Cheese Flan with Caramelized Onion Recipe

Introduction

This cheese flan is a deliciously rich and comforting dish, perfect for any meal of the day. With a buttery shortcrust pastry base, caramelised onions, and mature cheddar, it offers a wonderful combination of sweet and savory flavors that will satisfy your taste buds.

Ingredients

• 15g salted butter, plus extra for the dish
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 5 eggs, beaten
• 150ml whole milk
• 320g ready-rolled sheet of shortcrust pastry
• 150g extra-mature cheddar, grated

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or gas mark 6, placing a baking tray inside to heat up.
2. Step 2: Melt the butter in a small pan over medium heat. Once foaming, add the finely chopped onion and a large pinch of salt. Fry gently for 10-15 minutes until the onion softens and begins to caramelise. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Step 3: Whisk the beaten eggs and whole milk together in a bowl and season the mixture well with salt and pepper.
4. Step 4: Butter an 18 x 25 cm baking dish that is at least 6 cm deep, then line it with baking parchment.
5. Step 5: Roll out the shortcrust pastry into the baking dish, ensuring it reaches all the corners and edges.
6. Step 6: Scatter the caramelised onion evenly over the pastry base, then sprinkle the grated mature cheddar on top.
7. Step 7: Carefully pour the egg and milk mixture over the cheese and onions.
8. Step 8: Place the filled dish on the preheated baking tray in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, until the flan is golden and puffed up.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding fresh herbs like thyme or chives to the egg mixture before baking.
• You can substitute the cheddar with Gruyère or Swiss cheese for a different taste profile.
• To make the flan vegetarian, double-check the pastry doesn’t contain lard or animal fats.

Storage

Store leftover flan covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave until warmed through to maintain its texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the flan in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the flan up to a day ahead. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake it just before serving.

Can I use a different type of pastry?

Shortcrust pastry works best for this savory flan, but you can try puff pastry for a lighter, flakier texture if preferred.

Cheese Flan with Caramelized Onion Recipe

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4.5 from 138 reviews

This Cheese Flan is a savory baked tart featuring a crisp shortcrust pastry base filled with caramelized onions, extra-mature cheddar cheese, and a creamy egg custard. Perfect for a light lunch or a comforting dinner, it offers a rich and flavorful combination with a golden, puffed-up top and a buttery, flaky crust.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Savory Tart
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Flan

• 15g salted butter, plus extra for greasing the dish
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 5 eggs, beaten
• 150ml whole milk
• 320g ready-rolled sheet of shortcrust pastry
• 150g extra-mature cheddar cheese, grated

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or gas mark 6 and place a baking tray inside to heat up. This ensures the dish will bake evenly on a hot surface.
2. Caramelize the Onion: Melt the butter in a small pan over medium heat until foaming. Add the finely chopped onion with a large pinch of salt, frying gently for 10-15 minutes until the onion softens and starts to caramelize, developing a rich, sweet flavor. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs and whole milk until well combined. Season the mixture generously with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly butter an 18 x 25cm baking dish that is at least 6cm deep, then line it with baking parchment to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
5. Assemble the Flan: Unroll the shortcrust pastry and carefully press it into the lined baking dish, ensuring the edges reach and fit snugly into the corners. Evenly scatter the caramelized onions over the pastry base, then sprinkle the grated extra-mature cheddar on top.
6. Pour in the Egg Mixture: Slowly and carefully pour the whisked egg and milk mixture over the cheese and onions, filling the dish but not overflowing.
7. Bake the Flan: Place the filled baking dish onto the hot baking tray in the oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the flan is golden brown, puffed up, and set in the center.
8. Cool and Serve: Remove the flan from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before slicing. This resting time helps to firm up the custard for easier serving.

Notes

• Using a hot baking tray helps the pastry cook evenly and become crispier.
• Be sure to let the caramelized onion cool slightly before adding to avoid scrambling the eggs.
• You can substitute extra-mature cheddar with a cheese of your choice, such as gruyere or a sharp gouda, for different flavor profiles.
• This flan can be served warm or at room temperature, making it great for meals ahead of time or picnics.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk with a lactose-free alternative and use a dairy-free butter.

Keywords: Cheese flan, caramelized onion tart, savory flan, baked cheese recipe, British tart, shortcrust pastry flan