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    Home » Recipes » Appetizers » Puff Pastry Appetizers – with Caramelized Onions

    Puff Pastry Appetizers – with Caramelized Onions

    Published: Jan 27, 2019 · Modified: Jan 23, 2022 by Barbara Curry · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe
    5 from 2 votes

    Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links.

    A glass of wine with a plate of puff pastry appetizers.

    A Puff Pastry Appetizer with Caramelized onions are just what you need to impress your friends. An easy make ahead appetizer just in time for the Super Bowl. Be warned, they are addictive!

    A wooden platter of savory puff pastry appetizers with a glass of white wine.

    I love to have some go-to appetizers that you can serve for friends, whether you’re having people over for cocktails or to watch the big game. You can always grab some cheese and crackers but having a savory puff pastry warm right out of the oven, is a show stopper.  

    My favorite appetizers are those that I can make ahead of time and pop in the oven when friends are arriving.  Our family’s go-to appetizer has to be Mushroom Logs which we have made a zillion times.  They’re extremely simple and impossible to mess up.  As good as they are, they can’t compare to a puff pastry appetizer with caramelized onions.

    French onion pastry appetizers on a white platter with mustard.

    These do take a little more planning than Mushroom Logs, but you can do it days in advance and I promise it’s worth it.  What makes French Onion soup so scrumptious is the caramelized onions and that’s what you have in these bite size appetizers, but without the mess of eating a gooey bowl of soup.  

    You’ll start out by caramelizing the onions, which is not difficult, it just takes some patience and about 30-40 minutes. You can do this step days in advance!

    An individual puff pastry bite being held showing the inside of the pastry.

    Why you’ll love caramelized onion pastry bites

    • All the flavor of a bowl of French onion soup in each bite but without any mess!
    • Puff pastry is easy to work with and so delicious.
    • You can prepare these ahead of time so you can serve them when you’re ready.
    • They are melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

    What you’ll need for puff pastry appetizers

    Ingredients for puff pastry appetizers.
    • Sweet onions – perfect for caramelizing like a Vidalia, but any onion can be caramelized.
    • Fresh thyme – you can use dried too if you don’t have access to fresh.
    • Dijon mustard – delicious flavor!
    • Chicken stock – if you want to make these vegetarian, use vegetable stock.
    • Frozen puff pastry – this buttery pastry is easily frozen, it’s just not worth it to make your own, my favorites are Dufour or Trader Joes brand.
    • Gruyere cheese – with a subtle flavor it’s perfect for appetizers, you could use swiss instead.
    • Pantry staples – butter, olive oil, egg, sugar, salt, pepper,

    How do you make caramelized onion pastry bites

    The key to caramelizing onions is patience and low heat. If you turn up the heat too high, the onions will burn instead of caramelizing. By cooking them slow the natural sugars in the onion caramelize creating an intense flavor.

    Step 1

    Caramelize the onions

    A skillet of sliced raw onions.

    Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. When the butter has melted, add onions and coat with butter mixture. Cook, undisturbed until onions begin to soften, about 4 minutes. Add thyme, mustard, sugar and salt and pepper, stir to combine. Continue to cook stirring every five minutes until golden brown. This will take about 30-40 minutes depending on how thin the onions are and the amount of moisture in the onion. Go by color, not time.

    Onions that have been caramelized in a skillet.

    Step 2

    Add chicken stock, cook stirring until liquid is incorporated, about a minute. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. If making in advance refrigerate the onions until you are ready to prepare the pastries.

    Step 3

    Roll out two pastry sheets into an equal size square.

    Step 4

    Spoon 1 teaspoon of onion mixture in 36 squares about 1 inch apart. You will have 6 rows across and 6 down. Top with some cheese.

    Top with second sheet of puff pastry and using your fingers, press the top layer around the filling. Using a pizza cutter, cut into 36 squares and pinch the sides to seal. Use a fork to press the edges together. Place about 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheet. They don’t have to be exact, but no judgement if you use a ruler.

    Portions of caramelized onions on a sheet of puff pastry in rows.
    Puff pastry with caramelized onions and cheese on top.

    Pro tip: From here you can freeze them for whenever you have friends over or just need to treat yourself with an amazing snack.

    Step 5

    Brush with slightly beaten egg and sprinkle with salt and pepper and bake for about 12 minutes until golden brown.

    Puff pastry appetizers formed on a baking sheet.

    These are delicious warm but trust me they are also great at room temperature.  Everyone loves puff pastry and you can easily make this vegetarian by using a vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. You can serve them with a bit of mustard or eat just as they are.

    Baked puff pastry bites on a baking sheet.

    This recipe makes a pretty big batch that can be made weeks ahead and frozen until you’re ready to bake them. If you’re caramelizing onions, go ahead and make some extra, they’re great to add to French onion rounds, a quiche, on top of a burger or just thrown in with your scrambled eggs.  They make everything yummy.

    Caramelized onion appetizers stacked on a wooden tray.

    FAQs and tips

    How do you freeze pastry bites?

    Prepare the pastry bites right up until you would add the egg wash. Place them in a container to freeze and they’ll be good for about 3 months. Allow them to defrost before following baking instructions.

    What type of puff pastry is best?

    The best puff pastry is one made with butter. There are two brands in my area that I use, either Dufour or Trader Joes. Trader Joes puff pastry is only available around the holidays.

    Does Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry contain butter?

    Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry does not contain butter so it is a great vegan alternative.

    Why are caramelized onions so good?

    Onions are naturally sweet so when they cook slowly the sugar caramelizes given them a wonderful flavor.

    Can you speed up the time to caramelize onions?

    You can shorten the time slightly by covering them at the beginning. This will help the onions to soften a little quicker.

    What is the best pan to use to caramelize onions?

    Either a cast iron skillet or a steel pan work best for caramelizing onions. A non-stick skillet will work but you won’t get quite as much flavor, so if you have choice, go with a cast iron skillet.

    More great appetizers to share

    • Baked Buffalo chicken wings with a blue cheese dipping sauce.
      Baked Buffalo Wings
    • A black platter filled with mini potato skins.
      Bacon and Cheese Stuffed Potato Skins
    • Savory Thumbprint Cookies on a platter
      Savory Thumbprint Cookies
    • Roasted grapes and cheese on a baguette
      Roasted Grape Crostini

    Puff pastry with caramelized onions on a wooden tray.

    Puff Pastry Appetizers with Caramelized Onions

    Author: Barbara Curry
    A Puff Pastry Appetizer with Caramelized onions are just what you need to impress your friends. An easy make ahead appetizer just in time for the Super Bowl. Be warned, they are addictive!
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin
    PREP: 30 minutes
    COOK: 12 minutes
    Servings: 36

    Ingredients
     

    • 3 tablespoons butter
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 2 large sweet onions thinly slice into ½ moon shapes
    • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
    • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
    • 1 teaspoon pepper
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • 1 pinch sugar
    • 3 tablespoons chicken stock
    • 2 sheets frozen puff pastry
    • ½ cup gruyere cheese
    • 1 egg
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. When butter has melted, add onions and coat with butter mixture. Cook, undisturbed until onions begin to soften, about 4 minutes. Add thyme, mustard, sugar and salt and pepper, stir to combine. Cook on low to medium heat stirring about every 5 minutes until they are golden brown, about 30-40 minutes. Reduce heat if they begin to brown too quickly.
    • Add chicken stock, cook stirring until liquid is incorporated, about a minute. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
    • Preheat oven to 375º. Place parchment paper on baking sheet.
    • Roll out both pastry sheets into an equal sized square.
    • Spoon 1 teaspoon of onion mixture in 36 squares about 1 inch apart. You will have 6 rows across and 6 down. Top with some cheese. Top with second sheet of puff pastry and using your fingers, press the top layer around the filling. Using a pizza cutter, cut into 36 squares and pinch the sides to seal. Use a fork to press the edges together. Place about 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheet.
    • Brush with slightly beaten egg and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
    • Bake for 12-15 minutes until slightly golden, let cool before serving.
    Barbara’s Tips + Notes
    • Try to use a cast iron skillet or steel pan vs a non stick pan when caramelizing onions.
    • Be patient and let the onions cook slowly.
    • If your dough gets sticky, place it in the fridge and let it cool down for 10 minutes. 
    • For the best puff pastry, find one made with butter like Dufour or Trader Joes.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1g | Calories: 103kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 87mg | Potassium: 37mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 63IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 1mg
    Follow Me On SocialDid you make this recipe? Mention @ButterandBaggage or tag #ButterandBaggage on Instagram!

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    Comments

    1. Nancy Turner says

      January 27, 2019 at 8:56 pm

      Sounds wonderful. Can’t wait to try! Thanks for yet another “amazing” dish, as my grandson likes to say!

      Reply
      • Barbara Curry says

        January 28, 2019 at 5:00 am

        I would love to hear what you think. I’m sure you can come up with a way to make them even better.

        Reply
    2. Marty Hadding says

      May 16, 2019 at 8:07 pm

      Attending a Preakness Party this weekend and I think this may be what I take for a savory dish! Looks delicious!

      Reply
      • Barbara Curry says

        May 17, 2019 at 10:17 am

        Marty, I’m so jealous, hope it’s a great party. If you want to take a gift bag for the hostess or just something sweet along with the Pastry Bites, you might want to try Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies. You can make them mini which is always a fun snack.

        Reply

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    Barbara Curry is the culinary adventurer of Butter & Baggage. With a dedicated enthusiasm for real butter made from happy cows she is in constant pursuit of delicious recipes and tasty dishes. She shares her experiences, ventures, and occasional misadventures because let’s face it things can get messy in any kitchen.

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