Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart – A Delightful Fall Delight

Growing up, the scent of caramelized onions and roasted butternut squash would fill the air every autumn. It was a tradition in our family to bake this Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart as the leaves turned golden and the air grew crisp. There’s something so comforting about the sweet, savory, and spiced flavors that just makes this tart the ultimate fall treat.

I remember watching my grandma carefully prepare the buttery crust, layer the tender squash, and slow-cook the onions until they were perfectly golden. The anticipation as the tart baked, that first slice when it emerged warm from the oven – it’s a memory I cherish to this day. This Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart has become a staple in my own kitchen, a recipe I turn to whenever I need a taste of nostalgia and cozy autumn bliss.

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

The Secret Behind Perfect Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart

The secret to this Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart is in the slow, attentive caramelization of the onions. By taking the time to cook the onions low and slow, they develop a rich, sweet, and deeply savory flavor that perfectly complements the earthy butternut squash. The creamy custard filling, spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, ties all the flavors together in a harmonious and indulgent way.

But the real magic happens when you take that first bite and experience the contrast of the flaky, buttery crust, the tender squash, the caramelized onions, and the silky custard. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance. This Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart is truly a labor of love, but the end result is so worth it.

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart, you’ll need a few key ingredients:

• 1 sheet pre-made pie crust – Using a high-quality, store-bought pie crust makes this recipe a breeze, allowing you to focus on the filling.
• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed (about 3 cups) – Butternut squash is the star of this dish, providing a lovely sweetness and creamy texture when roasted.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – The olive oil helps the squash caramelize and develop a delightful depth of flavor.
• 1 teaspoon salt, divided – Salt is essential for balancing the sweetness and bringing out the best in all the ingredients.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided – A touch of black pepper adds a subtle warmth and complexity to the tart.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – The butter is key for caramelizing the onions to perfection.
• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced – Slowly caramelizing the onions is what gives this tart its signature flavor.
• 2 eggs – The eggs help create a rich, custard-like filling.
• 1 cup heavy cream – The heavy cream adds a luxurious, velvety texture to the filling.
• 1/4 cup brown sugar – The brown sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the squash and onions.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Cinnamon adds a warm, aromatic note that ties the flavors together.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg – Nutmeg provides a subtle, earthy spice that complements the other flavors beautifully.

Step-by-Step Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart Instructions

Preparing Your Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart

Preparing this Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart takes just 30 minutes of active time, with a total time of 90 minutes from start to finish. You’ll need a 9-inch pie dish, a baking sheet, a large skillet, and a few other basic kitchen tools.

1- Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel, seed, and cube the butternut squash, then toss the cubes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Spread the seasoned squash cubes on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, until tender and lightly caramelized.

2- While the squash is roasting, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 30-35 minutes, until the onions are deeply golden and caramelized.

3- In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 eggs, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.

4- Once the squash is roasted and the onions are caramelized, arrange the pre-made pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish. Layer the roasted squash cubes in the crust, then top with the caramelized onions. Carefully pour the egg-cream mixture over the top.

5- Bake the Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart for 40-45 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden. Allow the tart to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

6- Slice the Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart into 8 even pieces and serve warm. Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spiced flavors in every bite.

Pro Tips for Success

1. For the best caramelized onions, be patient and cook them low and slow. This allows the natural sugars to slowly break down and develop a rich, sweet flavor.
2. Roast the butternut squash in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure even caramelization. Tossing the cubes in olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting helps them achieve a delightful golden-brown color.
3. Use a high-quality, store-bought pie crust to save time, or make your own if you prefer a homemade touch. Ensure the crust is properly chilled before assembling the tart.
4. Be careful not to overmix the egg-cream filling, as this can lead to a dense, rubbery texture. Gently whisk the ingredients together until just combined.
5. Allow the Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This will help the filling set and make for cleaner, more presentable slices.
6. Consider serving the tart with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Serving and Storing Your Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart

Perfect Pairings for Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart

This Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart is a true showstopper and serves 8 people. It makes for a wonderful centerpiece on your autumn table, paired perfectly with a crisp green salad, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a warm, crusty loaf of bread.

For beverages, a bold red wine or a spiced apple cider would complement the flavors beautifully. If you’re looking to impress your guests, consider serving the tart with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of toasted pecans for an extra touch of elegance.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored and reheated with great results. If you have leftovers, simply cover the tart and refrigerate it for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

For make-ahead convenience, you can prepare the tart up to 2 days in advance. Assemble the tart, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. On the day of, simply pop it in the oven and bake as directed. This allows you to get a head start on your prep work and serve a delicious, freshly baked tart to your guests.

If you’d like to freeze the Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart, bake it as directed, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw the tart in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.

Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart

Creative Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart Variations

While the classic Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart is a true delight, there are plenty of ways to put a personal spin on this recipe.

Try swapping the butternut squash for other fall favorites, like sweet potatoes, pumpkin, or a combination of both. You could also experiment with different types of onions, such as shallots or red onions, to create unique flavor profiles.

For a touch of crunch, sprinkle the top of the tart with toasted pecans, walnuts, or even a streusel topping. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a layer of crumbled goat cheese or feta to complement the sweetness of the squash and onions.

Making Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart Diet-Friendly

To make this Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart more diet-friendly, there are a few simple swaps you can try. For a gluten-free version, use a pre-made gluten-free pie crust or make your own using a gluten-free flour blend.

For a vegan twist, replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk, and use a plant-based butter or olive oil instead of the traditional unsalted butter. You can also omit the eggs and use a vegan custard recipe as the filling.

If you’re watching your carb intake, you can replace the pre-made pie crust with a low-carb alternative, such as a almond flour or cauliflower crust. Simply adjust the baking time as needed to accommodate the different crust.

No matter which dietary restrictions you’re working with, this Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart can be easily adapted to suit your needs while still delivering all the cozy, autumnal flavors you crave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different type of squash instead of butternut?
A: Absolutely! You can substitute other types of winter squash, such as acorn, delicata, or even pumpkin, in this recipe. The cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly, but the overall flavor profile will remain delicious.

Q: How long does it take to caramelize the onions?
A: Caramelizing the onions properly takes time – around 30-35 minutes of slow cooking over medium-low heat. This allows the natural sugars in the onions to break down and develop that rich, sweet flavor.

Q: Can I make this tart ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare this Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart up to 2 days in advance. Assemble the tart, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. On the day of, simply pop it in the oven and bake as directed.

Q: How many servings does this tart make?
A: This Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart recipe serves 8 people. The recipe can be easily doubled or halved to accommodate larger or smaller gatherings.

Q: What if the crust starts to brown too quickly?
A: If you notice the crust is browning too quickly before the filling is set, you can gently cover the edges with strips of foil to prevent further browning. This will allow the filling to finish baking without the crust burning.

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Conclusion

This Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart is a true autumn showstopper that will have your guests raving. The combination of tender roasted squash, caramelized onions, and a silky custard filling wrapped in a flaky crust is simply irresistible.

Whether you’re serving it as the centerpiece of a cozy dinner party or enjoying a slice as a comforting afternoon treat, this recipe is sure to become a new fall favorite. So go ahead, give it a try, and savor the flavors of the season in every bite. And don’t forget to let me know how it turns out – I’d love to hear your thoughts!