Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, I find myself craving the cozy warmth of autumn on my plate. This Pumpkin, Ricotta & Caramelized Onion Tart embodies those fall vibes, combining creamy ricotta and sweet pumpkin with savory caramelized onions, all nestled in a flaky pastry crust. It’s a delightful appetizer that not only pleases the palate but also sparkles at gatherings with its vibrant colors and inviting aroma. The beauty of this recipe is in its versatility—flavorful enough to serve up as a crowd-pleaser yet simple enough for a cozy night in. Plus, it offers a vegetarian-friendly option if you choose to leave out the crispy bacon. Curious how such comforting flavors come together in one bite? Let’s dive in! Why is this tart a must-try? Elevated Flavors: The combination of pumpkin and ricotta creates a creamy, luscious filling that balances perfectly with the sweetness of caramelized onions. Versatile and Adaptable: This tart can easily transition from an elegant appetizer to a cozy dinner, making it perfect for any occasion. Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a show-stopping dish that looks and tastes gourmet, all while being beginner-friendly. Vegetarian Option: Feel free to swap the bacon for sautéed mushrooms for a delightful vegetarian version without sacrificing flavor. Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Whether enjoyed at a festive gathering or a quiet night in, it’s a guaranteed hit among family and friends. If you’re interested in more delicious, seasonal dishes, don’t miss my Rhubarb Puff Tart! Pumpkin, Ricotta & Caramelized Onion Tart Ingredients For the Pastry • Puff Pastry – Provides a light, flaky base that puffs beautifully, creating a golden border. Note: May use homemade pastry if preferred. For the Filling • Pumpkin Puree – Acts as a rich, velvety canvas, contributing natural sweetness and vibrant color. Substitution: Fresh pumpkin, roasted or boiled until tender, blended smooth. • Ricotta Cheese – Adds a creamy texture that balances sweet and savory flavors. Substitution: Cottage cheese, goat cheese, cream cheese, or Greek yogurt. • Onion – When caramelized, it transforms into sweet ribbons that lend depth and a subtle tang. Tip: Thinly slice for even cooking. • Bacon – Provides crispy, smoky pieces that add a salty crunch and meaty flavor. Note: Can be replaced with crispy kale or omitted for a vegetarian option. • Fresh Sage – Imparts an aromatic, earthy note that enhances the overall flavor profile. Note: Brush with butter before baking for crisp edges. • Olive Oil & Butter – Used for caramelizing and brushing sage; contributes richness and flavor. • Salt and Pepper – Essential seasonings for balancing flavors. • Egg (for egg wash) – Creates a glossy, golden finish on the pastry edge. Each ingredient in this Pumpkin, Ricotta & Caramelized Onion Tart comes together to create a harmonious blend of flavors, making it not only an ideal appetizer but also a delightful main dish! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Pumpkin, Ricotta & Caramelized Onion Tart Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven warms up, take a parchment-lined baking sheet and set it aside to prepare for the tart. The goal is to achieve a perfectly golden and flaky crust, so having your baking sheet ready is essential for this Pumpkin, Ricotta & Caramelized Onion Tart. Step 2: Caramelize the Onion In a skillet over medium heat, combine olive oil and a bit of butter. Once the butter melts, add thinly sliced onions. Stir occasionally and let them cook for about 15-20 minutes, until they turn golden brown and become beautifully sweet. Once caramelized, remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly; these will add an incredibly rich flavor to your tart. Step 3: Cook the Bacon In a separate skillet, cook your chopped bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy and fragrant, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease. This crunchy element is a delightful addition to your Pumpkin, Ricotta & Caramelized Onion Tart. Step 4: Roll Out the Pastry On a lightly floured surface, roll out your puff pastry until it’s large enough to fit your prepared baking sheet. Aim for a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Carefully transfer the rolled pastry to the baking sheet, ensuring it fits snugly and that the edges are slightly raised to hold in the filling. A sturdy base allows for a perfect tart! Step 5: Mix the Filling In a mixing bowl, combine the creamy ricotta cheese and the rich pumpkin puree, seasoning the mixture generously with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until well-blended, creating a luscious filling that will add a wonderful texture to your Pumpkin, Ricotta & Caramelized Onion Tart. This step brings together the main flavors of the dish. Step 6: Assemble the Tart Spread the pumpkin-ricotta mixture evenly over the rolled-out pastry, leaving a small border around the edges. This creates a lovely contrast between the warm filling and the golden crust. The creamy texture of the filling serves as a perfect canvas for the toppings of your Pumpkin, Ricotta & Caramelized Onion Tart. Step 7: Layer Onions and Bacon Distribute the caramelized onions evenly over the pumpkin-ricotta filling, followed by scattering the crispy bacon over the top. These layers enhance the tart, providing sweet, savory flavors that perfectly complement one another. The combination creates a flavor harmony in every bite! Step 8: Prepare Sage To finish, brush the fresh sage leaves lightly with melted butter. Arrange them decoratively on top of the tart, infusing it with a lovely aroma as it bakes. The sage enhances the overall flavor profile of your Pumpkin, Ricotta & Caramelized Onion Tart, making it even more enticing! Step 9: Fold Crust Gently fold the edges of the pastry inward, creating a rustic border, and pinching it to hold its shape. This adds character to your tart while forming a barrier for the filling. Brush the edges of the crust with a beaten egg for that beautiful golden sheen you desire when baking your Pumpkin, Ricotta & Caramelized Onion Tart. Step 10: Bake Carefully place the assembled tart in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and look for the pastry to puff up and turn golden brown. This is the point where all the flavors meld, and your kitchen fills with the delightful scent of the Pumpkin, Ricotta & Caramelized Onion Tart. Step 11: Cool & Serve Once baked to perfection, remove the tart from the oven and allow it to cool slightly on a wire rack. This helps maintain the flaky crust. Slice your Pumpkin, Ricotta & Caramelized Onion Tart and serve warm. It’s a dish that’s sure to bring comfort and joy to your table! Make Ahead Options These Pumpkin, Ricotta & Caramelized Onion Tarts are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the tart up to 24 hours in advance, stopping right before the baking step to keep the pastry perfectly flaky. Simply follow the first 9 steps, cover the assembled tart with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. The next day, take it out and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking to ensure it cooks evenly. This method allows busy cooks to enjoy a delicious homemade appetizer with minimal effort, making it just as delightful on the day you serve it! What to Serve with Pumpkin, Ricotta & Caramelized Onion Tart As you prepare to enjoy this cozy tart, consider rounding out your meal with delightful sides that enhance its rich flavors. Arugula Salad: The peppery notes of fresh arugula tossed with a lemon vinaigrette provide a bright contrast to the tart’s creamy texture. Butternut Squash Soup: A warm bowl of velvety butternut squash soup complements the earthy sweetness in the tart, creating a comforting combination. Savory Roasted Vegetables: Roasting seasonal vegetables like carrots and Brussels sprouts brings out their natural sweetness, harmonizing beautifully with the tart’s savory elements. Crispy Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread adds a delightful crunch, making it perfect for scooping up the tart and savoring every bite. Chardonnay or Riesling: A chilled glass of Chardonnay offers a beautiful balance of acidity, while a semi-sweet Riesling pairs wonderfully with the dish’s sweet notes. Apple Crisp for Dessert: Cap off the meal with a warm apple crisp; its sweet and tart flavors echo the autumn theme of the tart while providing a comforting finish. Expert Tips for Pumpkin, Ricotta & Caramelized Onion Tart Watch the Moisture: Ensure your pumpkin mixture isn’t too watery. Drain the pumpkin puree beforehand to prevent a soggy tart. Perfectly Crisp Pastry: Pre-bake the puff pastry for 5-10 minutes to lock in flakiness before adding the filling. Slicing Onions: Thinly slice your onions for even caramelization; this ensures sweet, tender ribbons throughout the tart. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like goat cheese or feta to elevate the flavor profile of your Pumpkin, Ricotta & Caramelized Onion Tart. Herb Infusions: Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can be added for a unique twist, enhancing the overall taste experience. How to Store and Freeze Pumpkin, Ricotta & Caramelized Onion Tart Fridge: Store leftover slices covered in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. This helps maintain flavor and freshness while keeping the flaky crust in good condition. Freezer: If you want to save the tart for later, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil; it can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheating: To reheat, place the tart in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and crisp. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the crust soggy. Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the tart up to step 9, cover tightly, and refrigerate before baking. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve a warm, delicious Pumpkin, Ricotta & Caramelized Onion Tart! Pumpkin, Ricotta & Caramelized Onion Tart Variations Customize your tart with these creative twists to enhance flavors and cater to different tastes! Mushroom Swap: Replace bacon with sautéed mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option. The earthy flavor pairs beautifully with the creamy filling. Different Cheese: Experiment with feta or goat cheese instead of ricotta. Both provide rich, tangy profiles that bring exciting depth to the tart. Herb Infusions: Add fresh thyme or rosemary for added fragrance. These herbs enhance the dish’s comforting aroma, making it even more inviting. Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle some toasted walnuts or pecans on top before baking. They add a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the sweet potato. Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes into the filling for a gentle heat. This subtle spice brings warmth without overpowering the other flavors. Caramelized Veggies: Layer in some additional caramelized veggies, like bell peppers or zucchini, for more texture and a medley of flavors that takes the tart to the next level. Savory Greens: Toss in some sautéed spinach or kale with the mushrooms for an extra dose of nutrition and a vibrant pop of color. This addition makes it a well-rounded meal. Sweet & Savory Twist: Drizzle honey or balsamic glaze over the top just before serving. The sweetness beautifully offsets the savory elements, elevating the entire experience. As you explore these variations, don’t forget to check out other seasonal delights like my delightful Rhubarb Puff Tart for more inspiration! Pumpkin, Ricotta & Caramelized Onion Tart Recipe FAQs How do I select the best pumpkin for this tart? Absolutely! When choosing a pumpkin, look for ones that are firm with a smooth skin and a rich, vibrant color. Avoid pumpkins with dark spots or blemishes, as they indicate they may be overripe or damaged. Sugar pumpkins are ideal for this recipe due to their sweet flavor and creamy texture, but you can substitute with canned pumpkin puree as well. What’s the best way to store leftovers of the pumpkin tart? To keep your tart fresh, store any leftovers tightly covered in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. This method ensures that the flavors remain vibrant, and the flaky crust stays intact. Let it cool to room temperature before wrapping to avoid condensation. Can I freeze pumpkin, ricotta & caramelized onion tart? Of course! To freeze your tart, first let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, defrost in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warm and crisp. What should I do if my tart filling is too watery? No worries, this can happen sometimes! If your pumpkin filling is watery, drain the pumpkin puree through a fine sieve or cheesecloth beforehand to remove excess moisture. Also, if you’ve used fresh pumpkin, cooking it until tender and then blending it into a smooth paste helps prevent a soggy tart. Ensuring the pastry is pre-baked for 5-10 minutes can also help in achieving a crisp texture. Is there a vegetarian option for the bacon in this recipe? Very! You can easily make this tart vegetarian by omitting the bacon altogether. For added flavor and texture, consider sautéing mushrooms or kale until crispy as a replacement. This brings a delightful depth while keeping the dish rich and satisfying to enjoy. Can I make the pumpkin tart ahead of time? Definitely! To prepare in advance, you can assemble the tart up to the step where you fold the crust (step 9). Simply cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just preheat your oven and pop it in; it will be just as delicious as when made fresh! Savory Pumpkin, Ricotta & Caramelized Onion Tart Bliss This Pumpkin, Ricotta & Caramelized Onion Tart combines creamy ricotta, sweet pumpkin, and savory caramelized onions in a flaky pastry, making it a perfect vegetarian-friendly appetizer. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 25 minutes minsCooling Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins Servings: 8 slicesCourse: AppetizersCuisine: AmericanCalories: 220 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Pastry1 sheet Puff Pastry May use homemade pastry if preferred.For the Filling1 cup Pumpkin Puree Substitution: Fresh pumpkin, roasted or boiled until tender, blended smooth.1 cup Ricotta Cheese Substitution: Cottage cheese, goat cheese, cream cheese, or Greek yogurt.1 large Onion Tip: Thinly slice for even cooking.4 slices Bacon Note: Can be replaced with crispy kale or omitted for a vegetarian option.5 leaves Fresh Sage Note: Brush with butter before baking for crisp edges.2 tbsp Olive Oil2 tbsp Butter1 tsp Salt1 tsp Pepper1 egg Egg for egg wash. Equipment Skilletbaking sheetmixing bowlRolling Pin Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and set aside a parchment-lined baking sheet.In a skillet over medium heat, combine olive oil and butter. Add thinly sliced onions and cook for 15-20 minutes until caramelized.Cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes, then drain on paper towels.Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface until it fits the baking sheet, about 1/8 inch thick.In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, pumpkin puree, salt, and pepper until well-blended.Spread the pumpkin-ricotta mixture evenly over the pastry, leaving a small border.Distribute caramelized onions over the filling, followed by crispy bacon.Brush sage leaves with melted butter and arrange on top of the tart.Fold the edges of the pastry inward to create a border, pinching to hold its shape, and brush with beaten egg.Bake for 20-25 minutes until the pastry is golden and puffed.Allow the tart to cool slightly on a wire rack, then slice and serve warm. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 6gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 1mg NotesWatch the moisture in the pumpkin filling to prevent a soggy tart. Consider pre-baking the pastry for added flakiness. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
