There’s something irresistibly elegant about the combination of tart apples and aromatic fennel in a savory tart. This dish brings together crisp apple slices, delicate fennel, creamy cheese, and flaky pastry into a harmonious bake that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Perfect for brunch, a light lunch, or a shareable appetizer, this tart leans into natural sweetness and savory complexity.
Savory Apple Fennel Tart
Tom Jackson
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Category
Appetizer
Cuisine
American
Servings
4
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time
3 hours
Calories
444
Juicy apples and caramelized onions come together to create a beautiful and savory tart. This appetizer is a unique and delicious twist on a classic recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 granny smith apple, peeled, sliced
- 1 small fennel bulb, sliced very thin
- 1 small lemon, juiced
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1/2 cup melted onions
- 1 pie crust, approx. 12" diameter
- 1/8 cup blue cheese, crumbled
- fennel fronds for garnish
- 4 yellow onions, sliced thin
-
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
-
1 tbsp salt
- parchment paper
Melted Onions
Directions
Preheat and prep pastry:
Preheat oven or grill to 400 °F (200 °C).
Unfold the puff pastry onto a parchment‑lined baking sheet.
Gently score a ½‑inch border around the edges and prick the center area with a fork.
Layer cheese & aromatics:
Brush the border with olive oil.
Evenly sprinkle the Gruyère (and Parmesan, if using) across the tart’s center.
Scatter 1 Tbsp of thyme over the cheese.
Arrange apples & fennel:
Arrange alternating apple and fennel slices in slightly overlapping concentric circles within the cheese border.
Dot with remaining olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and the rest of the thyme.
Bake:
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and puffed and the cheese is bubbling.
Watch closely to avoid over-browning.
Finish & serve:
Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes.
Garnish with fresh fennel fronds.
Slice into wedges or squares and serve warm or at room temperature.
Recipe Note
What You’ll Love
Flavor-forward contrast: Sweet apples and licorice-fresh fennel meet tangy cheese for layered sophistication.
Simple elegance: Minimal ingredients, effortless prep—maximum wow factor.
Versatile serving: Ideal for brunch, light dinner, or festive gatherings.
Make-ahead magic: Bake in advance and serve later, perfect for hosting stress-free.
FAQ For Apple-Fennel Savory Tart Recipe
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes! Gruyère or fontina work well, but you can also try cheddar, goat cheese, or gouda cheese for alternate profiles.
Can I make the tart ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can bake it, cool it, then reheat at 350° for 8–10 minutes before serving.
Is fennel flavor strong in this tart?
No, when thinly sliced and baked it softens considerably—offering mild anise notes that complement the apples.
Nutrition
Nutrition
- Serving Size
- 15.61 oz
- per serving
- Calories
- 444
- Carbs
- 49 grams
- Protein
- 5 grams
- Fat
- 27 grams
- Sodium
- 2094 milligrams
