Pumpkin, Ricotta & Caramelized Onion Tart with Bacon and Sage

By:

Emily

October 17, 2025

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

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📑 Table of Contents ▶

Part 1 — Understanding Your Tart
Fundamentals
Preparation/setup
Directions
Part 2 — Techniques to Perfect Your Tart
Technique
Tips/tricks
Part 3 — Perfecting Results
Perfecting results
Troubleshooting/variations
Part 4 — Serving and Storing Your Tart
Serving/presentation
Pairings/storage
Pumpkin, Ricotta & Caramelized Onion Tart with Bacon and Sage
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Pumpkin, Ricotta & Caramelized Onion Tart with Bacon and Sage

Creating a dish that fills the home with irresistible aromas brings such joy. Think about how wonderful it feels when warm, savory scents waft through the kitchen. This vibrant pumpkin, ricotta, and caramelized onion tart with bacon and sage does just that, inviting comfort and cheer into any gathering.

Every bite reveals layers of flavor. The creamy ricotta blends seamlessly with the earthy pumpkin purée, creating a base that’s both rich and light. Complementing this, the sweet onions, gently caramelized in bacon fat, add a depth of sweetness that balances the tartness of the other ingredients.

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This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping dish. It showcases the beauty of seasonal flavors, making it a perfect addition to your autumn table. Whether it’s a gathering with friends or a family feast, this tart will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Part 1 — Understanding Your Tart

Fundamentals

Creating the perfect tart starts with understanding your ingredients. Each element brings its own unique contribution to the dish. The use of fluffy puff pastry serves as the ideal base, providing a deliciously crispy texture that holds everything together.

A blend of seasonal pumpkin and creamy ricotta cheese forms a luscious filling. Adding the sweetness of caramelized onions and the smokiness from crispy bacon enhances the overall flavor profile. Fresh sage introduces a touch of herbal brightness, making every bite sing.

Preparation/setup

Preparation is key to making this tart come together beautifully. Start by gathering all the ingredients. Preparing each component separately enhances the flavors, ensuring they meld well when assembled.

Begin by cooking the bacon in a skillet until crispy. Reserve the bacon fat for caramelizing the onions. Use the same skillet to enhance the depth of flavors. After cooking, prepare your puff pastry by rolling it out gently on a floured surface. Follow with the assembly of the filling and toppings — each step builds anticipation for that first bite.

Ingredients

To create this delightful tart, you will need:

6 slices bacon, chopped
4 sweet onions, thinly sliced
Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
½ cup apple cider
2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed
1½ cups ricotta cheese
1⅓ cups pumpkin purée
2 cups freshly grated mozzarella cheese
2 handfuls fresh sage leaves
2 large eggs + 2 tsp water (for egg wash)
Grated Parmesan cheese, for topping

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the final result. From the sweetness of onions to the salty crunch of bacon, every detail counts.

Directions

Follow these simple directions to prepare your perfect tart:

In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon until it becomes crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess fat.
Using some of the bacon fat that remains in the skillet, caramelize the onions over medium-low heat. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir occasionally for about 25–30 minutes until the onions turn deeply golden. Afterward, pour in the apple cider and cook for another 5 minutes until the onions are soft and richly caramelized.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out each sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface, then place them on parchment-lined baking sheets. Score a 1-inch border around the edges and prick the center with a fork to allow steam to escape.
In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese and pumpkin purée together. Add a bit of salt and pepper for seasoning. Spread this mixture evenly within the borders of the pastry layers.
Top the ricotta-pumpkin mixture with the caramelized onions, followed by the mozzarella and crumbled bacon.
Finish by scattering fresh sage leaves over the top, and brush the edges of the pastry with the egg wash.
Bake the tart for 25–30 minutes, or until it puffs up and turns golden brown.
Once done, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving warm or at room temperature.

Part 2 — Techniques to Perfect Your Tart

Technique

Mastering the technique of tart-making elevates this dish. The key lies in the method of caramelizing onions. Keeping the heat low allows the onions to gradually develop sweetness without burning.

Pay attention to how you roll out the puff pastry. A gentle touch prevents the layers from becoming dense. Using parchment paper helps achieve an even bake while keeping the pastry crispy.

Tips/tricks

A few simple tips can enhance your experience. Ensure the puff pastry is fully thawed for even rolling. When caramelizing onions, don’t rush the process; patience is crucial.

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Using freshly grated cheese delivers better melting quality and flavor compared to pre-shredded options. For a twist, consider adding spices like nutmeg or a hint of cayenne to the pumpkin filling for added warmth.

Part 3 — Perfecting Results

Perfecting results

To achieve the best outcome, ensure all elements come together at the right temperature. Keeping the filling ingredients at room temperature helps prevent the pastry from becoming soggy.

Monitor the colors as you bake. A rich amber hue indicates a perfectly baked tart. Avoid opening the oven door frequently to maintain optimal heat.

Troubleshooting/variations

If you encounter soggy pastry, confirm that you pricked the center well and baked long enough. Should you want a touch more sweetness, a drizzle of honey over the onions can elevate their flavor.

Alternatively, swap out the bacon for another savory element like diced mushrooms for a vegetarian version. This ending will keep the flavor dynamic while adapting to various diets.

Part 4 — Serving and Storing Your Tart

Serving/presentation

Serving your pumpkin, ricotta, and caramelized onion tart is an art. Slice it into generous pieces, showcasing the beautiful layers. A sprinkle of fresh sage can add eye-catching color.

Consider serving on a wooden cutting board for a rustic presentation that reflects the hearty flavors. This tart also pairs excellently with vibrant salads, emphasizing the freshness of each ingredient.

Pairings/storage

To make the most of your tart, pair it with fresh greens dressed in a simple vinaigrette. The acidity will balance the richness of the tart.

For storage, cover any leftovers tightly and place them in the fridge. When ready to enjoy again, reheat in the oven for a few minutes, allowing the puff pastry to regain its delightful crispiness.

Creating this pumpkin, ricotta, and caramelized onion tart with bacon and sage is more than just cooking; it’s about weaving flavors together while bringing warmth and joy to the table. Every step results in a dish that’s as full of personality as it is delicious. Enjoy!

Pumpkin, Ricotta & Caramelized Onion Tart with Bacon and Sage

Author: emily
Total Time: 60 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Omnivore

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Description

A delightful tart filled with creamy ricotta, earthy pumpkin, and sweet caramelized onions, enhanced by crispy bacon and fresh sage, perfect for autumn gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

6 slices bacon, chopped
4 sweet onions, thinly sliced
Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
½ cup apple cider
2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed
1½ cups ricotta cheese
1⅓ cups pumpkin purée
2 cups freshly grated mozzarella cheese
2 handfuls fresh sage leaves
2 large eggs + 2 tsp water (for egg wash)
Grated Parmesan cheese, for topping

Instructions

In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, then remove and set aside on a paper towel.
Using the bacon fat, caramelize the onions over medium-low heat for 25–30 minutes until deeply golden.
Add apple cider to the onions and cook for another 5 minutes.
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out puff pastry and place on parchment-lined baking sheets, scoring a 1-inch border.
Mix ricotta and pumpkin purée, season with salt and pepper, and spread within the pastry borders.
Top the ricotta-pumpkin mixture with caramelized onions, mozzarella, and crumbled bacon, then scatter fresh sage leaves on top.
Brush edges with egg wash and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.