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
Scale
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.
