Gluten-Free Caramelized Onion and Arugula Galette: Sweet, Savory, and Fresh—Inspired by the Produce Market

The Allure of Caramelized Onions
Caramelized onions are a game changer in the kitchen. Slow cooking transforms them from sharp and pungent to sweet, jammy, and deeply savory—it’s nothing short of magic. No extra sugar needed! Sweating sliced onions slowly over medium heat brings out all their natural flavors, and in my Gluten-Free Caramelized Onion and Arugula Galette, these beauties truly get to shine.
Here, onions are the star. They bring a rich, satisfying flavor that pairs perfectly with fresh herbs and creamy cheese. This galette is both comforting and vibrant—just right for late spring.
Rustic Crust, Simple Assembly
A gluten-free pie dough forms the base of this galette. It bakes up golden and crisp, holding all those sweet onions in place. You don’t need perfect folds—rustic is the goal. A quick brush of half and half gives the crust a beautiful, glossy finish. The result is a galette that looks as good as it tastes.
Finishing Touches: Greens and Heat
Once baked, this gluten-free caramelized onion and arugula galette gets a final flourish. A handful of fresh arugula goes on top for a peppery bite. But don’t stop there. The real surprise comes from the drizzle: honey mixed with chili sauce, like garlic chili sauce or Calabrian chilis. The combo makes every bite pop.
It’s a dish that feels right at home on a picnic blanket or a weeknight table.
A Note on Inspiration

Inspiration often starts with a single ingredient, sometimes found in the most ordinary places. This galette was born from a stroll through my local produce market, where bins of onions in every color caught my eye. Their earthy aroma and vibrant hues set my mind racing with ideas.
Back in the kitchen, the humble onion becomes the foundation—caramelized to perfection and paired with fresh greens and a bold drizzle. It’s proof that even the simplest ingredients can shine with a little creativity.
Ingredients

These ingredients come together to create a Gluten-Free Caramelized Onion and Arugula Galette that’s both flavorful and suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Gluten-Free Dough
- The backbone of your galette. Sturdy enough to hold all the good stuff, but tender enough to flake under your fork. Use your favorite homemade recipe or a reliable store-bought version-no judgment here. (Follow the instructions found here for my gluten free pie dough recipe.)
Half & Half
- Makes the crust all shiny and irresistible. Used to brush the crust before baking, giving it a golden sheen and a slightly richer flavor. This adds a luxurious touch to the rustic presentation of the galette.
Olive Oil and Butter
- The dynamic duo. Olive oil for a hint of fruitiness, butter for that rich, golden finish. Both work together to coax sweetness from your onions and crisp up your crust!
Onion
- It is the savory heart of many of my galettes. Sliced and slowly caramelized until sweet, jammy, and golden brown. This is the flavor base that gives the galette its irresistible depth.

Dried Herbs (Sage, Rosemary, Thyme or Herbs de Provence)
- Choose your favorite combo. These bring a whiff of the farmers market and a touch of spring to every bite. Get creative – use what you have on hand! Herbs make the whole galette pop.
Cheese (Goat Cheese and Mozzarella)
- Goat Cheese for salty sharpness and mozzarella for that gooey, melty goodness. Use one or both—whatever you love most.
Salt and Pepper
- Not just seasoning-these are the unsung heroes that make every ingredient sing. These are the secret to balanced, crave-able flavor.
Arugula
- Toss these lovely greens on on after baking for a fresh, peppery bite.
Honey
- Mix with chili garlic sauce or Calabrian chili pause for a sweet-spicy drizzle you’ll want on everything.
Chili Garlic Sauce or Calabrian Chili Paste
- Stir into the honey and finish your galette with a little heat and a lot of wow.
Equipment
Here’s a List of the Essential Equipment to Prepare the Galette Recipe.
Large Skillet
- For coaxing onions into savory, caramelized perfection…sizzling glory.
Small Mixing Bowl
- You’ll want a small mixing bowl for tossing the arugula and stirring together the sweet-spicy honey drizzle.
Rolling Pin
- Time to get physical with that dough. Roll it out, baby!
Baking Sheet
- You’ll need a sturdy baking sheet to help your gluten-free caramelized onion and arugula galette bake up evenly and get that perfect golden crust.
Parchment Paper
- My insurance policy against galette disasters. Let’s keep the pan spotless for minimal cleanup.
Pastry Brush
- For that golden-brown, glossy finish. We’re classy, even when we’re making a rustic galette.
Knife and Cutting Board
- A good knife and a sturdy cutting board make slicing onions quick and easy.
Oven
- The heart of the kitchen. Where all the magic happens.
Substitutions
Remember to consider any dietary restrictions or personal preferences when making substitutions. These ingredients have easy substitutions.
Onions
- Use red, yellow, or sweet onions—whatever onion-y goodness you’ve got on hand.
Gluten-Free Flour:
- You can use a store-bought gluten-free all-purpose flour mix, but make sure it’s suitable for baking. You can also make your own gluten-free flour mix using a combination of rice flour, potato starch, tapioca starch, and xanthan gum if it’s not included in the mix. Adjust the ratios according to your preference. Here are some readily available options.
Xanthan Gum:
- Gluten free flour blends don’t bind together like a traditional wheat based flour. That’s why I use xanthan gum to hold the dough together. If your gluten-free flour mix contains xanthan gum, you can omit it from the recipe. If you choose to use a recipe that does not contain xanthan gum, the dough may be slightly more fragile without it, so handle it carefully.
Butter
- If you’re dairy-free, you can substitute cold dairy-free margarine or a vegan butter alternative for the unsalted butter used in the dough. Make sure it’s cold and solid when you use it. Additionally, this recipe is very forgiving, if you don’t have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter, just reduce the salt in the dough by ½.
Gluten-Free Pie Crust
- Regular pie crust works if you’re not gluten-free.
Half-and-half
- Use milk or a dairy-free milk alternative for your dough wash – you can always use eggs if your budget allows.
Arugula
- Substitute baby spinach or microgreens for a milder green if arugula isn’t your favorite. Or go with fresh basil!
Goat Cheese
- Not a fan of goat cheese’s tang? Feta brings a briny punch, while ricotta keeps things mellow and creamy.
Mozzarella
- Any mild, melty cheese works-think Monterey Jack, provolone, or even a sprinkle of fontina for extra richness. Simply go wild!
Honey Drizzle
- Maple syrup is a great stand-in for honey if you need a vegan option or just want a different flavor.
What to Serve with the Gluten-Caramelized Onion and Arugula Galette
This Gluten-Free Caramelized Onion and Arugula Galette is a star on its own. Pair with the below to make it a show stopper.

Mixed Green Salad
- A fresh green salad with a bright lemon vinaigrette adds a pop of color and zesty flavor. It balances the richness of the galette and makes the meal feel extra refreshing.
Tomato Soup
- A warm bowl of tomato soup makes this galette feel extra cozy. The acidity of the tomatoes pairs perfectly with the savory filling.
Roasted Asparagus or Green Beans
- Roasted asparagus or green beans are simple, colorful sides that add a tender crunch and a touch of sweetness to your plate.
Fresh Fruit or a Light Dessert
- Finish with a bowl of fresh fruit or a simple dessert to round out the meal without weighing it down.
Relishes & Crudité
- Pickled items paired with raw vegetables, offering a refreshing and nutritious option.
Why will you love this galette?
This galette offers a unique blend of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds.
Flavor for Days: It’s sweet, savory, creamy and spicy!
- This galette boasts big – caramelized onions, melty and tangy cheese – everyone will be a fan!
Spring Comfort, Gluten Required
- All the coziness of a classic galette, minus the wheat. Your gluten-free friends will thank you. Sometimes finding delicious gluten-free recipes can be a challenge. This galette offers a gluten-free alternative to a classic pastry, allowing those with dietary restrictions to indulge in a flavorful dish. You don’t have to sacrifice!
Crisp, Golden Gluten-Free Crust
- The gluten-free crust bakes up perfectly crisp and golden, so you get that satisfying crunch with every slice—no soggy bottoms here.
Rustic Charm
- The galette’s rustic appearance and free-form shape add to its appeal. It’s an inviting and visually pleasing dish that feels cozy and comforting, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Ease of Preparation
- Making this galette is surprisingly straightforward. Super-Simple! The step-by-step instructions provided in the recipe make it accessible to both novice and experienced cooks. Rustic means you can embrace imperfection. The more “handmade” it looks, the better.
Perfect for Gatherings
- Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner with friends or a cozy family meal, this galette can be a delightful centerpiece. It’s easy to serve, and its rustic charm makes it an excellent conversation starter.
Reheats Well
- Leftovers of this galette can be reheated and enjoyed the next day, making it a convenient option for busy schedules.
Easy to Customize
- You can make this galette your own by swapping in your favorite cheese or herbs, so it’s a little different every time.
Adaptable for Dietary Needs
- Did I mention you can make it dairy-free, vegan, or incorporate other dietary restrictions by choosing suitable substitutions.
Great for Any Meal
- Whether it’s brunch, lunch, or a light dinner, this galette fits right in—perfect for sharing or enjoying solo.


Gluten-Free Caramelized Onion and Arugula Galette
Description

Rustic Gluten-Free Caramelized Onion and Arugula Galette Needs to be on your Recipe to do List!
Ingredients
Gluten Free Dough
Galette Filling
Instructions
Prepare the Gluten-Free Crust
-
- Prepare a single gluten-free pie crust according to the recipe found here.
- Roll out the gluten-free pastry dough to a thickness of about 1/8" into a circle approximately 14” in diameter.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; Transfer the rolled out dough to the prepared baking sheet.
Caramelize the onions
-
- Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp butter over medium.
- Add sliced onions, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp ground black pepper and 1/2 tsp dried herbs.
- Cook on low - to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until deeply caramelized-about 45 minutes.
- Note: To help the onions sweat, cover the pan with a lid to trap moisture. This encourages them to release their natural sugars and speeds up caramelization. Once they’re golden and jammy, set them aside until you’re ready to assemble the galette.
Assemble the Galette
-
- Gather your ingredients and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out your gluten-free pie crust on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Layer caramelized onions, mozzarella, and goat cheese.
Fold and Bake
-
- Fold the edges of the dough over onto the filling, remember perfection is not your guide here…it is meant to be rustic.
- Brush the folded dough edges with half and half (for that bakery window sheen) and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The smell alone will make you drool.
Serve and Enjoy
-
- Remove the galette from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Combine honey and chili paste/sauce in a small bowl.
- Top the galette with fresh arugula.
- Drizzle honey/chili on top of the galette.
- Slice and serve warm-because nobody likes a cold galette.
- Slice, serve, and savor the flavors.
Note
Gluten-Free Flours
When it comes to baking gluten-free, the type of flour you use can significantly impact the texture and flavor of your final product. Here are some important tips regarding gluten-free flours:
1. Homemade Flour Blend
I use a custom gluten-free flour blend that I make myself, which weighs approximately 140 grams per cup. This blend typically includes a mix of gluten-free flours such as white and brown rice flour, potato starch, tapioca starch, sorghum and milk powder, providing a balanced texture and flavor for baking.
2. Store-Bought Gluten-Free Flours
If you prefer to use a store-bought gluten-free flour blend, it's crucial to check the packaging for the weight per cup, as this can vary between brands. Each manufacturer may have a different formulation, which affects the density and weight of their flour.
Here are several that are available from Amazon:
- King Arthur Measure for Measure Gluten-Free Flour
- Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1 to 1 Baking Flour
- Cup4Cup Gluten Free Multipurpose Flour
None of these flours contain xanthan gum. So if your recipe calls for xanthan gum, omit the extra xanthan if using one of these blends. All of the manufacturers promote these products as a one-to-one replacement.
3. Measuring for Accuracy
For the most accurate results, I highly recommend using a digital food scale to measure your gluten-free flour. Measuring by weight ensures that you have the correct amount, leading to more consistent and successful baking outcomes. This method eliminates the variability that can come from measuring by volume, especially with gluten-free flours, which can be compacted or aerated differently.
By paying attention to these details, you'll set yourself up for success. Happy baking!
4. Sweating Onions
Sweating onions means gently cooking them over medium heat, often with a lid on the pan. This traps moisture, helping the onions soften and release their natural sugars. It’s a great way to jumpstart caramelization and build deep, sweet flavor without adding any extra sugar.
5. Save your onion peels for a rainy day.
Don't through your onion ends and peel in the garbage or even the compost. Save them in a bag and store them in the freezer. These are perfect to add to homemade stock!
