Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts

These Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts are a savory delight, perfect for entertaining or treating yourself to a gourmet snack. With flaky puff pastry, a creamy goat cheese filling, and the rich umami of sautéed mushrooms and shallots, they’re sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Elegant Yet Easy: A stunning dish that’s simple to prepare with store-bought puff pastry.
  • Flavor Explosion: The earthy mushrooms, sweet shallots, and tangy goat cheese create a perfect harmony.
  • Versatile: Great as an appetizer, snack, or light main course.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for parties, gatherings, or as a sophisticated addition to brunch.
  • Vegetarian-Friendly: A meatless option that satisfies all palates.

Ingredients

For the Puff Pastry:

  • 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
  • All-purpose flour (for dusting)
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

For the Filling:

  • 2 cups of mushrooms (any variety), finely chopped
  • 2 shallots, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 4 ounces of herbed goat cheese
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon of butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh thyme leaves for garnish

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Oven:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Make the Mushroom Shallot Filling:

  1. In a skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the finely chopped shallots and sauté until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the chopped mushrooms and cook until tender and their moisture has evaporated, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Remove the mixture from heat and let it cool slightly.

Prepare the Puff Pastry:

  1. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet to make it slightly thinner.
  2. Cut the pastry into equal-sized squares or rectangles to form tart shells.
  3. Arrange the pastry pieces on the prepared baking sheet.

Assemble the Tarts:

  1. Spoon a generous amount of the mushroom shallot filling onto the center of each pastry square or rectangle.
  2. Crumble the herbed goat cheese evenly over the filling.

Fold and Seal:

  1. Fold the edges of the puff pastry up and over the filling to create a rustic, free-form tart shape.
  2. Brush the exposed pastry with beaten egg for a golden finish.

Bake the Tarts:

  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the tarts are puffed and golden brown.

Garnish and Serve:

  1. Remove the tarts from the oven and garnish with fresh thyme leaves.
  2. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Servings: 6

Variations

  • Cheese Alternatives: Substitute herbed goat cheese with cream cheese, feta, or brie.
  • Add Protein: Incorporate cooked bacon, pancetta, or shredded chicken for a heartier tart.
  • Vegan Option: Use a plant-based puff pastry, vegan butter, and dairy-free cream cheese.
  • Different Herbs: Try rosemary, parsley, or chives instead of thyme for a new flavor profile.
  • Mushroom Variety: Use shiitake, cremini, or portobello mushrooms for a deeper flavor.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes or in an air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispiness.
  • Freezing: Freeze unbaked tarts on a tray until solid, then store in a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make these tarts ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the filling and pastry separately, assemble just before baking, and store the filling in the refrigerator.

2. Can I use frozen mushrooms?

Fresh mushrooms are recommended for the best texture, but frozen mushrooms can work if thawed and drained thoroughly.

3. Can I skip the egg wash?

The egg wash adds a golden color to the pastry but is optional. For a vegan alternative, use almond milk or olive oil.

4. What if my puff pastry doesn’t rise?

Ensure the oven is fully preheated before baking and avoid overworking the pastry.

5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free puff pastry, available in some specialty stores, to make this recipe gluten-free.

6. How do I prevent the filling from making the pastry soggy?

Cool the mushroom mixture before placing it on the pastry, and avoid overfilling the tarts.

7. What other garnishes work well?

Try garnishing with grated Parmesan, truffle oil, or microgreens for added flair.

8. Can I use phyllo dough instead of puff pastry?

Yes, layer several sheets of phyllo dough brushed with butter or olive oil to create a similar effect.

9. How do I serve these tarts?

Serve warm as an appetizer, snack, or paired with a fresh salad for a light meal.

10. Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes, simply double the ingredients and use multiple baking sheets. Rotate them halfway through baking for even results.

Conclusion

Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts are a delightful combination of rich flavors and flaky textures that are as easy to make as they are delicious. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing an appetizer, or enjoying a light meal, these tarts are a versatile and crowd-pleasing choice. Try them today for a gourmet experience in your own kitchen!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts

Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Asma
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Appetizer, Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: European-inspired
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Savor the perfect blend of earthy mushrooms, sweet shallots, and creamy herbed goat cheese in these flaky puff pastry tarts. These easy-to-make savory tarts are ideal for appetizers, snacks, or a light meal that’s guaranteed to impress.

 


Ingredients

Scale

For the Pastry:

  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
  • All-purpose flour (for dusting)
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

For the Filling:

  • 2 cups mushrooms (your choice), finely chopped
  • 2 shallots, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 oz herbed goat cheese
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh thyme leaves (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet:

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Cook the Mushroom Shallot Filling:

  • Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Sauté shallots until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Stir in mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and soften, 5-7 minutes.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.

3. Prepare the Puff Pastry:

  • Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to thin it slightly.
  • Cut into equal-sized squares or rectangles.
  • Arrange pastry pieces on the prepared baking sheet.

4. Assemble the Tarts:

  • Spoon the mushroom shallot filling onto the center of each puff pastry piece.
  • Crumble herbed goat cheese evenly over the filling.

5. Fold and Brush:

  • Fold the edges of the puff pastry over the filling to create a rustic tart shape.
  • Brush the exposed pastry with the beaten egg for a golden-brown finish.

6. Bake:

  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the tarts are golden brown and puffed.

7. Garnish and Serve:

  • Garnish the tarts with fresh thyme leaves.
  • Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Make Ahead: Prepare the filling in advance and refrigerate until ready to assemble.
  • Serving Suggestions: Pair with a crisp green salad or serve as a standalone appetizer.
  • Customization: Swap herbed goat cheese for plain goat cheese, feta, or ricotta for a different flavor profile.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 320 kcal

Leave a Comment & Rate this Recipe!

If you love this recipe, please consider giving it a star rating when you leave a comment. Star ratings help people discover my recipes online. Your support means a lot to me, I appreciate you.

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *