Classic Onion Pissaladiere Tart

Featured in: Soft Breads & Bakes

This tart highlights sweet caramelized onions gently cooked in olive oil until golden and tender. Layered atop a crisp puff pastry, it is garnished with savory anchovy fillets arranged in a criss-cross pattern and dotted with black olives for a briny contrast. A touch of fresh thyme adds aromatic depth. Baked until the crust is golden and crisp, this dish serves as a flavorful appetizer or light snack, celebrating Provençal flavors with simple ingredients and easy preparation.

Updated on Mon, 24 Nov 2025 08:40:00 GMT
Golden, bubbling Classic Onion Pissaladière Tart, with caramelized onions and salty anchovies, fresh from the oven. Save to Pinterest
Golden, bubbling Classic Onion Pissaladière Tart, with caramelized onions and salty anchovies, fresh from the oven. | maplefrost.com

A Provençal specialty featuring caramelized onions, anchovies, and olives on a crisp, golden crust—a simple yet irresistible appetizer with just six ingredients.

This classic tart has always been a favorite at family gatherings, loved for its perfect balance of flavors and flaky crust.

Ingredients

  • Ready-made puff pastry: 1 sheet (about 250 g), thawed
  • Yellow onions: 800 g, thinly sliced
  • Extra-virgin olive oil: 3 tbsp
  • Anchovy fillets in oil: 12, drained
  • Black Niçoise olives (or Kalamata): 16, pitted
  • Fresh thyme leaves: 1 tsp (or ½ tsp dried)

Instructions

Preheat oven:
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cook onions:
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring often, for 25 30 minutes until the onions are deeply golden and caramelized. If they start to brown too quickly, reduce the heat.
Add thyme:
Stir in the thyme and cook for 2 more minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Prepare pastry:
Roll out the puff pastry on the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, lightly score a 1.5 cm (½-inch) border around the edge (do not cut through).
Assemble tart:
Spread the caramelized onions evenly inside the scored border.
Add toppings:
Arrange the anchovy fillets in a criss-cross pattern over the onions. Dot the tart with olives.
Bake:
Bake for 20 25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and crisp.
Serve:
Let cool slightly, then cut into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.
Crisp, golden-crusted Classic Onion Pissaladière Tart, topped with anchovies and olives, ready to serve this appetizer. Save to Pinterest
Crisp, golden-crusted Classic Onion Pissaladière Tart, topped with anchovies and olives, ready to serve this appetizer. | maplefrost.com

Whenever we make this tart, it becomes the centerpiece of lively family dinners filled with laughter and good conversation.

Notes

Top with a handful of fresh arugula before serving for a fresh touch. This tart is perfect for sharing and ideal for casual entertaining.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains gluten (puff pastry) and fish (anchovies). Check puff pastry packaging for potential milk or egg content if allergies are a concern.

A close-up view of a baked Classic Onion Pissaladière Tart, showing the sweet onions and flaky crust. Save to Pinterest
A close-up view of a baked Classic Onion Pissaladière Tart, showing the sweet onions and flaky crust. | maplefrost.com

This tart is best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but leftovers can be reheated gently to maintain crispness.

Recipe FAQs

How do I caramelize onions properly?

Cook thinly sliced onions slowly over medium heat in olive oil, stirring often for 25-30 minutes until deeply golden and sweet.

Can I use homemade pastry instead of store-bought?

Yes, puff pastry can be homemade or store-bought; just ensure it’s thawed and rolled out evenly before assembling.

What are good olive varieties to use for this tart?

Niçoise or Kalamata olives are ideal for their robust, salty flavors that complement the anchovies and onions.

Is there a vegetarian alternative for anchovies?

Omit anchovies and add capers for a similar briny note, preserving the tart’s balance of flavors.

How should this tart be served?

Serve warm or at room temperature as an appetizer, optionally topped with fresh arugula for added freshness.

Classic Onion Pissaladiere Tart

Savory tart featuring golden caramelized onions, anchovies, and olives on puff pastry.

Prep time
20 minutes
Time to cook
40 minutes
Overall time
60 minutes
Created by Hannah Marlowe


Level Easy

Cuisine type French

Makes 6 Portions

Diet preferences No dairy

What You’ll Need

For the Tart

01 1 sheet ready-made puff pastry, thawed (approx. 9 ounces)
02 28 ounces yellow onions, thinly sliced
03 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
04 12 anchovy fillets packed in oil, drained
05 16 black Niçoise olives (or Kalamata), pitted
06 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried)

Directions

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Caramelize Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring frequently, for 25 to 30 minutes until deeply golden and caramelized, adjusting heat as needed to avoid burning.

Step 03

Add Thyme: Stir in the thyme leaves and cook for an additional 2 minutes, then remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

Step 04

Prepare Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly score a half-inch border around the edge with a sharp knife, being careful not to cut through.

Step 05

Assemble Tart: Evenly spread the caramelized onions inside the scored border. Arrange anchovy fillets in a criss-cross pattern atop the onions and dot the surface with olives.

Step 06

Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the pastry is golden and crisp.

Step 07

Serve: Allow to cool slightly, then cut into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Equipment you’ll need

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

Allergy details

Be sure to review ingredient lists for allergens and reach out to your healthcare provider if uncertain.
  • Contains gluten from puff pastry and fish from anchovies. Verify puff pastry packaging for possible milk or egg ingredients.

Nutrition info (per portion)

All nutrition info is just for reference and can’t replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 265
  • Total fat: 16 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 25 grams
  • Proteins: 5 grams