Name: Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Ingredients: 2 cups cubed butternut squash; 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 sheet puff pastry or 1 pie crust; 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

A golden, flaky tart filled with sweet, deeply caramelized onions and tender roasted butternut squash is one of the most comforting and satisfying ways to celebrate fall flavors. This Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart brings together the richness of savory onions, creamy cheese, and earthy squash all baked into a buttery crust. It’s an irresistible dish that balances sweet and savory beautifully in every bite.

Perfect for a cozy brunch, a Thanksgiving side dish, or a light dinner paired with a green salad, this tart is as impressive in presentation as it is in taste. Whether you’re hosting guests or just looking to enjoy the heartiness of fall vegetables, this recipe delivers warm, homemade flavor with rustic charm.

Why You’ll Love This Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart

This tart is a flavorful, elegant dish that requires just a handful of fresh ingredients and a little patience while the onions reach that rich, golden color. It’s both hearty and vegetarian-friendly, offering a lovely alternative to meat-based mains. The combination of textures—buttery crust, soft squash, creamy filling, and silky onions—makes each slice completely satisfying. It’s also a great make-ahead option for entertaining or meal prep.

What Kind of Pastry Should I Use?

You can use either store-bought puff pastry or make your own pie crust for this tart. Puff pastry gives it a light and flaky bite, while a homemade or pre-made pie dough offers a sturdier, buttery base. For ease and speed, puff pastry is a fantastic option, especially if you’re planning to serve this as a party appetizer or a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients for the Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart

To make this savory tart shine, every ingredient plays an important role. The sweetness of the squash and onions complements the creamy cheeses and herbs. Here’s what you’ll need:

Butternut squash – Roasted until tender and caramelized, this adds a naturally sweet, hearty texture.

Yellow onions – Slowly caramelized to bring out their rich, sweet flavor. They’re the soul of this tart.

Olive oil – Used for roasting and sautéing. It enhances flavor and helps soften the vegetables.

Puff pastry or pie crust – Acts as the flaky or buttery shell to hold the filling.

Goat cheese – Adds a creamy tang that contrasts the sweetness of the onions.

Parmesan cheese – Offers a salty, nutty note and helps bind the tart together.

Fresh thyme – Earthy and fragrant, thyme enhances the fall flavors.

Salt and pepper – Essential seasonings to balance and highlight the natural sweetness of the ingredients.

How To Make the Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart

Step 1: Roast the Squash

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Peel and cube the butternut squash, toss it in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast for about 25-30 minutes until golden and tender. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

While the squash roasts, slice the onions thinly and cook them slowly in a skillet with olive oil over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally for about 30-40 minutes until they’re soft, golden brown, and deeply sweet.

Step 3: Prepare the Pastry

Roll out your puff pastry or pie dough and fit it into a tart pan. Use a fork to prick the base and chill it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes. This helps prevent sogginess when baking.

Step 4: Assemble the Tart

Spread the caramelized onions evenly over the base, then top with roasted squash cubes. Dot with crumbled goat cheese and sprinkle with grated Parmesan and thyme.

Step 5: Bake

Bake the tart at 375°F for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is slightly browned. Let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.

How to Serve and Store This Tart

This tart can be served warm or at room temperature, making it perfect for brunch spreads, elegant lunches, or cozy dinners. It feeds about 6 people as a main and up to 8 as a side. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to maintain the crisp crust.

You can also freeze individual slices after baking. Wrap them tightly and reheat directly from frozen for a quick lunch or snack.

What to Serve With the Tart?

Fresh Arugula Salad

A peppery arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette brings a refreshing contrast to the rich tart.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Their deep caramelized edges and nutty flavor pair beautifully with the sweetness of the squash.

Tomato Basil Soup

A warm, tangy bowl of tomato soup adds a comforting layer to your meal.

Balsamic Glazed Beets

Sweet and tangy beets add color and depth to your plate.

Garlic Green Beans

Simple, snappy green beans sautéed with garlic work as a light, savory side.

Crusty Artisan Bread

If you’re serving the tart as a main, a piece of rustic bread completes the meal.

Herby Couscous or Quinoa

For a heartier side, a spoonful of herby grains rounds out the meal with added texture.

Want More Savory Tart Ideas?

If you’re in the mood for more cozy, veggie-packed ideas, check out these favorites:

Delicious Ooey Gooey Mac and Cheese for rich, cheesy comfort.
Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl if you’re looking for protein-packed lunch bowls.
Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta for a creamy, meatless dinner.
One-Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni if you need something more filling for family dinner.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest savory board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments how your tart turned out! Did you try a different cheese? Maybe added mushrooms? I love seeing how you make these recipes your own.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting meals and sides on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your next favorite way to serve seasonal veggies!

Conclusion

This Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart is a celebration of fall flavor in every bite. With its flaky crust, sweet-savory filling, and creamy cheese topping, it’s a recipe worth making on repeat. Whether you’re entertaining or craving something comforting and nourishing, this tart checks every box with elegance and ease.