Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Galette

If you’re looking for a rustic, delicious appetizer or a light meal that balances elegance with simplicity, this Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Galette is precisely what you need. It combines a buttery, flaky crust with a rich filling of sweet, caramelized onions and tangy goat cheese, topped with aromatic thyme for an earthy finish. It’s the sort of dish that makes you feel like you’re in a cozy French countryside café—even if you’re just hanging out in your own kitchen.

It’s no exaggeration to say that taking the time to caramelize the onions transforms them from a humble ingredient into something extraordinary. Cooking them low and slow allows their natural sugars to break down and intensify, turning the onions into a deeply golden, jammy filling that’s both savory and sweet. A splash of balsamic vinegar adds a touch of tanginess, while a pinch of sugar helps deepen their flavor profile. For best results, make sure you’re patient. This isn’t a process to rush—give the onions about 25-30 minutes of slow, gentle heat. The transformation is worth every minute!

The goat cheese in this galette brings a creamy, tangy contrast that offsets the sweetness of the caramelized onions. Goat cheese has a mild acidity that complements both the buttery crust and the rich onions, keeping the flavors balanced. Plus, its crumbly texture and rich creaminess melt into the filling. If you’re a fan of more robust flavors, try experimenting with herbed goat cheese or even adding a few crumbles of blue cheese to add complexity.

This crust is rustic by design, so don’t stress about achieving a perfect shape. The beauty of a galette lies in its relaxed, free-form shape, which makes it both charming and incredibly forgiving. The butter in the dough should be as cold as possible, which is essential for creating a flaky crust. As the galette bakes, the butter melts and creates steam, leaving those delightful layers we all crave in a pastry. Once you’ve rolled out your dough, all you need to do is fold the edges over the filling, brush with a little egg wash, and let the oven do its thing.

This galette is incredibly versatile. It works just as well as a brunch centerpiece, a light lunch, or an appetizer at a dinner party. You can serve it warm, but it’s equally delicious at room temperature. Garnish with a few fresh thyme leaves for a fragrant finish, or drizzle with a bit of honey if you’re in the mood for an extra touch of sweetness.

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appetizer, snack, side dish

French

Yield: 6

Author: Erika Barnett

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Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Galette

Prep time: 15 MinCook time: 1 H & 10 MTotal time: 1 H & 25 M

This Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Galette combines a flaky, buttery crust with a rich filling of sweet, slow-cooked onions, tangy goat cheese, and fresh thyme. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect as a light meal or appetizer, bringing together savory, sweet, and earthy flavors in every bite.

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Ingredients

Crust

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ cup ice-cold water
• 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)

Filling

• 3 yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp sugar
• 4 oz goat cheese (crumbled)
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your hands, work the butter into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add the ice-cold water, mixing until the dough just comes together.
4. Form the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
5. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, stirring occasionally for about 20-25 minutes until soft and golden brown. If the onions start to stick, lower the heat slightly.
6. Stir in the balsamic vinegar and sugar, then cook for an additional 5 minutes until the onions are deeply caramelized. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
7. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a roughly 12-inch circle (it doesn’t have to be perfect—it’s rustic!).
9. Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet. Crumble the goat cheese evenly over the center of the dough and sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves, leaving a 2-inch border.
10. Spread the caramelized onions over the top of the goat cheese.
11. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pleating as you go to create a border. The center should be open.
12. Brush the folded edges of the dough with the beaten egg.
13. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crisp.:
14. Let the galette cool slightly before cutting. Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with extra thyme if desired.

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