Appetizer · Brunch · European ·

Smoky Basque Idiazabal Cheese Tart with Shallot Marmalade

Name: Smoky Basque Idiazabal Cheese Tart with Shallot Marmalade
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 105 min
Total time: 140 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Appetizer
Ingredients: All-purpose flour, 1 1/2 cups; Cold unsalted butter, 1/2 cup, cubed; Cold water, 1/4 cup; Salt, 1/2 tsp; Idiazabal cheese, 8 oz, thinly sliced; Heavy cream, 1 cup; Eggs, 3 large; Smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp; Salt & black pepper, To taste; Shallots, 4 large, thinly sliced; Olive oil, 2 tbsp; Balsamic vinegar, 1/4 cup; Brown sugar, 2 tbsp; Salt, Pinch

A savory tart featuring smoky Idiazabal cheese and sweet, tangy shallot marmalade, perfect for a sophisticated appetizer or a satisfying brunch bite.

4.3(109 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·November 16, 2025

Smoky Basque Idiazabal Cheese Tart with Shallot Marmalade — Appetizer served and photographed from above

Prep

35 min

Cook

1 h 45 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Tart Crust

For the Cheese Filling

For the Shallot Marmalade

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 487 kcal
Protein: 12.63 g
Carbs: 26.88 g
Fat: 37 g
Fiber: 1.13 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 3897 kcal
Protein: 101 g
Carbs: 215 g
Fat: 296 g
Fiber: 9 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
All-purpose flour 1 1/2 cups	684	18	144	2	6
Cold unsalted butter 1/2 cup, cubed	814	1	0	92	0
Cold water 1/4 cup	0	0	0	0	0
Salt 1/2 tsp	0	0	0	0	0
Idiazabal cheese 8 oz, thinly sliced	864	56	0	72	0
Heavy cream 1 cup	821	5	7	88	0
Eggs 3 large	216	18	1	15	0
Smoked paprika 1/2 tsp	3	0	1	0	1
Salt & black pepper To taste	0	0	0	0	0
Shallots 4 large, thinly sliced	96	2	22	0	2
Olive oil 2 tbsp	239	0	0	27	0
Balsamic vinegar 1/4 cup	56	1	13	0	0
Brown sugar 2 tbsp	104	0	27	0	0
Salt Pinch	0	0	0	0	0

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Shallots

1
Add Shallots to Bowl
Place the sliced shallots in a bowl.
2
Add Vinegar, Sugar, and Salt
Add balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt.
3
Toss and Rest
Toss to coat and let rest for 15 minutes.

Preparing the Tart Crust

1
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
2
Cut in Butter
Cut in the butter until mix resembles coarse crumbs.
Tip: Ensure the butter stays cold for a flaky crust.
3
Add Cold Water
Gradually add cold water, mixing until dough forms a ball.
4
Wrap Dough and Chill
Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Tip: Resting the dough prevents it from shrinking in the oven.

How to Make Smoky Basque Idiazabal Cheese Tart with Shallot Marmalade

Total time: 2 h 20 min · Yields 8 servings

1
Caramelizing Shallots
Heat olive oil in a skillet, add marinated shallots, and cook over medium heat until caramelized.
2
Pre-baking Crust
Roll out the chilled dough, fit it into a tart pan, and pre-bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes.
3
Baking the Tart
Pour cheese filling over the pre-baked crust, top with caramelized shallots, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes.