If you love cozy, comforting dishes that come together effortlessly and taste absolutely divine, then you are going to adore this Leek, Onion, and Camembert Puff Pastry Tart Recipe. Imagine tender, sweet leeks and onions cooked just right to bring out their natural sweetness, layered atop flaky, buttery puff pastry, and crowned with soft, creamy Camembert cheese that melts perfectly in the oven. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that make this tart a sensational showstopper whether for a casual brunch, an elegant appetizer, or a light dinner. You’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again because it’s straightforward, soulful, and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing fancy here, but each ingredient is key to making this tart sing. The balance between the creamy Camembert, silky leeks, and sweet onions against the crisp puff pastry is what makes this dish truly special.
- 1 (14 ounces) sheet of puff pastry (preferably Dufour): The flaky foundation that gives the tart its irresistible crunch and buttery flavor.
- 8 ounces (227 g) Camembert, very thinly sliced: This soft cheese melts beautifully, adding a rich, creamy texture and a mild tang.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to sauté the vegetables gently, infusing them with subtle fruitiness.
- 3 cloves of garlic, finely minced: Adds a fragrant punch that complements the sweetness of the leeks and onions.
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced: Brings a gentle sharpness and lovely color contrast to the dish.
- 2 leeks, halved and thinly sliced (white and light green parts only): Their mild onion flavor and tender texture are the heart of the filling.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overwhelming them.
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste: Adds just the right amount of warmth and depth to round out the dish.
How to Make Leek, Onion, and Camembert Puff Pastry Tart Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Vegetables
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F (200 C), which ensures the puff pastry will puff up nicely and turn that gorgeous golden brown. While the oven is heating, grab your frying pan and add the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the finely minced garlic and thinly sliced red onion, cooking them gently to coax out their sweetness. After about three minutes, add your sliced leeks along with the kosher salt to draw out moisture and soften the vegetables. Stir often and cook for another five minutes until everything is tender and beautifully fragrant.
Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry Base
Lay your sheet of puff pastry on parchment paper set on a baking sheet. Trim the edges neatly if needed to make a clean rectangle or square. Use a knife to score a border about half an inch from the edge all the way around — this helps the edges rise evenly. Then, poke the pastry inside the border several times with a fork to prevent it from puffing too much in the center. This step keeps the tart perfectly flat so the toppings can shine.
Step 3: Assemble the Tart
Now, the fun part: layering! Place your thin slices of Camembert across the surface of the puff pastry, creating an even carpet of creamy cheese. The cheese will melt into luscious pools as the tart bakes, enriching every bite. Next, evenly spread the cooked leek and onion mixture on top of the cheese. This combination is not only incredibly flavorful but also visually stunning — those gentle greens and purples make the tart a feast for the eyes.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop your tart into the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on it as the edges turn a beautiful golden brown and the cheese melts into gooey perfection. The aroma that fills your kitchen will be heavenly — a great sign that the tart is ready.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once baked, remove the tart from the oven and let it cool for two to five minutes. This brief resting time helps the cheese set just enough so that slices hold their shape when you cut into them, but are still delightfully gooey and warm.
How to Serve Leek, Onion, and Camembert Puff Pastry Tart Recipe
Garnishes
For a fresh, vibrant contrast, sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like thyme, chives, or parsley over the top just before serving. A light drizzle of good quality olive oil or a finishing sprinkle of flaky sea salt adds an extra layer of flavor and gorgeous shine.
Side Dishes
This tart pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, which cuts through the richness of the cheese. Serve alongside a bowl of warm tomato soup for a cozy meal or invite friends over and add a glass of chilled white wine to elevate the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the tart into bite-sized squares for a stylish appetizer at your next get-together. Alternatively, serve warm slices topped with a spoonful of caramelized onions or a few roasted nuts for a bit of crunch. No matter how you plate it, this tart never fails to wow.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the tart wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days, letting you enjoy that comforting flavor again without fuss.
Freezing
This Leek, Onion, and Camembert Puff Pastry Tart Recipe freezes admirably. Wrap individual slices well in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to a month, making a perfect ready-to-go snack or quick lunch option.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in a warm oven at 350 degrees F (175 C) for 8 to 10 minutes, or until heated through and crisp again. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it tends to make the pastry soggy, and we want that irresistible flakiness to shine!
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of Camembert?
Absolutely! While Camembert is perfect for its creamy texture and mild flavor, Brie or a mild goat cheese can also work beautifully. Just choose a cheese that melts well and complements the sweetness of the leeks and onions.
Do I have to use puff pastry?
Puff pastry is ideal for its flaky, buttery layers, but if you want a quicker option, you could try using shortcrust pastry. Keep in mind the texture will be different, but still delicious.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the leek and onion mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, just assemble the tart and pop it in the oven. This makes last-minute prep a breeze.
What if I don’t have a red onion?
You can substitute a yellow or white onion; they will work just as well. Red onion adds a lovely color and sweetness, but the flavor difference is subtle.
Is this tart suitable for vegetarians?
This recipe is perfect for vegetarians since it contains no meat or animal rennet cheese. Just double-check your puff pastry ingredients to be sure, as some brands may contain animal fats.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about this Leek, Onion, and Camembert Puff Pastry Tart Recipe: it manages to be both elegant and approachable, rich yet fresh, and above all, incredibly inviting on your plate. Whether you’re serving it for a casual family dinner or an impressive gathering with friends, it never disappoints. Give it a try and discover how simple ingredients can come together to create a dish that feels like a warm, delicious hug every time.
Print
Leek, Onion, and Camembert Puff Pastry Tart Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Tart
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Description
A savory and flaky Leek Onion Puff Pastry Tart featuring caramelized onions, tender leeks, and creamy Camembert cheese on a buttery puff pastry base. Perfect as an elegant appetizer or a light meal, this tart combines rich flavors and a golden, crispy crust in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 (14 ounces) sheet of puff pastry (preferably Dufour)
Vegetables and Cheese
- 8 ounces (227 g) Camembert, very thinly sliced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 leeks, halved and thinly sliced (white and light green parts only)
- 3 cloves of garlic, finely minced
Others
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) to ensure it is hot and ready for baking the tart.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Heat a frying pan over medium heat, add the olive oil, and once it is hot, add the thinly sliced red onions and minced garlic. Cook for about 3 minutes until the onions begin to soften.
- Add Leeks and Season: Add the thinly sliced leeks along with the kosher salt to the pan. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the leeks are tender and fragrant.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Place the puff pastry sheet on parchment paper on a baking sheet. Trim the edges for evenness. Using a knife, cut a 1/2 inch border around the edges of the pastry, taking care not to cut all the way through. Prick the center section several times with a fork to prevent puffing.
- Layer Cheese: Lay the thin strips of Camembert evenly across the unpricked center area of the pastry, providing a creamy base.
- Add Cooked Vegetables: Top the cheese layer with the sautéed leeks, onions, and garlic mixture evenly.
- Bake the Tart: Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the tart from the oven and allow it to cool for 2 to 5 minutes before slicing to let the cheese set slightly. Serve warm.
Notes
- For best results, use a high-quality puff pastry like Dufour for extra flakiness.
- Make sure to use only the white and light green parts of the leeks for a milder flavor and better texture.
- Pricking the center of the pastry prevents it from puffing unevenly during baking.
- This tart can be served as an appetizer, brunch item, or light lunch paired with a fresh green salad.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated gently to preserve the puff pastry texture.
