Bacon Cheddar Tart with Caramelized Onions
A rich savory tart featuring sweet caramelized Vidalia onions paired with crispy bacon and sharp cheddar cheese in a custard-like filling. The combination of smoky bacon, tangy cheese, and golden onions creates layers of flavor perfect for brunch, lunch, or light dinner. The prebaked pastry shell ensures a crisp bottom while the creamy egg custard sets to silky perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 large Vidalia onion, sliced
- 4 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese
- ½ cup evaporated milk
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 1 single crust pie shell, pastry
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
Instructions
- 1
Line tart pan or pie pan with pie dough
- 2
Pierce with fork and bake in preheated oven for 8-10 minutes
- 3
Remove from oven and set aside
- 4
Arrange sliced onions in single layer in medium skillet over medium low heat with butter
- 5
Sprinkle salt over onions and cook until soft and golden
- 6
Combine eggs, bacon, cheeses and milk in bowl
- 7
Add onions and mix well
- 8
Pour filling into prebaked pie shell
- 9
Reduce oven temperature and bake for 20-25 minutes or until set
Tips
Prebake the shell to prevent a soggy bottom and ensure the pastry stays crisp under the custard filling.
Cook onions slowly over medium-low heat for the best caramelization and sweetest flavor development.
Let the tart cool for 10 minutes before slicing to allow the custard to set properly.
Good to Know
Refrigerate covered up to 3 days
Prebake shell day before, assemble morning of serving
Serve warm or at room temperature, cut into wedges
Common Mistakes
Don't skip prebaking shell to avoid soggy bottom
Cook onions slowly to avoid burning and ensure proper caramelization
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prebake the shell a day ahead and store covered. Assemble and bake the morning you plan to serve for best texture.
What if I don't have a tart pan?
A regular 9-inch pie pan works perfectly. The cooking time and temperature remain the same for either pan type.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual slices in a 300F oven for 10 minutes to crisp the bottom.