfeel.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Provides a savory, nutty note that complements the other flavors perfectly.

Step-by-Step Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart Instructions

Preparing Your Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart

Preparing this Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart is a breeze, with a total time of 75 minutes – 15 minutes for prep and 60 minutes for cooking. To get started, you’ll need a large baking sheet, a skillet, a mixing bowl, and a pie dish.

1- Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F. Then, toss the cubed butternut squash with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Spread the seasoned squash out on the baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, until tender and lightly caramelized.

2- While the squash is roasting, heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes until they’re deeply caramelized and sweet.

3- Once the onions are caramelized, sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of brown sugar and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved and the onions are sticky and glossy.

4- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 eggs, 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.

5- Arrange the pre-made pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish, then layer the roasted butternut squash and caramelized onions on top. Pour the egg mixture over the top, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.

6- Bake the Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart for 30-35 minutes, until the center is set and the top is golden brown. Allow the tart to cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Pro Tips for Success

1- For the best caramelized onions, be sure to slice them thinly and cook them low and slow. This allows the natural sugars to slowly break down and develop that delicious, sweet-savory flavor.

2- Roasting the butternut squash before adding it to the tart ensures that it’s perfectly tender and brings out its natural sweetness.

3- Using a pre-made pie crust saves time and ensures a flaky, buttery base for the tart. However, you can also make your own homemade crust if you prefer.

4- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses – a mix of Parmesan and gruyère or cheddar would also be delicious in this tart.

Serving and Storing Your Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart

Perfect Pairings for Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart

This Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart is the perfect centerpiece for your autumn table, serving 6 generous slices. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette, and a crusty loaf of bread to soak up any extra filling. As for beverages, a dry white wine or a robust red would complement the flavors beautifully. And for a cozy, fireside gathering, a warm apple cider or a seasonal craft beer would be the perfect accompaniment.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

The great thing about this Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart is that it can be made in advance, making it the perfect dish for busy holiday gatherings or meal prepping. Once baked and cooled, the tart can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Simply reheat individual slices in the oven or microwave when ready to serve.

If you’d like to make it even further in advance, you can freeze the baked tart for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then warm it in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart

Creative Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart Variations

While this classic Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart is already a showstopper, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on it. Try swapping out the butternut squash for a different variety, like acorn or delicata squash, for a fun seasonal twist. You could also add in some crumbled bacon or chopped pecans for extra texture and flavor. And for a more savory take, try replacing the Parmesan with crumbled feta or goat cheese.

Making Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart Diet-Friendly

To make this Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart more diet-friendly, you can try a few simple swaps. For a gluten-free version, use a pre-made gluten-free pie crust or make your own with a gluten-free flour blend. If you’re watching your carbs, you can skip the crust altogether and bake the filling in a greased pie dish or ramekins.

For a vegan adaptation, replace the eggs and heavy cream with a plant-based milk and a commercial vegan egg replacer. You can also swap the Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free alternative, like cashew-based parmesan or nutritional yeast. The caramelized onions and roasted squash will still provide plenty of flavor and richness to this versatile tart.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different type of squash in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! While the recipe calls for butternut squash, you can easily substitute other winter squash varieties like acorn, delicata, or kabocha squash. Just make sure to adjust the roasting time as needed.

Q: How long does it take to make this Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart?
A: This recipe has a total time of 75 minutes, with 15 minutes of prep time and 60 minutes of cook time. The prep work involves roasting the butternut squash and caramelizing the onions, while the baking time for the tart itself is around 30-35 minutes.

Q: Can I make this tart ahead of time?
A: Yes, this Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart is perfect for making in advance. The baked tart can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and it can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply reheat individual slices when ready to serve.

Q: How many servings does this tart make?
A: This recipe yields 6 generous servings of Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart. It’s a great dish to serve for a small gathering or as part of a larger holiday spread.

Q: What if my onions aren’t caramelizing properly?
A: If you’re having trouble getting your onions to caramelize, make sure you’re slicing them thinly and cooking them over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for the full 20-25 minutes. Adding the brown sugar at the end helps to give them that beautiful glossy, sticky texture.

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Conclusion

This Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart is a true autumn gem – a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and creamy flavors that will have your guests raving. With its flaky crust, velvety filling, and those irresistible caramelized onions, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a new fall favorite in your household. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a cozy, comforting masterpiece that will have everyone coming back for seconds. I can’t wait to hear what you think of this Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart recipe!