Onion Cottage Cheese Tart Recipe

Savory Onion Cottage Cheese Tart Recipe: A Flavor Symphony

Creamy and golden, this delectable onion cottage cheese tart brings European comfort straight to your kitchen table.

Caramelized onions mingle beautifully with smooth cottage cheese in a perfectly flaky crust.

The rich, savory flavors dance across your palate with every delightful bite.

Layers of subtle sweetness from slowly cooked onions complement the tangy cottage cheese beautifully.

Each slice promises a delicate balance of textures that will surprise and delight you.

The tart emerges from the oven with a gorgeous golden-brown finish that beckons everyone to the table.

Serve this impressive dish and watch as your guests request seconds before the first round is finished.

What’s Special About Onion Cottage Cheese Tart

  • This tart offers an incredibly straightforward recipe that anyone can master, requiring minimal cooking skills and basic ingredients for a delicious result.
  • Versatile recipe allows easy modifications with different cheese types, herbs, or additional vegetables to suit personal taste preferences and pantry availability.
  • Elegant dish that looks professionally prepared but actually demands minimal culinary expertise, perfect for casual gatherings or unexpected guests.
  • Requires simple preparation steps and standard kitchen tools, transforming basic ingredients into a sophisticated meal that feels like a restaurant-quality experience.

Onion Cottage Cheese Tart: Ingredient Essentials

Base Ingredients:
  • Pie Crust: A pre-made pastry base that provides a crisp and flaky foundation for the tart.
  • Pearl Onions: Small, sweet onions that add a delicate flavor and elegant appearance to the tart.
Cheese and Egg Mixture:
  • Cottage Cheese: A soft, creamy cheese that creates a light and fluffy filling for the tart.
  • Egg: Binds the filling ingredients together and helps the tart set during baking.
  • Parmigiano Cheese: Adds a rich, sharp flavor and enhances the overall taste of the filling.
Seasoning and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the tart.
  • Black Pepper: Provides a subtle heat and aromatic touch to the dish.
  • Olive Oil: Helps to lightly coat the onions and add a subtle richness to their appearance.

Equipment for Onion Cottage Cheese Tart

  • Tart Pan: Essential for creating the perfect tart shape with removable bottom.
  • Mixing Bowl: Needed for combining cheese, egg, and seasoning ingredients.
  • Whisk: Perfect for lightly beating the egg and mixing filling components.
  • Grater: Useful for grating the parmigiano cheese finely.
  • Fork: Helps to prick the pie crust before pre-baking.
  • Sharp Knife: Required for thinly slicing pearl onions.
  • Pastry Brush: Helps to lightly oil the onion slices.
  • Measuring Spoons: Assists in accurately measuring salt.

Stepwise Guide for Onion Cottage Cheese Tart

Step 1: Create the Perfect Tart Crust

Gently press the pie crust into a tart pan, ensuring it fits snugly against the edges.

Use a fork to prick the bottom and sides of the crust, creating small holes that prevent bubbling.

Slide the crust into a preheated oven at 400°F and bake for 10 minutes until it looks lightly golden and set.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

In a mixing bowl, crack an egg and whisk it gently until smooth.

Add the following ingredients:
  • Cottage cheese
  • Grated Parmigiano cheese
  • Salt

Stir everything together until the mixture becomes a uniform, creamy blend.

Step 3: Prepare the Elegant Onion Topping

Carefully peel the pearl onions and slice them lengthwise into delicate, thin pieces.

Lightly brush the top side of each onion slice with a thin layer of olive oil, which will help them caramelize beautifully during baking.

Step 4: Assemble the Tart

Remove the pre-baked crust from the oven.

Spread the cheese and egg mixture evenly across the base, creating a smooth, consistent layer that will serve as the foundation of your tart.

Step 5: Arrange the Onion Garnish

Carefully place the oiled onion slices over the cheese filling, positioning them with the brushed side facing upward.

Sprinkle freshly cracked black pepper across the top for an extra burst of flavor.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Return the tart to the oven and bake at 400°F for 30-35 minutes.

Watch for the filling to set completely and the top to turn a beautiful golden brown color.

The tart is ready when it looks absolutely irresistible and smells heavenly.

Tips for Creamy Onion Cottage Cheese Tart

  • Prick the pie crust thoroughly with a fork before pre-baking to prevent air bubbles and ensure a crisp base.
  • Use freshly grated parmigiano for a richer, more intense taste that elevates the entire tart.
  • Arrange onion slices carefully to create an attractive, even layer that cooks uniformly and looks visually appealing.
  • Watch the tart closely during the final 10 minutes of baking to avoid over-browning while ensuring the filling sets completely.
  • Swap regular pie crust for a gluten-free version and use plant-based cheese alternatives to accommodate different dietary needs.

Creative Variations on Cottage Cheese Tart

  • Vegan Veggie Tart: Replace cottage cheese with silken tofu blended with nutritional yeast. Swap egg with ground flaxseed mixed with water. Use dairy-free pie crust and top with roasted bell peppers instead of onions.
  • Gluten-Free Herb Tart: Utilize almond flour or gluten-free pie crust as base. Incorporate fresh thyme and rosemary into cheese mixture. Substitute pearl onions with caramelized shallots for deeper flavor.
  • Mediterranean Spinach Variation: Mix feta cheese with cottage cheese. Add chopped spinach and sundried tomatoes to filling. Sprinkle za'atar spice blend on top before baking for extra zest.

Presenting & Serving Onion Cottage Cheese Tart

  • Elegant Appetizer Showcase: Slice the tart into small, triangular pieces perfect for a sophisticated cocktail party or wine night with friends.
  • Mediterranean Brunch Delight: Pair the tart with a fresh mixed green salad and serve alongside a crisp white wine for a delightful weekend morning meal.
  • Rustic Dinner Companion: Accompany the tart with roasted seasonal vegetables and a light herb garnish to create a complete, satisfying dinner plate.
  • Quick Picnic Star: Pack individual slices for an outdoor lunch, keeping them wrapped in parchment paper for an easy, portable gourmet treat.

Storing Onion Cottage Cheese Tart

  • Store the cooled tart in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and protect from absorbing other refrigerator odors.
  • Slice the tart into individual portions, wrap each piece separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Keeps well for up to 1 month.
  • Thaw frozen tart in the refrigerator overnight. Warm at 180C for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning.
  • Heat individual slices for 30-45 seconds on medium power. Check temperature and add 10-15 seconds if needed, ensuring the tart remains crisp and doesn't become soggy.

FAQs

  • What type of cheese works best in this tart?

Cottage cheese provides a creamy, light texture, while the added parmigiano gives a sharp, salty flavor. The combination creates a balanced and rich filling that complements the delicate pearl onions.

  • Can I use regular onions instead of pearl onions?

Pearl onions are recommended for their smaller size and sweeter flavor, but you can substitute with thinly sliced regular onions. Just ensure they are cut very thin to maintain the tart’s delicate texture and even cooking.

  • Is pre-baking the crust important?

Yes, pre-baking prevents a soggy bottom and ensures a crisp, flaky crust. It helps the tart maintain its structure and provides a better overall texture to the final dish.

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Onion Cottage Cheese Tart Recipe

Onion Cottage Cheese Tart Recipe


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4.8 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Rustic onion cottage cheese tart delivers a creamy, savory experience from French countryside kitchens. Mediterranean flavors blend seamlessly, promising a delightful culinary journey you will savor with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Filling:

Main Ingredients:

  • 250 grams (8.8 ounces) cottage cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 50 grams (1.8 ounces) grated parmigiano

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 40 grams (1.4 ounces) pearl onions, 3-4 onions

Seasonings and Oils:

  • 1/3 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Black pepper, to taste

Crust:

  • 1 pie crust, store-bought or homemade

Instructions

  1. Craft the tart foundation by pressing the pie crust into a tart pan, meticulously piercing the bottom and sides with a fork to prevent bubbling.
  2. Preheat the oven to 200C and pre-bake the crust for 10 minutes until lightly golden and firm.
  3. Create the creamy filling by whisking the egg in a mixing bowl, then incorporating cottage cheese, grated parmigiano, and salt until smooth and well-integrated.
  4. Prepare the pearl onions by peeling and slicing them lengthwise, then delicately brushing the top surface with olive oil for enhanced flavor and caramelization.
  5. Extract the pre-baked crust from the oven and spread the cheese mixture evenly across the base, ensuring complete coverage.
  6. Artfully arrange the oiled onion slices atop the filling, positioning them with the glossy side facing upward for visual appeal.
  7. Sprinkle freshly cracked black pepper over the tart to add a subtle kick of warmth and complexity.
  8. Return the tart to the 200C oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, monitoring until the filling sets completely and the top develops a rich, golden-brown hue.
  9. Remove from the oven and allow the tart to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing, which helps the filling stabilize and makes cutting easier.

Notes

  • Customize crust for gluten-free diets by using almond flour or gluten-free pastry dough to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Enhance flavor by caramelizing onions before adding them to the tart, which deepens their natural sweetness and adds complexity to the dish.
  • Control moisture by draining cottage cheese thoroughly using a cheesecloth to prevent excess liquid from making the tart soggy.
  • Experiment with different cheese variations like goat cheese or feta to create unique flavor profiles and add personal culinary creativity.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Food Educator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipe development, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and workshop facilitation, Content writing with a focus on healthy living​

Education

Diploma in Culinary Arts, Mt. San Jacinto College, CA
Focus: Comprehensive culinary training with an emphasis on sustainable cooking practices.

Certificate in Nutrition and Healthy Living, Cornell University (Online Program)
Focus: Understanding the principles of nutrition to create balanced and health-conscious recipes.


Clara lives where fresh ideas and fresh ingredients meet. She pairs her culinary know-how with her passion for healthy, planet-friendly cooking.
For Clara, good food should taste great, nourish your body, and feel easy to make. Her recipes highlight whole foods, colorful produce, and a deep respect for seasonal eating.

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