Alsace Onion Tart (Tarte à l’Oignon)

Learn to make traditional Alsace onion tart with caramelized onions and creamy custard. This authentic French recipe creates an elegant, savory tart perfect for any occasion.
Frequently asked questions
+ − Can I make this tart ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the entire tart up to 1 day in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving. The flavors actually develop beautifully overnight.
+ − What's the difference between this and a quiche?
Alsace onion tart has a higher ratio of onions to custard compared to quiche, making it more vegetable-forward. The custard is also typically lighter and less cheesy than traditional quiche.
+ − Can I use a different type of pastry?
Absolutely! Puff pastry works wonderfully and creates a flakier base. You can also make your own shortcrust pastry for an even more authentic result.
+ − My onions aren't caramelizing properly. What am I doing wrong?
The most common mistake is cooking over too high heat or rushing the process. Keep heat at medium-low and be patient proper caramelization takes 25-30 minutes of slow, gentle cooking.
Alsace Onion Tart (Tarte à l’Oignon)
Nutrition shown per serving · updates with portion size
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out pie crust and press into a 9-inch tart pan. Trim edges and prick bottom with a fork. Line with parchment paper and fill with pie weights. Blind bake for 12 minutes, then remove weights and parchment and bake 5 more minutes until lightly golden.
- 2
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 25-30 minutes until deeply golden and caramelized. If using bacon, add it during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Season with a pinch of salt and set aside to cool slightly.
- 3
In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until well combined and smooth. This creates the creamy custard base that will bind everything together.
- 4
Spread the caramelized onions evenly in the pre-baked tart shell. Pour the custard mixture over the onions, ensuring it distributes evenly throughout.
- 5
Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Bake the tart for 30-35 minutes until the custard is set and lightly golden on top. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
American comfort food
Mia CarterMia grew up in a Midwest kitchen and specializes in cozy, crowd-pleasing weeknight dinners. She tests every recipe until it works on the first try.
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