There’s something magical about the flavor union in these Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts—a showstopping appetizer or light meal that instantly dresses up any table. Picture buttery, flaky pastry crowned with juicy mushrooms and caramelized shallots, all accented by tangy herbed goat cheese and fragrant thyme. Each tart is an irresistible harmony of earthy, creamy, and herby notes in every bite, making it absolutely perfect for everything from fancy gatherings to a weekend lunch that feels just a little indulgent. If you’re looking to charm guests or simply treat yourself, the Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts are a wonderfully elegant, easy-to-make delight you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Embracing simple yet vibrant ingredients is the secret to the magic of Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts. Each element not only shines on its own but also plays a crucial role in the irresistible taste, texture, and color that make these tarts so memorable.
- Puff pastry (1 sheet, thawed): The blank canvas and crispy, golden base that transforms these tarts into something utterly special with minimal effort.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): For sautéing the veggies and infusing a subtle richness to the filling.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Adds classic French flavor and helps the shallots caramelize beautifully.
- Shallots (2 large, thinly sliced): Provide gentle sweetness and complexity, making the filling sing.
- Cremini or baby bella mushrooms (8 oz, sliced): Earthy mushrooms soak up butter and thyme, giving each tart their rich, savory bite.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Just the right kick of aromatic depth—you’ll notice its magic immediately.
- Fresh thyme leaves (1/2 teaspoon, or 1/4 teaspoon dried): The herbal backbone that brightens the whole dish.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Seasoning is essential; it brings the mushroom and cheese flavors to life.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A touch of heat and complexity for balance.
- Herbed goat cheese (4 oz, crumbled): Adds tangy, creamy luxury with built-in herbal notes.
- Egg (1, beaten for egg wash): The trick to glossy, golden pastry edges every time.
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): A sprinkle of color and freshness right before serving.
How to Make Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts
Step 1: Prep the Puff Pastry
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll your thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface, just enough to smooth the edges, and then cut it into four equal rectangles. Place them on the baking sheet, and using a sharp knife, score a 1/2-inch border around each rectangle (without cutting through), then prick the centers with a fork. This helps keep your tart bases flat while the edges puff up into a pretty frame.
Step 2: Sauté the Shallots and Mushrooms
Heat the olive oil and butter together in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced shallots and cook them for 2 to 3 minutes until they start softening and getting fragrant. Add your mushrooms and give them room in the pan, stirring occasionally. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until the mushrooms brown and tenderize, soaking up those buttery flavors. After that, stir in the minced garlic, thyme, salt, and black pepper, and cook for another minute just until the garlic becomes aromatic. Then take the pan off the heat—you’ll notice how inviting the mixture smells already!
Step 3: Assemble the Tarts
Spoon the mushroom and shallot mixture evenly over the center of each pastry rectangle, staying within the borders you scored. Top each tart generously with crumbled herbed goat cheese, letting the cheese mingle with the warm veggies so it gets deliciously creamy and melty as it bakes. Don’t forget to brush the exposed edges of pastry with the beaten egg—this is your ticket to a glossy, bakery-style finish.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Crisp
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until your pastry is puffed and gorgeously golden brown. The kitchen will start smelling incredible as the tarts reach their peak. When they’re done, the cheese will be lightly browned and the pastry irresistibly flaky. If you like, add a flourish of fresh parsley on top before serving for a pop of color and added freshness.
How to Serve Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds an eye-catching burst of green and a bit of grassy brightness to your Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts. For an extra layer of elegance and flavor, consider a delicate drizzle of balsamic glaze—its sweet tang is the perfect partner to the savory, creamy filling. Even a few fresh thyme leaves can echo the herbal notes baked into the tarts.
Side Dishes
These tarts are fabulous on their own but truly shine when paired with a vibrant, lightly dressed salad—think arugula with lemon vinaigrette or mixed greens with toasted walnuts. If you’re serving them as a brunch centerpiece, add a bowl of creamy soup on the side (a classic tomato bisque is heavenly), or offer a fruit salad for a refreshing contrast. For a fancier meal, a delicate French lentil salad or roasted asparagus on the side does wonders.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual gatherings, cut the tarts into smaller squares or triangles and serve them on a big platter for easy sharing. If you’re seeking a showstopping appetizer, arrange each whole tart on an individual serving plate with a swirl of balsamic glaze and a nest of microgreens. You can also bake the filling in mini muffin tins using smaller pastry circles for adorable, bite-sized Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts that are perfect party finger food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts, let them cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator, where they’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 days. The flavors actually continue to deepen, making for an even more satisfying snack or quick meal the next day.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the baked and cooled tarts. Wrap each tart individually in plastic wrap and then foil, or place in a sturdy freezer-safe container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to one month—just be sure to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the tarts on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and the pastry is crisp again. For quick snacking, a few minutes in a toaster oven will also do the trick, but avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of herbed goat cheese?
Absolutely! While herbed goat cheese brings unique tang and herbal notes, you can swap in plain goat cheese, feta, or even a soft blue cheese for a twist. Just keep in mind that these swaps will change the flavor profile of your Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts, but experimentation is half the fun.
How do I make these tarts vegan?
For a vegan version, use dairy-free puff pastry (many brands are naturally vegan), replace butter with olive oil or vegan butter, and choose a plant-based cheese with herbs. You can also create your own vegan cheese spread with nuts, herbs, and a little nutritional yeast for tang.
Can I make the filling in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the mushroom and shallot filling up to two days in advance. Store it refrigerated in a covered container, and when you’re ready to assemble the tarts, just warm it slightly before spreading over the pastry to ensure even baking.
Do I need to blind-bake the puff pastry?
No blind baking is required here. Scoring the borders and pricking the centers keeps the pastry flat in the middle while the edges puff, so the filling sits perfectly in place as the tarts bake. Simple and effective!
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Definitely! The recipe scales up effortlessly—just use additional sheets of puff pastry and increase your filling accordingly. Bake in batches if needed, and watch your guests swoon over a big platter of Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that’s as impressive as it is effortless, don’t miss your chance to create these Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts. They’re a celebration of flavor, color, and texture—destined to win over anyone lucky enough to sample them. Gather your ingredients and let this delicious recipe become your new go-to for entertaining or everyday indulgence!
Print
Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 4 tarts
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delectable Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts for a savory treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With a buttery puff pastry base, flavorful mushroom and shallot filling, and creamy goat cheese topping, these tarts are sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
Mushroom Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 large shallots (thinly sliced)
- 8 oz cremini or baby bella mushrooms (sliced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/4 teaspoon dried)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Additional:
- 4 oz herbed goat cheese (crumbled)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Optional fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface, cut into rectangles, and place on the baking sheet.
- Prepare the Filling: Sauté shallots, mushrooms, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper until tender. Remove from heat.
- Assemble and Bake: Distribute mushroom mixture on pastry, top with goat cheese, brush edges with egg wash, and bake until golden.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- These tarts make an elegant appetizer or vegetarian lunch.
- For extra richness, drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
- Can be made ahead and reheated gently.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tart
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
