If you love the comforting earthiness of mushrooms paired with the subtle sweetness of shallots and the creamy tang of goat cheese, then this Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe is about to become your new favorite. These golden, puff pastry tarts come together quickly with simple ingredients but deliver layers of buttery, savory goodness in every single bite. Whether you’re looking for an elegant appetizer or a cozy vegetarian lunch, these tarts are impossible to resist and totally worth sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe plays a crucial role, combining to create a harmonious balance of flavor, texture, and color. You’ll find everything is simple yet essential, making this recipe approachable without sacrificing depth.
- Frozen puff pastry, thawed and cut: Provides a flaky, buttery base that crisps beautifully during baking.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables to perfection.
- Unsalted butter: Boosts the flavor and adds a silky mouthfeel to the mushroom and shallot mixture.
- Cremini mushrooms, sliced: Offer an earthy, meaty texture that’s perfect for tarts.
- Shallots, thinly sliced: Bring a sweet, delicate onion flavor that caramelizes nicely.
- Garlic, minced: Introduces a fragrant warmth that complements mushrooms brilliantly.
- Fresh thyme leaves: Infuses aromatic herbal notes that brighten the filling.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every flavor.
- Herbed goat cheese, softened: The star ingredient adding creamy tang and herbal freshness.
- Egg, beaten (for egg wash): Creates a glossy golden finish on the pastry edges.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish): Adds a fresh pop of color and herbal lift.
How to Make Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your tarts bake evenly and won’t stick, giving you that perfect golden crust every time.
Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms and Shallots
In a large skillet, warm the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the sliced cremini mushrooms and shallots, cooking until they soften and turn a beautiful golden brown, about 8 to 10 minutes. This process brings out the natural sweetness in the shallots and deepens the earthiness of the mushrooms.
Step 3: Add Garlic, Herbs, and Seasonings
Once the mushrooms and shallots are tender, stir in the minced garlic, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Let it cook for 1 to 2 more minutes until everything is fragrant and well combined. Then, remove the skillet from heat and allow the filling to cool slightly before assembling the tarts.
Step 4: Assemble the Tarts
Place the thawed puff pastry squares on your prepared baking sheet. Spread about a tablespoon of the herbed goat cheese in the center of each square, leaving a half-inch border around the edges. Spoon the mushroom and shallot mixture evenly over the goat cheese, creating a rustic, layered effect.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
Gently fold the edges of the puff pastry slightly inward, framing the filling. Brush the exposed pastry edges with your beaten egg to give them a beautiful, shiny, golden appearance once baked.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Puffy
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. You’ll know the tarts are ready when the pastry is puffed up and turned a deep golden color. Remove them and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled over the warm tarts not only adds a vibrant splash of green but also provides a crisp, herbal brightness that cuts through the richness of the goat cheese and buttery pastry. Feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs like chives or tarragon for a twist.
Side Dishes
These tarts pair wonderfully with light, fresh sides like a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or a simple arugula salad tossed with cherry tomatoes. The freshness balances the savory richness and keeps the meal refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fancy appetizer spread, serve smaller versions of these tarts on a wooden board garnished with microgreens and edible flowers. Or for a casual brunch, stack them alongside fresh fruit and a dollop of herbed cream cheese for a beautiful, flavorful plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, making them a perfect make-ahead snack or lunch option.
Freezing
You can freeze these tarts either before or after baking. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. To bake from frozen, simply extend the baking time slightly and bake until heated through and golden.
Reheating
To reheat, place the tarts on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving to keep that flaky texture crisp.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of goat cheese?
Absolutely! While herbed goat cheese adds a unique tang and creaminess, you can try cream cheese mixed with fresh herbs or ricotta for a milder flavor. Just keep the cheese soft to spread easily.
Are these tarts vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe is fully vegetarian. The ingredients are all plant-based or dairy and perfect for meat-free meals.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Definitely! The mushroom and shallot mixture can be made a day in advance and refrigerated. Just bring it to room temperature before assembling the tarts for best results.
What’s the best way to thaw puff pastry?
The best method is to thaw it slowly in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can thaw it at room temperature for about 30 minutes, but don’t leave it out too long or it will become too soft to handle.
Can I add other vegetables to this tart?
Feel free to experiment by adding ingredients like caramelized onions, spinach, or roasted red peppers. Just be mindful of moisture content to avoid soggy pastry.
Final Thoughts
This Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe has quickly become a beloved dish for its rich flavors and effortless elegance. It’s a recipe you’ll want to keep handy for weeknight dinners, entertaining guests, or any time you crave a cozy yet sophisticated bite. Give it a try, and you’ll see why these tarts are so irresistible. Happy baking!
Print
Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 tarts
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts are a delightful French-inspired appetizer featuring flaky puff pastry topped with a savory blend of cremini mushrooms, shallots, and aromatic thyme, all crowned with creamy herbed goat cheese. Perfect for an elegant starter or light lunch, these tarts combine rich flavors and a satisfying texture that pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed and cut into 4 squares
Sautéed Filling
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 cups cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 2 medium shallots, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese and Garnish
- 4 ounces herbed goat cheese, softened
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Sauté Mushrooms and Shallots: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and butter until melted and combined. Add the cremini mushrooms and shallots, cooking until they become tender and golden brown, about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally for even cooking.
- Add Aromatics and Seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic, fresh thyme leaves, salt, and black pepper. Continue cooking for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant. Remove the skillet from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- Assemble Tarts: Arrange the puff pastry squares on the prepared baking sheet. Spread approximately 1 tablespoon of softened herbed goat cheese in the center of each pastry square, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
- Top with Mushroom Mixture: Distribute the sautéed mushroom and shallot mixture evenly over the goat cheese on each pastry square.
- Fold and Egg Wash: Gently fold the edges of the puff pastry slightly inward to create a border. Brush the exposed edges with the beaten egg to help achieve a golden, glossy finish during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the tarts for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed up and golden brown.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove the tarts from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired for a fresh burst of color and flavor.
- Serve: Serve the tarts warm as a delicious appetizer or light lunch option, possibly alongside a crisp green salad.
Notes
- You can substitute plain goat cheese and mix in your preferred fresh herbs such as chives, rosemary, or basil for a custom flavor.
- These tarts make a great appetizer for parties or a light lunch when paired with a fresh green salad.
- Ensure the puff pastry is thoroughly thawed before baking for best puff and texture.
- For a dairy-free version, consider using vegan cream cheese and a suitable plant-based puff pastry.
