As autumn blankets the world in vibrant hues, I find myself drawn to the comforting aroma of seasonal cooking. Enter the Savory Pumpkin, Ricotta & Caramelized Onion Tart with Bacon and Sage — a delightful centerpiece for any cozy gathering. This dish combines creamy ricotta and rich pumpkin with smoky bacon and sweet, caramelized onions that dance together in flaky, golden pastry. It’s not only a quick and impressive option for brunch, but it also serves as a perfect appetizing bite for dinner parties. The fresh sage brings a fragrant touch, making each slice feel like a warm hug on a chilly day. I can already imagine it taking center stage on your tabletop or delighting friends as finger food. Curious about how to bring this taste of fall to your kitchen? Let’s dive in! Why is this tart a must-try? Exquisite Flavor Fusion: This tart perfectly balances the earthy sweetness of pumpkin with the creamy richness of ricotta, while crispy bacon and caramelized onions add a savory depth. Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: It’s not just a stunning centerpiece for brunch; it effortlessly transitions into delightful appetizers for parties or a comforting dinner. Simplicity & Elegance: Using frozen puff pastry saves time without compromising on elegance, making it an accessible option for home cooks and chefs alike. Versatile Variations: Feel free to swap bacon for mushrooms or experiment with different cheeses, making it an adaptable recipe to fit various tastes. Seasonal Delight: Embrace autumn with this dish, which captures the essence of fall flavors and can elevate any gathering, from casual lunches to festive get-togethers. Try serving it alongside a fresh salad or alongside other favorites like Smothered Chicken Food for a complete meal! Pumpkin, Ricotta & Caramelized Onion Tart Ingredients For the Tart Base • Frozen Puff Pastry – Creates a flaky crust that elevates the tart’s texture; homemade options can be used for a fresh taste. For the Filling • Pumpkin Purée – Adds richness and moisture for a satisfying base; butternut squash purée works well as a substitute. • Ricotta Cheese – Provides creaminess and a subtle flavor; cottage cheese or cream cheese can give a different texture. • Sweet Onions – Bring natural sweetness when caramelized; shallots can offer a milder taste as a substitute. • Kosher Salt & Black Pepper – Enhances overall flavor; adjust to taste based on personal preference. For the Savory Topping • Bacon – Introduces smokiness and richness; turkey bacon can be used for a lighter option. • Mozzarella Cheese – Offers a stretchy texture when melted; try gouda for a twist on flavor. • Grated Parmesan Cheese – A finishing touch for added savory depth; nutritional yeast can be used for a dairy-free version. For the Herbaceous Accent • Fresh Sage Leaves – Imparts deep, herbal notes; thyme or rosemary can be used in more limited quantities, as the flavors will vary. For Caramelizing • Apple Cider – Adds a touch of sweetness and acidity to the onions; apple juice or white wine vinegar are great substitutes. • Eggs with Water (for egg wash) – Ensures a shiny, golden crust; omit or use a plant-based milk wash for a vegan option. This Pumpkin, Ricotta & Caramelized Onion Tart with Bacon and Sage is a dish that combines rich flavors and textures, making it a must-try for your fall gatherings! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Pumpkin, Ricotta & Caramelized Onion Tart with Bacon and Sage Step 1: Cook Bacon In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy and browned, which should take about 5–7 minutes. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat, leaving just a small amount in the skillet for your caramelized onions. Step 2: Caramelize Onions In the same skillet with the bacon grease, add the sliced sweet onions, seasoning them lightly with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Cook the onions over medium-low heat for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are golden brown and soft. Add the apple cider, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until the liquid has reduced, intensifying the flavors. Step 3: Prep Pastry While the onions caramelize, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the frozen puff pastry into a rectangle, about 1/8 inch thick. Fit the pastry onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure to leave a 1-inch border, then lightly score the edge of the pastry with a knife and pierce the center with a fork to prevent excessive puffing. Step 4: Make Filling In a mixing bowl, blend the ricotta cheese and pumpkin purée together with salt and pepper until smooth and creamy. Spread this delicious mixture evenly within the scored border of the pastry. Layer the caramelized onions over the ricotta-pumpkin filling, followed by the cooked bacon and shredded mozzarella cheese for that perfect stretchy texture. Step 5: Add Sage & Bake Scatter fresh sage leaves over the top of the tart for an aromatic boost, then brush the edges of the pastry with an egg wash made by whisking an egg with a little water. Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the crust is puffed and golden brown. Keep an eye on the color for a beautiful finish. Step 6: Finish As your Pumpkin, Ricotta & Caramelized Onion Tart with Bacon and Sage comes out of the oven, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top for added savory depth. Allow the tart to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature, enjoying the delightful flavors of fall in every bite. Expert Tips for Pumpkin, Ricotta & Caramelized Onion Tart Slow Caramelization: The key to sweet and tender onions is slow caramelization; rushing this step may result in a bitter taste, so take your time! Fresh Sage Matters: Use fresh sage instead of dried to enhance the flavor of your Pumpkin, Ricotta & Caramelized Onion Tart with Bacon and Sage; dried herbs can taste flat. Pierce the Pastry: Don’t forget to pierce the pastry before baking to prevent it from puffing too much; this will help achieve that ideal flaky texture. Rest Before Slicing: Allow the tart to rest for 10 minutes after baking; this makes it easier to cut and helps the flavors meld beautifully. Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses in the filling; swapping mozzarella for gouda can introduce a delicious flavor twist! Make Ahead Options These Pumpkin, Ricotta & Caramelized Onion Tart with Bacon and Sage are ideal for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the filling (ricotta, pumpkin puree, caramelized onions, and bacon) up to 24 hours in advance, storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can roll out the puff pastry and assemble the tart, then cover it and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To maintain that flaky texture, ensure the pastry is well-wrapped to prevent drying out. When ready to bake, simply add the fresh sage and mozzarella before popping it in the oven for 25–30 minutes. You’ll enjoy a delicious meal with minimal effort! Pumpkin, Ricotta & Caramelized Onion Tart Variations Feel free to unleash your creativity and customize this savory tart to suit your taste buds! Vegetarian Delight: Replace bacon with sautéed mushrooms for a rich, earthy flavor that everyone will love. The meaty texture still brings heartiness to the dish, perfect for vegetarian guests. Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ricotta mixture for a subtle heat that brightens each bite. This can also be paired beautifully with a lovely salad or served alongside other favorites like Cookies Cream Churn to cool down any spiciness. Cheese Variety: Swap mozzarella for feta or blue cheese to introduce a tangy flavor that elevates the tart. Each cheese adds its own personality to the dish, allowing for delightful combinations. Autumn Spice: Stir a hint of nutmeg or ground cinnamon into the pumpkin mixture to provide a warmth that celebrates the season. This will create a cozy aroma, wrapping your kitchen in the spirit of fall. Herb Alternatives: Try using thyme or rosemary in place of sage, bearing in mind that their flavors will shift the overall profile. Each herb brings its own charm, leaving you with a unique feast for the senses. Healthier Crust: Consider using a whole wheat or almond-flour pastry for a healthier alternative. This choice will add some nutty flavor while keeping the dish wholesome. Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or walnuts on top before serving for added texture and a dose of healthy fats. The crunch complements the creamy filling beautifully, making it a full sensory experience. Roasted Veggie Medley: Elevate your tart even more by adding roasted seasonal vegetables alongside the filling. Carrots, zucchini, or even roasted garlic can create layers of flavor that are both satisfying and delicious. Explore these variations and adapt the Pumpkin, Ricotta & Caramelized Onion Tart with Bacon and Sage to be your very own! Feel free to enjoy it with a side of Baked Mac Cheese for a comforting mimosa brunch or casual dinner party! What to Serve with Pumpkin, Ricotta & Caramelized Onion Tart with Bacon and Sage Elevate your cozy gatherings with a medley of sides designed to complement the rich flavors of this delightful tart. Mixed Green Salad: A fresh salad with a lemony vinaigrette perfectly balances the savory tart, cleansing the palate with each bite. Roasted Seasonal Veggies: Sweet, caramelized vegetables like carrots and Brussels sprouts bring earthy tones that elevate the autumn theme. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The velvety texture of mashed potatoes adds a comforting element that pairs beautifully with the richness of the tart. Crispy Garlic Bread: Crunchy, buttery bread enhances the cozy vibe and provides a great vehicle for any savory filling left on your plate. Apple Cider: A delightful glass of chilled apple cider amplifies the tart flavors while echoing the seasonal spices found within the dish. For a truly memorable meal, consider serving the tart alongside a warm spiced cider, or try a slice of pear tart for dessert to extend those delicious autumn flavors! How to Store and Freeze Pumpkin, Ricotta & Caramelized Onion Tart with Bacon and Sage Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; this will keep your tart fresh while preserving its delightful flavors. Freezer: If you want to prepare ahead, freeze the tart unbaked wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra time. Reheating: For the best texture, reheat slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, ensuring the creamy filling of the Pumpkin, Ricotta & Caramelized Onion Tart with Bacon and Sage warms thoroughly. Room Temperature: If serving warm, allow the tart to sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours before serving to avoid any compromised texture. Pumpkin, Ricotta & Caramelized Onion Tart with Bacon and Sage Recipe FAQs What type of pumpkin should I use for this recipe? Absolutely! For this tart, I highly recommend using canned pumpkin purée for convenience and a consistent texture. If you prefer fresh, opt for sugar pumpkins, which are naturally sweeter and creamier than their larger counterparts. Just remember that if you’re using fresh pumpkin, you’ll need to bake and puree it before adding it to the tart. How should I store leftover pumpkin, ricotta & caramelized onion tart? Very easy! Simply place leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I often put a piece of parchment paper inside to help absorb any moisture. This method helps maintain that delicious flavor while keeping the crust from getting soggy. Can I freeze the pumpkin, ricotta & caramelized onion tart? Yes, you can! To freeze, wrap the uncooked tart tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze it for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven from frozen but be sure to add an extra 10-15 minutes of baking time. This allows the tart to cook evenly while achieving that golden crust. Why did my tart crust puff up too much during baking? Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us! If your crust puffs excessively, it’s likely because the pastry wasn’t pierced enough before baking. Make sure to poke enough holes in the center before putting it in the oven to allow steam to escape. Also, keep an eye on your baking time; a perfectly flaky crust should rise just enough to hold your savory filling. Can I make this tart vegetarian? Yes, you can enjoy this recipe as a vegetarian option! Simply replace the bacon with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for that added depth. You might even want to experiment with swapping mozzarella for feta or goat cheese to add a tangy twist. This will ensure that delicious flavors shine through while catering to varying dietary preferences. Savory Pumpkin, Ricotta & Caramelized Onion Tart with Bacon and Sage Delight This Savory Pumpkin, Ricotta & Caramelized Onion Tart with Bacon and Sage is a perfect blend of autumn flavors, ideal for gatherings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 1 hour hrCooling Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 40 minutes mins Servings: 8 slicesCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 300 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Tart Base1 sheet Frozen Puff Pastry Creates a flaky crustFor the Filling1 cup Pumpkin Purée Can substitute with butternut squash purée1 cup Ricotta Cheese Cottage cheese or cream cheese can be substituted2 medium Sweet Onions Can substitute with shallotsto taste Kosher Salt Enhances overall flavorto taste Black Pepper Enhances overall flavorFor the Savory Topping6 slices Bacon Turkey bacon can be used as a lighter option1 cup Mozzarella Cheese Gouda can be used for flavor variation1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Nutritional yeast can be used for a dairy-free versionFor the Herbaceous Accent1/4 cup Fresh Sage Leaves Thyme or rosemary can be used in limited quantitiesFor Caramelizing1/4 cup Apple Cider Apple juice or white wine vinegar can be substituted1 egg Eggs with Water For egg wash; omit for vegan option Equipment large skilletmixing bowlParchment paperRolling PinBaking sheet Method Preparation StepsIn a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, about 5–7 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.In the same skillet, add sliced sweet onions and season with kosher salt and black pepper. Cook over medium-low heat for 25–30 minutes until golden brown. Add apple cider, cooking for an additional 5 minutes.Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the frozen puff pastry into a rectangle, about 1/8 inch thick and fit it onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.Blend ricotta cheese and pumpkin purée with salt and pepper in a bowl until smooth. Spread this mixture within the scored border of the pastry.Layer caramelized onions, bacon, and mozzarella over the ricotta-pumpkin filling.Scatter fresh sage leaves on top, brush edges with egg wash, and bake for 25–30 minutes until puffed and golden.Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the tart after baking and let cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 10gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 450mgPotassium: 380mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg NotesAllow the tart to rest for 10 minutes before slicing for easier cutting. Customize cheese options for varied flavors. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
