French Onion Tart (Pissaladière)

Pissaladière is a traditional Provençal tart featuring a crisp, golden crust topped with sweet caramelized onions, briny anchovies, and flavorful black olives. Originating from the south of France, this savory dish is perfect as an appetizer, snack, or light meal, bringing the flavors of the Mediterranean to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic French Flavors – A classic dish from Provence that highlights simple, high-quality ingredients.
• Delicious Sweet and Savory Balance – The rich caramelized onions contrast beautifully with the salty anchovies and olives.
• Crispy, Golden Crust – Whether using puff pastry or pizza dough, the base bakes up light and crisp.
• Great for Entertaining – Perfect as an appetizer or served alongside a salad for a light meal.
• Easy to Prepare – Minimal ingredients, simple steps, and a stunning final presentation.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 sheet of puff pastry or pizza dough
• 4 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 10 anchovy fillets
• 1/2 cup black olives (Niçoise or Kalamata)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Black pepper to taste

Directions

1. Caramelize the onions

• Heat olive oil in a large pan over low heat.
• Add thinly sliced onions, thyme, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
• Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes until the onions are soft and golden brown.

2. Prepare the dough

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Roll out the puff pastry or pizza dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

3. Assemble the tart

• Evenly spread the caramelized onions over the dough.
• Arrange anchovy fillets in a crisscross pattern on top.
• Scatter black olives evenly across the tart.

4. Bake

• Bake for 20-25 minutes until the crust is golden and crisp.

5. Serve

• Let cool slightly before slicing.
• Serve warm or at room temperature.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Calories: Approximately 320 kcal per serving

Variations

• Herb Infusion: Add rosemary or oregano for extra Provençal flavor.
• Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan or Gruyère before baking.
• Vegetarian Version: Omit anchovies and add sun-dried tomatoes or capers for a salty contrast.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free crust for dietary adaptations.
• Extra Crispy Crust: Pre-bake the pastry for 5 minutes before adding the toppings.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes until crisp.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat before serving.

FAQs

What is a Pissaladière?

Pissaladière is a savory French tart from Provence, topped with caramelized onions, anchovies, and olives.

Can I make this without anchovies?

Yes! You can omit anchovies or replace them with capers for a briny flavor.

What type of olives should I use?

Traditional Niçoise olives are best, but Kalamata or black olives work well too.

Can I use store-bought caramelized onions?

While possible, homemade caramelized onions provide the best flavor.

What pairs well with Pissaladière?

Serve it with a green salad, chilled white wine, or rosé for a perfect pairing.

Can I use fresh dough instead of puff pastry?

Yes! Pizza dough or shortcrust pastry are excellent alternatives.

How do I prevent the tart from getting soggy?

Pre-baking the crust for 5 minutes before adding toppings helps maintain crispness.

What is the best way to slice this tart?

Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter for clean slices.

Is Pissaladière served hot or cold?

It’s delicious warm or at room temperature, making it great for picnics.

Can I prepare it ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the tart ahead and bake just before serving.

Conclusion

French Onion Tart (Pissaladière) is a rustic and flavorful dish that showcases the best of Provençal cuisine. With its golden crust, sweet caramelized onions, and salty anchovies and olives, it’s a perfect appetizer or light meal. Simple yet elegant, this tart is a must-try for lovers of French food!

French Onion Tart (Pissaladière)

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• Author: Mari
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 min
• Total Time: 1h 5 min
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer, Light Meal
• Method: Baking, Caramelizing
• Cuisine: French, Provençal

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Description

A classic Provençal dish, Pissaladière is a savory tart topped with sweet caramelized onions, salty anchovies, and briny black olives. With its crispy golden crust, this Mediterranean favorite is perfect as an appetizer or light meal, served warm or at room temperature.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 sheet puff pastry or pizza dough
• 4 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• 10 anchovy fillets
• 1/2 cup black olives (Niçoise or Kalamata)
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Caramelize the onions:
   • In a pan, heat olive oil over low heat.
   • Add onions, thyme, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
   • Stir occasionally and cook for 30 minutes, until soft and golden.
3. Prepare the crust:
   • Roll out the puff pastry or dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Assemble the tart:
   • Spread the caramelized onions evenly over the dough.
   • Arrange the anchovy fillets in a crisscross pattern.
   • Scatter the black olives on top.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the crust is golden and crisp.
6. Let cool slightly before serving warm or at room temperature.

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Notes

• For a traditional touch, use homemade dough instead of puff pastry.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, rinse the anchovies before adding them.
• Serve with a green salad and a glass of rosé or white wine for a true Provençal experience.