How to Make an Easy Ricotta, Cream, and Onion Tart
A buttery, flaky delight that balances rich dairy textures with caramelized sweetness.
Easy Ricotta, Cream, and Onion Tart Recipe
A classic savory tart makes for an elegant dish suitable for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner. This ricotta, cream, and onion tart strikes a beautiful balance between rich dairy flavors and the subtle sweetness of slow-cooked onions—all nestled within a buttery, flaky crust. With a straightforward ingredient list and approachable instructions, this recipe empowers even novice bakers to create a show-stopping savory tart.
Why You’ll Love This Tart
- Simple Preparation: Achieve impressive results with basic kitchen skills.
- Creamy and Savory: The blend of ricotta, cream cheese, and onions delivers rich, satisfying flavors.
- Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a light dinner with a crisp salad.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare components ahead of time for easy assembly.
Ingredient Overview
| Ingredient | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ricotta Cheese | Main creamy base | Whole-milk ricotta offers best texture |
| Cream Cheese | Adds richness | Helps stabilize filling |
| Heavy Cream | Lightens and enriches | Can substitute with half-and-half |
| Eggs | Binds filling | Ensure room temperature for smooth blend |
| Yellow Onions | Savory-sweet flavor | Slow-cooked for caramelization |
| Pie Dough or Tart Crust | Base | Store-bought or homemade works |
| Salt, Pepper, Olive Oil | Seasoning | Enhance flavors |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Crust:
- Roll out your chilled pie or tart dough to fit a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
- Press dough gently into pan and trim edges. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Dock crust with fork, line with parchment, and fill with pie weights.
- Bake 25-30 minutes until golden and firm. Remove weights and let cool.
- Caramelize the Onions:
- Thinly slice onions. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add onions; season lightly with salt.
- Cook slowly, stirring frequently, 20-25 minutes until soft and golden.
- Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a bowl, combine ricotta, cream cheese, and heavy cream.
- Add eggs, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Tart:
- Spread caramelized onions evenly over the cooled crust.
- Pour ricotta filling on top; smooth surface with spatula.
- Bake:
- Bake in oven for 30-35 minutes until filling is set and surface is lightly golden.
- Cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Best enjoyed warm or at room temperature with a simple seasonal salad.
Expert Tips for Success
- Use High-Quality Ricotta: Seek whole-milk ricotta for a creamy texture and richer flavor.
- Don’t Rush the Onions: Caramelizing them slowly brings out their natural sweetness and complexity.
- Chill Your Dough: Chilling the dough before baking helps prevent shrinkage and ensures flakiness.
- Let the Tart Cool: Allow the tart to rest before cutting for cleaner slices and better flavor development.
- Customize the Filling: Blend in herbs like thyme or chives for extra aroma and freshness.
Swaps and Variations
- Cheese: Try substituting the cream cheese with goat cheese for a tangier profile.
- Onions: Use red onions or leeks for a different flavor twist.
- Herbs: Add chopped fresh rosemary, chervil, or parsley to filling or over top.
- Vegetables: Incorporate thinly sliced zucchini, roasted peppers, or cherry tomatoes beneath the filling.
- Crust: Use puff pastry for a quicker, lighter base.
Serving Suggestions
This tart works beautifully for:
- Brunch buffets or potlucks
- Light weekday lunches with a salad of bitter greens
- Pairing with roasted seasonal vegetables for dinner
- Picnic or outdoor gatherings (cut into wedges or squares for finger food)
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Both the crust and the caramelized onions can be made up to two days ahead and kept refrigerated.
- The assembled tart can be baked a day in advance and reheated gently in a low oven, uncovered, or served at room temperature.
- Store leftovers tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Briefly reheat individual slices in a toaster oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Absolutely! Store-bought crusts work well for this tart and save time. Just make sure to pre-bake according to package instructions before filling.
Should I strain the ricotta first?
If your ricotta is especially wet, strain it through cheesecloth for 15-30 minutes to prevent a soggy filling.
What others are reading
Can I freeze the tart?
While possible, freezing may affect the creamy texture. If freezing, wrap tightly and thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently before serving.
What’s the best way to caramelize onions?
Cook onions over medium-low heat with a pinch of salt, stirring often, for up to 25 minutes until deep golden brown. Take your time—rushed onions won’t caramelize properly.
Can I add bacon or ham?
Yes, crispy bacon or diced ham can be sprinkled over the onions before adding filling for a smoky, savory upgrade.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 270 |
| Protein | 8g |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 380mg |
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and vary by ingredients and portion size.
Final Thoughts and Pro Tips
- This tart is highly adaptable—use whatever cheese and herbs you have.
- Almond flour or gluten-free pie crusts are suitable alternatives for special diets.
- Try topping cooled tart slices with a handful of fresh arugula or microgreens for a vibrant finish.
- A splash of balsamic glaze drizzled on top adds extra depth to the finished tart.
Quick Recap
- Make and chill crust, caramelize onions, whisk filling.
- Layer onions, then filling, and bake until set.
- Slice and serve with greens, veggies, or by itself.
Printable Recipe (Summary)
Ingredients: Pie dough, yellow onions, ricotta cheese, cream cheese, heavy cream, eggs, olive oil, salt, pepper.
Instructions:
- Roll and chill dough; pre-bake crust at 375°F for 25-30 minutes.
- Caramelize onions in olive oil 20-25 minutes.
- Whisk together ricotta, cream cheese, cream, eggs, salt, and pepper.
- Layer onions over crust, pour filling, and bake 30-35 minutes until set.
- Cool, slice, and serve.
Conclusion
Mastering the ricotta, cream, and onion tart means having a go-to recipe for nearly any occasion. Simple techniques and quality ingredients transform everyday kitchen staples into a luxurious, crowd-pleasing dish. Whether you follow the classic version or step things up with your favorite fillings and flavors, this tart will be a staple in your repertoire for years to come.
References
Similar Articles
Read full bio of Sneha Tete
