I have to say, these Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts were an instant hit when I made them. Delicate, buttery puff pastry filled with a savory mix of mushrooms, shallots, and creamy herbed goat cheese—it’s hard to stop at just one. They’re rich, crispy, and loaded with flavor.
What I love is how simple they are to assemble, but they give off this vibe like you spent hours on them. Perfect for a dinner party appetizer or even as a light meal, these tarts are as impressive to serve as they are delightful to eat. Plus, that little sprinkle of fresh thyme on top? Chef’s kiss.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
For these savory tarts, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (for dusting)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 shallots, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 oz herbed goat cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
Variations
Want to put your spin on this recipe? Here are some ideas!
- Cheese Options: Swap herbed goat cheese for plain goat cheese, cream cheese, or ricotta for a milder flavor.
- Vegan Version: Use dairy-free puff pastry and vegan cream cheese with your favorite herbs.
- Swap the Veggies: Replace mushrooms with caramelized sweet onions, roasted bell peppers, or asparagus.
- Add Heat: Sprinkle red chili flakes on top of the tarts for a spicy kick. You can also enjoy similar recipes like these Four Cheese Mushroom Toasts for more cheesy, mushroom-packed delights.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Skillet: For sautéing mushrooms, shallots, and garlic.
- Rolling Pin: To flatten the puff pastry evenly.
- Knife: For chopping the ingredients.
- Pastry Brush: For applying the egg wash.
- Baking Sheet: To bake the tarts to golden perfection.
How to Make Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts?
Making these tarts is a breeze. Here’s how you can whip them up step by step.
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your tarts don’t stick.
2. Prepare the Filling
Heat a skillet over medium-high. Sauté shallots in olive oil and butter until translucent. Add garlic, then mushrooms, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until the mushrooms release their moisture and become tender, about 5-7 minutes. Set it aside to cool.
3. Prep the Puff Pastry
Roll out your puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into squares or rectangles, depending on your preferred tart shape. These cuts will form the base of your tarts.
4. Assemble the Tarts
Place the pastry pieces on your prepared baking sheet. Spoon the mushroom-shallot mixture onto each square, leaving a small border. Crumble goat cheese over the filling for that creamy, tangy touch.
5. Fold and Brush
Gently fold the pastry edges to create a rustic tart shape. Brush the edges with the beaten egg for a lovely golden finish when baked.
6. Bake
Pop the tarts into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. They’re ready when the pastry is puffed up and golden brown.
7. Garnish and Enjoy
Top the tarts with fresh thyme leaves for added aroma and flavor. Wait for them to cool slightly before serving so the filling settles perfectly. If you’re looking for more creative appetizers, these Cuban Sandwich Potato Skins are another crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
After making these tarts, I couldn’t help but gush over how perfect they are. Here’s why they’ll win you over too.
1. Easy to Prepare
These tarts might look fancy, but they’re so easy to make. Using store-bought puff pastry cuts down on prep time without sacrificing the flaky texture we all love. The filling? It’s a simple mix of sautéed mushrooms, shallots, and garlic, topped with goat cheese. The oven does the rest of the work.
2. Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you need a quick appetizer for a party, something elegant to start a dinner, or even a light lunch, these tarts fit the bill. You can make them rustic by letting the pastry fold naturally or use a tart mold for a sleek, polished look.
3. Customizable to Fit Your Needs
Dietary restrictions? No problem! This recipe is easily adjustable. Swap out the goat cheese for a vegan alternative, or mix in different herbs to match your taste. Don’t eat mushrooms? You can substitute with caramelized onions or roasted vegetables.
4. Packed with Bold Flavors
The earthy mushrooms, sweet shallots, rich goat cheese, and aromatic thyme create an unforgettable flavor combination. They’re savory, slightly tangy, and incredibly satisfying.
5. Great Make-Ahead Option
Prepping for guests? These tarts can be assembled in advance and baked fresh when needed. They also freeze beautifully if you want to make a big batch ahead of time.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Ingredient Temperature: Thaw the puff pastry fully for easier rolling but keep it cold to maintain its structure.
- Don’t Overload: Avoid adding too much filling; otherwise, the pastry may not bake evenly.
- Chill Before Baking: If your kitchen is warm, chill the assembled tarts in the fridge for 10 minutes before baking to help the pastry keep its shape.
How to Serve Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts?
These tarts are delightful on their own, but you can elevate them further with simple touches. Arrange them on a platter with a sprinkle of extra thyme or microgreens for garnishing. Pair with a light salad or soup for a complete meal. For parties, serve them alongside a glass of white wine or bubbly for a perfect flavor match.
If you’re in the mood for something to kickstart your day, check out these breakfast recipes for inspiration.
Nutritional Information
This recipe is surprisingly light given its rich flavors. Here’s a quick breakdown per serving (approximation):
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 18g
Make Ahead and Storage
The beauty of these tarts is their flexibility. You can prep the filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Assemble the tarts but don’t bake them yet; cover and refrigerate them for up to 12 hours.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to crisp up the pastry before serving.
- Freezing: Wrap uncooked tarts individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
These Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. From their golden puff pastry to the rich, savory filling, they’re perfect for any occasion. Try them out and watch everyone come back for seconds!
Check out this step-by-step video:
Mushroom Shallot And Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry thawed
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour for dusting
- 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
- 8 oz mushrooms sliced
- 2 shallots thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 4 oz herbed goat cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your tarts don’t stick.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high. Sauté shallots in olive oil and butter until translucent. Add garlic, then mushrooms, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until the mushrooms release their moisture and become tender, about 5-7 minutes. Set it aside to cool.
- Roll out your puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into squares or rectangles, depending on your preferred tart shape. These cuts will form the base of your tarts.
- Place the pastry pieces on your prepared baking sheet. Spoon the mushroom-shallot mixture onto each square, leaving a small border. Crumble goat cheese over the filling for that creamy, tangy touch.
- Gently fold the pastry edges to create a rustic tart shape. Brush the edges with the beaten egg for a lovely golden finish when baked.
- Pop the tarts into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. They’re ready when the pastry is puffed up and golden brown.
- Top the tarts with fresh thyme leaves for added aroma and flavor. Wait for them to cool slightly before serving so the filling settles perfectly.
Notes
- Ingredient Temperature: Let puff pastry thaw fully but keep it cold to maintain flakiness.
- Don’t Overfill: A light touch with the filling prevents soggy bottoms.
- Chill if Needed: If assembling in a warm kitchen, refrigerate tarts 10 minutes before baking to help hold their shape.
