You've probably heard that the French have a hundred ways to say 'delicious'—but this tart is the only one you need. It's a rustic, free-form galette loaded with caramelized onions, goat cheese, and fresh thyme, wrapped in a buttery, flaky crust.
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This recipe is my no-nonsense take on a classic French tart. I've cut the fuss and kept the flavor, using store-bought puff pastry to save time without sacrificing that authentic taste. The result is a dish that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen, but comes together in under an hour.
Whether you're hosting a brunch or want a cozy weeknight dinner, this tart delivers. It's versatile, forgiving, and absolutely delicious—just like the French intended.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
About the Ingredients
1 sheet (about 9×9 inches) puff pastry, thawed
Use all-butter puff pastry for best flavor. If you can't find sheets, a puff pastry roll works too.
2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter
Salted butter works if you reduce added salt. For a dairy-free version, use olive oil.
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
Sweet onions like Vidalia are even milder. If you only have red onions, they'll work but taste slightly sharper.
1 teaspoon (5g) granulated sugar
Helps caramelization. You can omit if your onions are very sweet.
1/2 teaspoon (3g) salt, plus more for finishing
Use kosher or sea salt for best flavor. Table salt is fine but reduce to 1/4 teaspoon.
1/4 teaspoon (0.5g) black pepper, freshly ground
Pre-ground works, but fresh is more aromatic.
4 oz (115g) goat cheese, crumbled
Feta or blue cheese make great substitutes. For a vegan option, use a plant-based feta.
1 tablespoon (2g) fresh thyme leaves, plus extra for garnish
Dried thyme: use 1 teaspoon. If you have lemon thyme, it adds a nice citrus note.
1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Milk or cream works as a wash for a shinier finish, but egg gives the deepest golden color.
Tips & Tricks
- Don't skip caramelizing the onions slowly—they need about 15-20 minutes to become sweet and jammy.
- Keep the puff pastry cold until just before filling to ensure it puffs up nicely in the oven.
- If the pastry puffs up too much, gently press it down with a spatula after baking, but it's fine if it stays puffy.
Pro Tips
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Caramelize the Onions
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onions, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are soft and golden brown. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, roll the puff pastry into a 12-inch circle (or as directed on package). Transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Score a 1-inch border around the edge, being careful not to cut through.
4. Add the Filling
Spread the caramelized onions evenly over the pastry, leaving the border clear. Sprinkle the goat cheese over the onions, then scatter the thyme leaves on top.
5. Fold the Edges
Fold the border of the pastry over the filling, pleating as you go. Brush the folded pastry with the beaten egg wash.
6. Bake Until Golden
Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the crust is deep golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. The filling should be hot and the pastry crisp.
7. Cool and Serve
Let the tart cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes. Sprinkle with extra thyme and a pinch of sea salt. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Delicious Variations
- Add a handful of chopped prosciutto or cooked bacon with the onions for a savory, meaty twist.
- Swap the goat cheese for ricotta or shredded Gruyère for a milder, creamier filling.
- Top with a handful of arugula after baking for a fresh, peppery contrast.
How to Store French Words For Delicious
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer
Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes, or until warmed through and crisp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen puff pastry?
Yes, thaw it in the fridge overnight or on the counter for 30-40 minutes until pliable but still cold. Handle it gently to avoid cracking.
Q: What if I don't have goat cheese?
Substitute feta, blue cheese, or even cream cheese. Each will change the flavor, but all are delicious.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
You can assemble the tart and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 8 hours. Bake directly from the fridge, adding 5 minutes to the baking time.
Q: How do I prevent a soggy bottom?
Caramelize the onions until most of the liquid has evaporated, and don't overload the pastry with filling. Also, bake on a preheated baking sheet for extra heat from below.
If you've been hunting for a dish that says 'delicious' in every language, this tart is it. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out in the comments. And if you're looking for more French-inspired recipes, check out my other savory tarts and galettes.
French Words For Delicious
A savory herb tart that's crispy, golden, and bursting with French flavors—perfect for brunch or a light dinner.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 sheet (about 9×9 inches) puff pastry, thawed
- 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon (5g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon (3g) salt, plus more for finishing
- 1/4 teaspoon (0.5g) black pepper, freshly ground
- 4 oz (115g) goat cheese, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon (2g) fresh thyme leaves, plus extra for garnish
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
📋 Instructions
- 1Preheat the Oven — Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2Caramelize the Onions — In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onions, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are soft and golden brown. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- 3Prepare the Pastry — On a lightly floured surface, roll the puff pastry into a 12-inch circle (or as directed on package). Transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Score a 1-inch border around the edge, being careful not to cut through.
- 4Add the Filling — Spread the caramelized onions evenly over the pastry, leaving the border clear. Sprinkle the goat cheese over the onions, then scatter the thyme leaves on top.
- 5Fold the Edges — Fold the border of the pastry over the filling, pleating as you go. Brush the folded pastry with the beaten egg wash.
- 6Bake Until Golden — Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the crust is deep golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. The filling should be hot and the pastry crisp.
- 7Cool and Serve — Let the tart cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes. Sprinkle with extra thyme and a pinch of sea salt. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.



