My Go-To Appetizer: Caramelized Onion, Prosciutto, Fig & Blue Cheese Puff Pastry Tart

A Creative Home Classic

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Serves: 4–6 as an appetizer

Why It’s Special

This puff pastry tart is one of those recipes I come back to again and again. I’ve adapted it over the years, and it’s become a true Creative Home favorite — simple, beautiful, and always a crowd-pleaser. The flaky pastry base makes it feel special with almost no effort, and I love swapping the toppings depending on the season or what I’m hosting. This classic combination of caramelized onion, prosciutto, fig, blue cheese, and thyme is my forever repeat.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

• 1–2 tbsp olive oil or butter

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced

• 1 tsp balsamic vinegar (optional)

• ½ cup fig jam or fig spread

• 4-5 pieces of prosciutto

• ½ cup blue cheese crumbles(or substitute gruyère, goat cheese, or brie)

• Fresh thyme leaves

• Fresh cracked black pepper

• Optional: honey drizzle or balsamic glaze

Instructions - measure with your heart

1. Caramelize the Onions

Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook slowly for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft, golden, and caramelized. Finish with a splash of balsamic vinegar if desired.

2. Prepare the Puff Pastry

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).Place puff pastry on a parchment-lined baking sheet. (or follow the baking direction from your puff pastry box).

Using a knife, lightly score a 1-inch border around the edge (don’t cut all the way through). This helps create a beautiful raised crust.

3. Assemble the Tart

Spread fig jam evenly inside the border. Measure with your heart. Top with caramelized onions, pieces of prosciutto and sprinkle over the blue cheese.

Finish with fresh thyme and cracked black pepper.

4. Bake

Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and deeply golden.

5. Serve

Let cool slightly, then slice and serve warm.

Optional: drizzle with hot honey or balsamic glaze just before serving for an extra finishing touch.

Tried & True Variations

• Brie, Pear & Prosciutto

• Goat Cheese, Apple & Rosemary

• Brie, Fig & Honey

• Gruyère, Mushroom & Thyme