If you love savory pies with creamy, melty interiors and golden edges, you’re in for a treat—this Onion Cottage Cheese Tart is the easiest way to bring a little rustic elegance to any table. The creamy richness of cottage cheese and parmigiano pairs perfectly with mellow, sweet pearl onions atop flaky pastry, making every bite irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortlessly Elegant: This tart comes together in under an hour, yet looks and tastes impressive—perfect for brunches, picnics, or weeknight dinners.
- Mild & Creamy: The combination of cottage cheese and parmigiano creates a melt-in-your-mouth texture without being heavy or rich.
- Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: With just a handful of staples, you’ll coax out big, comforting flavors layered in every slice.
- Highly Customizable: Whether you want to try new cheeses or sneak in extra veggies, this Onion Cottage Cheese Tart is a canvas for your creativity.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a few fuss-free ingredients are all you need for this tart, but each plays a starring role—bringing everything from buttery crispness to creamy depth and irresistible sweetness. Here’s why you’ll want every one of them for your Onion Cottage Cheese Tart.
- Pie crust: The golden, flaky base that cradles all your savory filling; use store-bought for ease or homemade for an extra touch of love.
- Cottage cheese (250g): Adds creamy richness and just the right tang, melting beautifully into the filling.
- Parmigiano cheese (50g, grated): For a salty, nutty depth that elevates the cheese layer; grating fresh is best for extra flavor.
- Egg: Binds the creamy mixture so it sets just right, giving you a perfect slice every time.
- Pearl onions (40g, about 3-4 onions): Thinly sliced, they become sweet and tender, their flavor mellowing as they roast atop the tart.
- Salt (1/3 tsp): Just enough to heighten all the natural flavors without making it too salty.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): Adds silkiness to the onions as they roast and helps them brown beautifully.
- Black pepper: A subtle kick to finish—freshly cracked makes all the difference.
Variations
The beauty of the Onion Cottage Cheese Tart is how forgiving and versatile it is! Don’t hesitate to swap, add, or tweak ingredients to suit what you love or what’s already in your fridge—the possibilities are almost endless.
- Add herbs: Stir finely chopped chives, parsley, or thyme into the cheese mixture for a garden-fresh twist.
- Alternate cheese: Try mixing in a little crumbled feta or shredded cheddar for extra tang or sharpness.
- Caramelized onions layer: For deeper sweetness, caramelize your onions before topping the tart—think golden, jammy layers over the creamy filling.
- Vegetable add-ins: Sliced mushrooms, wilted spinach, or thinly shaved zucchini are wonderful extras to tuck beneath the cheese mixture.
- Gluten-free crust: Use your favorite gluten-free pie crust recipe or a pre-made one to make the Onion Cottage Cheese Tart accessible to everyone.
How to Make Onion Cottage Cheese Tart
Step 1: Prepare and Blind-Bake the Crust
Start by nestling your pie crust into a tart or pie pan, pressing it gently into all the corners and trimming any excess. To keep it from puffing up, prick the bottom and sides with a fork. Pop it in a preheated oven at 200°C (390°F) for 10 minutes—this gives you a crisp base that won’t turn soggy once the filling’s in place.
Step 2: Make the Cottage Cheese Filling
While the crust is baking, lightly whisk an egg in a large bowl. Add the cottage cheese, grated parmigiano, and salt, and stir until the mixture is creamy and smooth. This luscious blend is the heart of your Onion Cottage Cheese Tart, giving every slice that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 3: Prep the Onions
Peel your pearl onions and slice them thinly lengthwise—they’ll look beautiful and caramelize evenly this way. Lightly brush them with olive oil to help them soften and take on a gorgeous, golden sheen in the oven.
Step 4: Assemble the Tart
After 10 minutes, remove the crust from the oven. Pour in your cottage cheese mixture, spreading it gently into an even layer. Artfully arrange the oiled onion slices over the top, oiled side facing up, and finish with a generous grinding of black pepper for a little extra zip.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the assembled tart back into the oven and bake for another 30–35 minutes, still at 200°C (390°F). You’re looking for a lightly puffed, golden top and irresistibly caramelized onions. Let it cool for a few minutes, then slice and savor the cozy, creamy goodness of your homemade Onion Cottage Cheese Tart.
Pro Tips for Making Onion Cottage Cheese Tart
- Blind Bake for Crispiness: Don’t skip the initial crust bake—this key step keeps the base beautifully crisp, even after the creamy filling goes in.
- Onion Slicing Magic: Slicing the pearl onions lengthwise allows them to fan out and caramelize prettily, adding both taste and visual appeal.
- Cheese Quality Counts: Good cottage cheese and freshly grated parmigiano really elevate the tart’s flavor—choose the best you can find for the most decadent results.
- Allow to Cool Slightly: Let the Onion Cottage Cheese Tart rest for 10 minutes after baking—this makes slicing smoother and helps the flavors come together.
How to Serve Onion Cottage Cheese Tart
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of fresh-cut chives or parsley right before serving for a touch of color and herbal freshness. A little extra grated parmigiano right out of the oven is always welcome for that salty, cheesy kiss on top of your Onion Cottage Cheese Tart.
Side Dishes
This tart is fabulous alongside a simple green salad tossed in zippy vinaigrette or a crisp fennel and citrus slaw. For heartier fare, pair with roasted potatoes or a bowl of soup for a comforting, soul-warming meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, cut the tart into elegant wedges or smaller squares for easy-to-eat appetizers. Stack rounds with roasted vegetables or layer with smoked salmon for a gourmet twist at brunch. The Onion Cottage Cheese Tart’s rustic look makes even the simplest presentation look gorgeous.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Onion Cottage Cheese Tart in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It holds up beautifully, staying moist and flavorful without getting soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze slices (or the whole tart) tightly wrapped in foil and then placed in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge—while the texture may be just a bit softer, the flavor will still be absolutely delicious.
Reheating
To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet in a 180°C (350°F) oven until warmed through and the crust crisps back up—about 10–15 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust go soft.
FAQs
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Can I use regular onions instead of pearl onions?
Absolutely! Simply thinly slice any mild, sweet onion you like. Just be sure to keep the slices uniform for even baking and that mellow, sweet flavor reminiscent of pearl onions.
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Is there a way to make the Onion Cottage Cheese Tart crust from scratch?
Definitely! If you have a favorite shortcrust or pie crust recipe, feel free to use it—homemade crust adds an extra buttery, flaky touch that’s hard to beat.
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Can I prepare the tart in advance for a party?
Yes, you can bake the Onion Cottage Cheese Tart a day ahead—simply let it cool, cover, and refrigerate. Reheat gently before serving, or present at room temperature for a fuss-free appetizer or main.
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What can I use instead of cottage cheese?
Ricotta is a great substitute for a similar creamy texture. You could also try a mix of ricotta and Greek yogurt for an extra tangy, smooth filling.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired to bring the Onion Cottage Cheese Tart to your own kitchen—it’s as cozy and comforting as it is impressive, and it always leaves a few happy crumbs on the table. I can’t wait to hear how you make it yours!
PrintOnion Cottage Cheese Tart Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 1 tart (4 servings) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Onion Cottage Cheese Tart recipe that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. A savory tart filled with creamy cottage cheese and flavorful onions on a flaky crust.
Ingredients
Pie Crust:
- 1 pie crust
Cottage Cheese Filling:
- 250 g cottage cheese
- 50 g grated Parmigiano
- 1 egg
- 1/3 tsp salt
Onion Topping:
- 40 g pearl onions (3-4 onions)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Press the pie crust into a tart pan, prick the bottom and sides with a fork, and bake at 200°C (390°F) for 10 minutes.
- Make the Filling: Whisk together egg, cottage cheese, Parmigiano, and salt. Spread this mixture over the partially baked crust.
- Prepare the Onions: Slice the pearl onions and brush with olive oil. Arrange them over the cheese filling.
- Bake: Bake the tart at 200°C (390°F) for an additional 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: Approx. 270 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 60mg