Five ingredient tartlets an amazing 40 minute recipe

Just five ingredients are all you need to make these simple cheddar and red onion tarts, proving that delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With minimal preparation and no specialist equipment required, this recipe is ideal for cooks of all skill levels, whether you’re new to the kitchen or just looking for a quick, reliable option. The combination of sharp cheddar and sweet red onion creates a rich, savoury filling that feels far more indulgent than its short ingredient list suggests.

These tarts are an excellent choice if you’re cooking on a budget. In November 2023, the recipe was costed at an average of just 79p per portion when prices were checked across four UK supermarkets, making it a fantastic low-cost meal option. Designed to be made using a low-cost store-cupboard, it relies on affordable, widely available ingredients that are easy to keep on hand, helping you save money without sacrificing flavour or quality.

They’re also wonderfully convenient, making them a great option for busy schedules. Preparation takes less than 30 minutes, from slicing the onions to assembling the tarts, so they’re ideal for weeknights, busy weekends, or last-minute plans. Once in the oven, they take between 30 minutes and 1 hour to cook, depending on your oven and how golden and crisp you like the pastry, giving you plenty of flexibility. While they bake, you’re free to prepare simple sides, pack up a picnic, get ahead with other meals, or simply relax and let the oven do the work.

These cheddar and red onion tarts are incredibly versatile and suit a wide range of occasions. They’re perfect for picnics, lunchboxes, light lunches, or casual gatherings, and they travel well without losing flavour or texture. Just as delicious served warm straight from the oven as they are at room temperature, they’re simple, budget-friendly, and endlessly practical—exactly the kind of reliable recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to time and time again.

5 ingredient tartlets- ingredient list!

Pre-rolled shortcrust pastry sheet, 320g/11½oz
150 ml/5 fl oz double cream and one free-range egg
One little red onion, 100g/3½oz of mature cheddar, thinly sliced salt, and freshly ground black pepper

Five ingredient tartlets- step by step instruction guide!

Step 1
Preheat the oven to 200C/180C Fan/Gas 6, allowing it enough time to reach the correct temperature before you begin assembling the tarts. Preheating ensures the oven is evenly heated, which is essential for achieving crisp, golden pastry and cooking the filling thoroughly and evenly. Taking this step at the start will help the tarts bake properly and deliver the best possible texture and flavour.

Step 2
Carefully unroll or open the pastry sheet and lay it flat on a lightly floured work surface to prevent sticking. Using a 10–11cm (4–4¼in) round cutter, stamp out six even circles, pressing firmly to create clean edges. Lift the rounds gently and set them aside, ready for filling. Gather up any pastry trimmings and save them for use in another recipe, such as making small twists or adding to pies, so nothing goes to waste.

Step 3
Use the pastry rounds to line a six-hole muffin tin, gently pressing each one into the holes so the pastry sits snugly against the base and sides. It’s normal for the pastry to ripple slightly along the sides—this will give the tarts a lovely rustic look once baked. Prick the base of each pastry case a few times with a fork to prevent the pastry from puffing up during baking.

Step 4
Crumple up six small squares of baking paper and place one into each tart case, pressing them down gently so they fit the shape of the pastry. Fill the lined cases with baking beans or dried rice to weigh the pastry down. Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for 8 minutes. Once the time is up, carefully remove the baking paper and beans, then return the tin to the oven and bake for a further 5 minutes, or until the pastry bases look dry, lightly golden, and fully set.

Step 5
Meanwhile, crack the egg into a jug and add the cream, then beat them together until fully combined and smooth. Season the mixture with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to taste. Set aside while you prepare the pastry cases. Evenly layer the grated cheese and sliced red onion into each of the baked pastry cases, making sure the filling is well distributed. Once filled, carefully pour the egg mixture into each case, taking care not to overfill, so the custard settles neatly around the cheese and onion.

Step 6
Bake the tarts in the oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the filling has puffed up slightly, is just set in the centre, and has turned a light golden colour on top. The pastry should be crisp and the custard firm but still tender. Once baked, remove the tin from the oven and leave the tarts to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes, allowing them to firm up slightly. Carefully lift them out of the muffin tin and transfer to a wire rack or plate to cool further before serving.

Five ingredient tartlets- recipe guide!

These tartlets are wonderfully versatile and can be made using almost any type of onion you have available. Red onions work particularly well, but shallots add a milder sweetness, while spring onions give a fresher, lighter flavour. This flexibility makes the recipe easy to adapt based on what you already have in your kitchen. Any leftover pastry trimmings don’t need to go to waste. Simply re-roll them, cut into small shapes or strips, and bake them to create crisp, savoury crackers. For extra flavour, try scattering the trimmings with a little grated cheese before baking, or add a light sprinkle of cayenne pepper or paprika for gentle heat. You can also finish them with seeds such as sesame, poppy, or nigella to add texture and a nutty flavour. These homemade crackers are perfect for snacking or serving alongside soups and dips.