Pumpkin Ricotta and Caramelized Onion Tart with Bacon and Sage Recipe

If you have a craving for something both cozy and uniquely flavorful, the Pumpkin Ricotta and Caramelized Onion Tart with Bacon and Sage Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish unites the smooth creaminess of ricotta and pumpkin puree with the deep, sweet notes of caramelized onions, crispy smoky bacon, and the earthy aroma of fresh sage. Perfect as a hearty appetizer or a centerpiece for brunch, every bite feels like a comforting hug wrapped in golden, flaky puff pastry. Trust me, once you make this tart, it will quickly become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this tart plays an essential role in creating a stunning balance of flavors, textures, and colors that make this dish truly special. From the buttery puff pastry to the fresh sage leaves, everything is simple but purposefully chosen to shine.

• Puff pastry sheet: Provides a crispy, flaky base that holds all the delicious toppings beautifully.
• Pumpkin puree: Brings vibrant color and creamy texture with a subtle sweetness that complements savory flavors.
• Ricotta cheese: Adds rich creaminess and a mild taste that balances the pumpkin perfectly.
• Large onion, thinly sliced: Caramelized slowly to deepen its natural sweetness and add a melt-in-your-mouth layer.
• Bacon, chopped: Offers irresistible smoky crunch that contrasts nicely with the softer elements.
• Fresh sage leaves: Introduces an aromatic, earthy note that ties the whole tart together.
• Olive oil: Used for sautéing onions gently and adding richness.
• Butter: Adds depth and helps crisp the tart edges and sage leaves to perfection.
• Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that elevate and marry every flavor in the tart.
• Egg (beaten): Creates a beautiful golden finish on the puff pastry edges when baked.

How to Make Pumpkin Ricotta and Caramelized Onion Tart with Bacon and Sage Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prep keeps your tart from sticking and ensures easy cleanup, setting a solid foundation for a perfect bake.

Step 2: Caramelize Your Onions

Heat olive oil with one tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add your thinly sliced onions and cook them slowly for about 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to coax out their natural sugars until they turn a beautiful golden brown. This step adds an unbeatable sweet depth to your tart’s flavor profile.

Step 3: Cook the Bacon

In another skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it reaches that ideal crispiness. Once done, set it aside on paper towels to drain excess grease. The crispy bacon pieces will provide textural contrast and a smoky punch that elevate the entire dish.

Step 4: Roll Out the Puff Pastry

Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the puff pastry so it fits your baking sheet nicely. Transfer it carefully onto the parchment-lined sheet. This flaky base will hold all the delicious ingredients while delivering a buttery crunch with every bite.

Step 5: Mix Pumpkin and Ricotta

In a bowl, combine the pumpkin puree with ricotta cheese, then season generously with salt and pepper. This mixture creates the creamy, flavorful canvas for your tart, striking a perfect balance between sweet and savory elements.

Step 6: Spread the Pumpkin Ricotta Mixture

Evenly spread the pumpkin and ricotta blend across the puff pastry, making sure to leave a small border around the edges for folding. This step ensures every slice gets a deliciously creamy filling layer.

Step 7: Add the Caramelized Onions and Bacon

Distribute the golden caramelized onions and crispy bacon evenly over the pumpkin and ricotta layer. This combination layers sweetness, richness, and savory crunch that will make your taste buds sing.

Step 8: Butter and Arrange Sage Leaves

Melt the remaining tablespoon of butter and brush it over the fresh sage leaves. Lay these fragrant leaves atop your tart — they’ll crisp up in the oven and infuse the dish with their warm, herbal aroma.

Step 9: Fold and Egg Wash the Puff Pastry Edges

Fold the puff pastry edges inward to create a charming rustic border around your tart. Brush these edges with the beaten egg to give them a glorious golden sheen when baked.

Step 10: Bake Until Golden and Puffy

Pop your tart in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the pastry puffs and turns a gorgeous golden brown. The bubbling, fragrant tart you pull from the oven at this stage is sheer kitchen magic.

Step 11: Cool Slightly Before Serving

Allow your tart to cool for a few minutes after baking. This pause helps the filling set just enough so that slicing isn’t messy but still warm enough for the comforting flavors to shine.

How to Serve Pumpkin Ricotta and Caramelized Onion Tart with Bacon and Sage Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra touch, sprinkle some freshly cracked black pepper or a few more crisp fried sage leaves atop your tart just before serving. A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil can also enhance its lusciousness.

Side Dishes

This tart pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a bowl of roasted root vegetables. The tart’s richness balances well with fresh, crisp veggies that refresh the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving this Pumpkin Ricotta and Caramelized Onion Tart with Bacon and Sage Recipe as individual mini tarts for a party spread or cut into rustic, generous slices on a wooden board with an array of cheeses and charcuterie. It makes an elegant yet approachable centerpiece that invites conversation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover tart pieces in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually meld and improve overnight, making for even tastier leftovers.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked assembled tart by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to one month, then thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as instructed.

Reheating

To revive the tart, reheat leftover slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through and crisp. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make the puff pastry soggy.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Absolutely! Roasting and pureeing fresh pumpkin will give you wonderful fresh flavor, but make sure the puree is thick and well-drained so the tart doesn’t get soggy.

What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?

You can use cream cheese or mascarpone as alternatives. Both will provide creaminess, though ricotta’s light texture is ideal for balancing the pumpkin’s density.

Is it possible to make this tart vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the bacon and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or walnuts for a savory, satisfying replacement to keep the flavor complexity.

Can I prepare the caramelized onions ahead of time?

Definitely. Caramelized onions store well in the fridge for up to 4 days and can be made ahead to save time when assembling the tart.

What type of puff pastry works best?

Either store-bought frozen puff pastry or fresh homemade puff pastry will work wonderfully. Just be sure to thaw frozen pastry completely before rolling out.

Final Thoughts

You genuinely cannot go wrong when you make the Pumpkin Ricotta and Caramelized Onion Tart with Bacon and Sage Recipe. It combines simple, seasonal ingredients into a dish bursting with flavor and texture that feels both comforting and sophisticated. If you’re looking to impress family or friends or just treat yourself to something spectacular, this tart is your answer. Dive in, savor every bite, and enjoy the warm, welcoming goodness this recipe brings to your table.

Print