Name: Caramelized Onion & Brie Tartines
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-486647H16M19S
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 6 slices artisan baguette or country loaf; 2 large sweet onions (e.g., Vidalia or yellow), thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or olive oil; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 6 ounces Brie cheese, sliced; 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze or reduction; Optional: fresh thyme or rosemary; Optional: fig jam, honey, or fresh fig slices

Jump to Recipe

Rustic open-faced tartines topped with sweet, deeply caramelized onions, melted creamy Brie, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze—an elegant yet easy ensemble perfect for casual gatherings or refined snacks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These tartines blend contrasting flavors and textures—soft, creamy Brie; the natural sweetness of caramelized onions; and the crisp, toasty crunch of bread. They’re simple to assemble, customizable with herbs or fruit, and ideal for entertaining or gourmet everyday eating.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Artisan baguette or country loaf slices
Sweet onions (such as Vidalia or yellow), thinly sliced
Unsalted butter and/or olive oil
Salt
Ground black pepper
Brie cheese, sliced
Balsamic glaze or reduction
Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
Optional: fig jam, honey, or sliced fresh figs

directions

Caramelize onions: Melt butter (or heat oil) in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions with a pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until deep golden brown and sweet—about 25–30 minutes. Add a splash of water if too dry.
Toast bread: While onions cook, preheat the oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Arrange bread slices on a baking sheet; brush lightly with olive oil. Toast for 5–7 minutes until edges begin to turn golden.
Assemble tartines: Top each piece of toast with a layer of caramelized onions, then place a few slices of Brie on top.
Melt Brie: Return tartines to the oven for 5 minutes, or broil briefly (1–2 minutes) until the cheese starts to melt.
Finish: Drizzle with balsamic glaze and scatter fresh thyme or rosemary over the top.
Serve warm, optionally accompanied by fig jam or honey for extra sweetness.

Servings and timing

Yield: 6 tartines
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 35–40 minutes (onions and assembly)
Total time: Approximately 45 minutes

Variations

Fruit boost: Add fresh fig slices or poached pears before drizzling glaze.
Nutty crunch: Sprinkle toasted walnuts or pecans on top.
Spicy twist: Add a few red pepper flakes during caramelization for heat.
Herb cheese: Substitute Brie with Camembert, goat cheese, or herbed Boursin for different flavor profiles.

storage/reheating

Make‑ahead onions: Store caramelized onions refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 5 days.
Assembled tartines: Best enjoyed fresh. If storing, keep un-toasted bread separate from onions and cheese up to one day.
Reheating: Warm assembled tartines in a 350 °F oven for 5–7 minutes until heated and cheese is melty.

FAQs

Can I use different onions for caramelizing?

Yes—yellow or Vidalia onions are ideal. Red onions work too but impart a sharper, less sweet flavor.

How do I know when onions are fully caramelized?

They should be a deep golden brown with a rich, sweet aroma and jam-like consistency, taking about 25–30 minutes.

Is balsamic glaze necessary?

The glaze adds a tangy sweetness, but a drizzle of honey, aged balsamic vinegar, or fig jam can also be delightful.

Can I prepare these ahead?

Make the onions up to 5 days ahead. Assemble and melt the Brie just before serving for optimal texture.

Are these gluten‑free?

Yes—use gluten-free bread to substitute.

Can I serve these as an appetizer?

Absolutely—they’re ideal for parties. Cut bread into smaller pieces for bite-sized servings.

What cheese alternatives work well?

Use Camembert, goat cheese, Boursin, or Gruyère for varied flavors and textures.

How do I prevent soggy toast?

Ensure onions are properly drained and bread is toasted until crisp before assembling.

Are tartines suitable for vegetarians?

Yes—this recipe is fully vegetarian.

Can I add protein?

Yes—top with prosciutto or crisp bacon for added richness and texture.

Conclusion

Caramelized Onion & Brie Tartines offer a delectable blend of sweetness, creaminess, and crunch in a handsome presentation. Perfect for elevating brunches, snacks, or appetizers with minimal effort, these tartines welcome personalization with fruits, nuts, herbs, and cheeses. Enjoy the luxurious simplicity of flavors—all in one elegant bite.