Classic Onion Pissaladiere Tart

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This classic Provençal tart features a crisp puff pastry base topped with slowly caramelized onions, layered anchovy fillets, and black Niçoise olives. The onions are cooked gently in olive oil until golden and sweet, then arranged over the unbaked pastry with a crisscross of anchovies and scattered olives. Baking results in a warm, savory tart perfect for an elegant appetizer. Optional herbs like thyme add subtle complexity, while variations can omit anchovies for a vegetarian twist.

Updated on Mon, 24 Nov 2025 16:27:00 GMT
Golden-brown Classic Onion Pissaladière Tart, topped generously with olives and savory anchovies. Pin It
Golden-brown Classic Onion Pissaladière Tart, topped generously with olives and savory anchovies. | cedaroven.com

A rustic Provençal tart featuring caramelized onions, anchovies, and olives atop a crisp, golden crust—a simple yet elegant 6-ingredient appetizer perfect for sharing.

This classic tart has been a family favorite for years, reminding me of warm summer evenings in the South of France.

Ingredients

  • Crust: 1 sheet ready-rolled puff pastry (about 250 g)
  • Onion Topping: 800 g yellow onions, thinly sliced, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (optional)
  • Toppings: 12 anchovy fillets in oil, drained, 18 black Niçoise olives, pitted

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring frequently, for 25 30 minutes until the onions are golden and caramelized. Stir in thyme, if using, and cook for 2 more minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 3:
Unroll the puff pastry onto the prepared baking sheet. Lightly score a 1 cm border around the edge with a sharp knife (do not cut through).
Step 4:
Spread the caramelized onions evenly over the pastry, keeping within the border.
Step 5:
Arrange anchovy fillets in a crisscross lattice pattern over the onions. Place olives at the intersections or scatter evenly over the tart.
Step 6:
Bake for 20 25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
Step 7:
Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, then slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
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| cedaroven.com

This tart always brings everyone together around the table, sparking stories and laughter from our Provençal travels.

Required Tools

Large skillet, baking sheet, parchment paper, sharp knife, spatula

Allergen Information

Contains Wheat (gluten) and Fish (anchovies). Always check puff pastry ingredients and packaging for potential milk, egg, or cross-contamination.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 250 per serving, Total Fat: 15 g, Carbohydrates: 24 g, Protein: 5 g

Warm, fragrant Classic Onion Pissaladière, freshly baked, with glistening caramelized onions and a flaky puff pastry. Pin It
Warm, fragrant Classic Onion Pissaladière, freshly baked, with glistening caramelized onions and a flaky puff pastry. | cedaroven.com

This tart is best enjoyed fresh from the oven but also tastes great at room temperature.

Recipe FAQs

What type of onions work best for caramelizing?

Yellow onions are ideal due to their natural sweetness and ability to develop deep caramel flavors when cooked slowly.

Can I substitute puff pastry with another crust?

Yes, a savory shortcrust pastry or homemade dough can be used for varied texture and flavor.

How long should I caramelize the onions?

Cook sliced onions over medium heat for 25 to 30 minutes until they turn a rich golden brown.

What is the purpose of scoring the pastry border?

Scoring creates a raised edge to contain the toppings and ensure even baking without cutting fully through the dough.

Are there vegetarian alternatives for the anchovy topping?

Yes, anchovies can be omitted and replaced with briny capers or olives for similar umami notes.

Classic Onion Pissaladiere Tart

Rustic tart with caramelized onions, anchovies, and olives on a golden puff pastry crust.

Prep Time
15 min
Time to Cook
45 min
Overall Time
60 min
Created by Evan Brooks


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine French (Provençal)

Makes 6 Portions

Diet Preferences No Dairy

What You'll Need

Crust

01 1 sheet ready-rolled puff pastry (8.8 oz)

Onion Topping

01 1.76 lb yellow onions, thinly sliced
02 3 tbsp olive oil
03 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (optional)

Toppings

01 12 anchovy fillets in oil, drained
02 18 black Niçoise olives, pitted

How To Make It

Step 01

Prepare oven and baking sheet: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Caramelize onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions with a pinch of salt and cook, stirring frequently, for 25–30 minutes until golden and caramelized. Stir in thyme if using and cook for 2 more minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 03

Prepare pastry base: Unroll puff pastry onto the prepared baking sheet and lightly score a 0.4-inch border around the edge without cutting through.

Step 04

Assemble tart: Spread caramelized onions evenly within the scored border on the pastry. Arrange anchovy fillets in a crisscross lattice pattern over the onions. Place olives at intersections or scatter evenly across the tart.

Step 05

Bake tart: Bake for 20–25 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.

Step 06

Serve: Remove from oven, let cool slightly, then slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

Equipment Needed

  • Large skillet
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Sharp knife
  • Spatula

Allergy Info

Review all items for potential allergens. If needed, ask a medical expert.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) and fish (anchovies).
  • Check puff pastry for possible milk or egg content.
  • Verify olive and anchovy packaging for cross-contamination if sensitive.

Nutrition Details (per serving)

Details given for reference only—contact your doctor for personal advice.
  • Caloric Value: 250
  • Fats: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Proteins: 5 g