Pumpkin, Ricotta & Caramelized Onion Tart with Bacon and Sage Recipe

If you have a craving for something that’s both comforting and vibrant with autumnal flavors, the Pumpkin, Ricotta & Caramelized Onion Tart with Bacon and Sage Recipe is a total game-changer. This tart offers a beautiful balance of creamy pumpkin and ricotta, sweet, deeply caramelized onions, and the smoky crunch of bacon, all enhanced with the earthy aroma of fresh sage. It’s rustic, elegant, and surprisingly simple to put together, making it perfect for any occasion where you want to impress without the stress. Trust me, one bite and this tart will secure a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating a truly unforgettable tart. Each one plays a crucial role in building the flavors and textures that make this dish so special. Whether it’s the buttery puff pastry serving as the crisp, flaky foundation or the silky smooth ricotta balancing the sweetness of pumpkin, everything comes together seamlessly.

• Puff pastry sheet: Provides a light, flaky base that holds all the delicious toppings together perfectly.
• Pumpkin puree: Adds a rich, creamy texture with a subtle sweetness that’s iconic in fall cooking.
• Ricotta cheese: Lends a mild, fresh creaminess that complements the pumpkin without overpowering it.
• Onion: Caramelized to bring out its natural sugars and deepen the flavor of the tart.
• Bacon: Adds a salty, crispy element that gives the tart wonderful texture and smoky depth.
• Fresh sage leaves: Infuse the tart with aromatic herbal notes that elevate every bite.
• Olive oil & butter: Used both for cooking and finishing touches to maximize flavor and richness.
• Egg (beaten): Brushed on the pastry edges so they come out beautifully golden and glossy.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of each ingredient.

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

Step 1: Prepare and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This sets the stage for your tart to bake evenly and ensures easy cleanup. Having this done early keeps your cooking flow smooth.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

Heat olive oil and one tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add thinly sliced onions and cook them gently for 15-20 minutes until they turn a deep golden brown. Stir occasionally to prevent burning, allowing the onions to release their natural sweetness and develop a luscious, jam-like texture.

Step 3: Cook the Bacon

While the onions caramelize, cook the chopped bacon in a separate skillet over medium heat until crisp. Drain the bacon on paper towels to remove excess fat. This step adds an irresistible crunch and smoky punch that will contrast beautifully with the creamy pumpkin and ricotta.

Step 4: Roll Out the Puff Pastry

Lightly flour your work surface and roll the thawed puff pastry to fit your baking sheet. Transfer it onto the parchment-lined sheet, ready to hold all the wonderful toppings.

Step 5: Mix Pumpkin and Ricotta

In a bowl, combine the pumpkin puree and ricotta cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This creamy mixture will be the heart of your tart, offering richness and a touch of sweetness that brightens the dish.

Step 6: Spread the Pumpkin-Ricotta Mixture

Evenly spread the pumpkin and ricotta blend over the puff pastry, making sure to leave a small border around the edges. This border will become your crust, folded up to create a rustic, inviting look.

Step 7: Add Onions and Bacon

Distribute the caramelized onions and crispy bacon pieces evenly across the pumpkin layer. This ensures every bite includes layers of texture and flavor—sweet, creamy, and savory working in perfect harmony.

Step 8: Prepare the Sage

Melt the remaining tablespoon of butter and brush it lightly over the fresh sage leaves. Arrange these fragrant leaves on top of the tart; they’ll crisp up beautifully in the oven and lend their distinctive herbal aroma.

Step 9: Fold Edges and Apply Egg Wash

Fold the edges of the puff pastry inward toward the filling to create a charming, rustic border. Brush the pastry edges with the beaten egg to give your tart a shiny, golden finish after baking.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Place your tart in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed up and gorgeously golden. The combination of textures and aromas starting to fill your kitchen at this stage is simply irresistible.

Step 11: Cool and Slice

Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This resting time helps the filling to set slightly, making it easier to slice and enjoy without losing any of that beautiful filling.

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

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a few extra crispy sage leaves can add a lovely finishing touch and visual appeal. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a light scatter of grated Parmesan can also amp up the flavor if you want to take it further.

Side Dishes

This tart pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. Roasted or steamed seasonal vegetables also complement the flavors well and make for a balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the tart as individual slices alongside bowls of mixed nuts and olives for a casual gathering. Or, cut it into smaller squares for a tasty appetizer at your next brunch or dinner party. Its rustic look makes it a crowd-pleaser no matter how you slice it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, wrap leftover tart tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld beautifully after a day, so leftovers are often even better.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked tart by wrapping it securely in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. To enjoy later, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven for best texture.

Reheating

For a crisp crust and warm filling, reheat slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as the pastry may lose its flakiness.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Absolutely! Roast fresh pumpkin until tender, then mash or puree it yourself. This can bring extra freshness and a slightly different texture to the tart.

Is there a vegetarian version of this tart?

Yes, just omit the bacon and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or walnuts for an earthy alternative that complements the other flavors beautifully.

Can I substitute ricotta with another cheese?

Ricotta’s creamy texture and mild flavor make it ideal here. However, you could try mascarpone or cream cheese for a richer twist, or goat cheese for tanginess.

How long can I make this tart in advance?

You can prepare the filling and caramelize onions a day ahead, assemble the tart just before baking, or fully bake it and reheat before serving.

What wine pairs well with this tart?

A medium-bodied white like Chardonnay or a light red like Pinot Noir complements the richness of the tart without overpowering the delicate pumpkin and sage notes.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend the Pumpkin, Ricotta & Caramelized Onion Tart with Bacon and Sage Recipe enough if you want to create a meal that feels both cozy and sophisticated with minimal fuss. This dish invites you to savor seasonal flavors in every bite, and it’s sure to become a favorite for those cherished fall and winter gatherings. So go ahead, give it a try—you’re going to love it as much as I do!

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