A Delicious Appetizer

If you’re throwing a big party, or maybe just having a few friends over for cocktails, you’ll definitely want to make one of these appetizers.  It’s quite impressive for the little work involved.  I made one over the weekend and our guests all loved it.  One dough recipe can cover a large baking sheet.  There were six of us at our little gathering and we even had a couple of slices left over.  The four main ingredients all come together nicely, and it’s just enough to enjoy with a glass of wine or cocktail.  It is quite filling and you won’t have to make anything else to serve.  

I call it a tart, but it actually looks a lot like a pizza.  You can serve it both hot from the oven, or make it ahead and enjoy it at room temperature.  Any leftover slices can be warmed up in the microwave the next day.  You can also vary the nuts or cheese; however, the caramelized onions are essential for the flavor.

 A thin crust serves as the base.  The onions sautéed in the balsamic vinegar account for the sweetness, while the Brie melts beautifully for a creamy texture.   If you want the crust very crispy, bake it alone for about 5 or 7 minutes before you add the toppings.  It also looks pretty on a wooden cutting board or platter if you toss a few red grapes and a couple sprigs of rosemary around for garnish.  

If you don’t want to make the crust from scratch, and you also don’t have ready access to a pizza shop to buy a ball of fresh dough, I suppose you could cheat and use a prepared packaged pizza crust from your grocer’s refrigerator case.  That too would work if you are pressed for time. 

I used a 13 x 9 baking sheet; however, the size of the baking sheet isn’t really very important.  Make it any shape you like.  Perfect edges aren’t essential and the more rustic the better.  I think it adds a homemade appearance, and my feeling is that if you’re going to create a wonderful appetizer from scratch, you want it to look like you made it yourself.  You don’t need perfect edges like something purchased. 

Here’s how easy it is to put this tart together. 

 

Caramelized Onion and Brie Tart

1 recipe pizza dough

1 large white onion, finely sliced

2 T olive oil

2 T balsamic vinegar

1 8oz package Brie cheese

½ C sliced almonds 

Heat the oil in a large skillet.  Add the sliced onion and sauté until translucent.  Add the balsamic vinegar, lower the heat and slowly cook until the onions are caramelized and thoroughly cooked. 

On a large rectangular baking sheet (12 or 13” x 9 or 10”) gently roll out the dough and spread it out.  Place the onions evenly over the dough.  Cut the Brie into small chunks and distribute it over the dough.  Sprinkle the almonds across the top. 

Bake in a preheated 425º oven 10 to 12 minutes—depending on your oven—until the crust is golden and all the cheese has melted. 

Remove from oven, cool slightly and cut into 2” squares and serve hot or warm.  Open the wine or mix the cocktails and you’re ready to entertain.

 

Enjoy!

©Pauline Boren 2010