If you love the rich, earthy flavors of mushrooms combined with the delicate sweetness of shallots and the creamy tang of herbed goat cheese, you are going to adore this Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe. These golden, flaky puff pastry tarts are bursting with savory goodness, perfect for a delightful brunch, an elegant appetizer, or even a cozy snack. The balance of textures and flavors makes each bite a comforting yet sophisticated experience you’ll want to share again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe plays a crucial role—from the flaky puff pastry that provides the perfect buttery crunch to the herbed goat cheese that adds creamy depth. The mushrooms and shallots deliver a deliciously savory aroma, while fresh thyme brightens the dish with its herbal notes. Simple ingredients, big flavor!
- Puff pastry sheet: The buttery, flaky base that makes these tarts irresistible.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps soften shallots and mushrooms.
- Butter: Boosts flavor and gives a silky texture to the vegetables.
- Shallots, thinly sliced: Sweet and mild, they caramelize beautifully for extra depth.
- Cremini or baby bella mushrooms, sliced: Earthy and meaty, they soak up all the herbs and seasonings.
- Fresh thyme leaves: Introduce a fragrant herbal note that lightens the richness.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
- Herbed goat cheese, softened: Creamy, tangy, and full of herbaceous goodness to spread inside each tart.
- Large egg (for egg wash): Creates a beautiful golden crust that shines when baked.
- Optional: Honey or balsamic glaze: A drizzle adds a subtle sweet or tangy finish that makes the tarts even more special.
How to Make Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Shallots and Mushrooms
Begin by heating olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once melted and shimmering, add the thinly sliced shallots and sauté just until they start to soften—about 2 to 3 minutes. Next, stir in the mushrooms, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook everything together for 8 to 10 minutes, allowing the mushrooms to turn a beautiful golden color and release their moisture. This step builds the deep, savory base for your tarts and fills your kitchen with amazing aromas.
Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry Base
While the mushroom mixture cools slightly, unfold your thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut the sheet into six even rectangles or circles, whichever shape you prefer for your tarts. Place the pastry shapes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Using a knife, lightly score a 1/2-inch border around the edges—be careful not to cut all the way through. Then, prick the center inside the border with a fork to prevent excessive puffing. This technique keeps the edges puffed and the center pleasantly flat to hold the filling.
Step 3: Assemble the Tarts
Spread a generous layer of softened herbed goat cheese within the scored border of each pastry piece. The creamy cheese will act as a flavorful base for the mushroom and shallot topping, helping to balance the textures perfectly. Evenly spoon the sautéed mushroom and shallot mixture on top of the cheese layer. The combination is fresh yet indulgent, with layers of flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Brush the pastry edges with the beaten egg to ensure a shiny, golden crust. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). Bake the tarts for 18 to 22 minutes until the pastry is puffed, golden, and crisp. Once out of the oven, allow the tarts to cool just slightly before handling. If you like, drizzle with a little honey or balsamic glaze to add a surprising dimension of sweetness or tang that complements the savory filling beautifully.
How to Serve Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate these tarts instantly. Fresh thyme sprigs or a light sprinkle of chopped chives add a pop of color and an herbal aroma. For a touch of elegance, a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze brings out the natural sweetness of the shallots and the earthiness of the mushrooms.
Side Dishes
These tarts shine alongside fresh green salads tossed in a lemon vinaigrette, or served with a bowl of rustic tomato soup for a cozy, balanced meal. If you’re hosting brunch, pair them with light fruit salads or a crisp white wine for a refreshing complement.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or special occasion, serve these Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe on a wooden board adorned with fresh herbs. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for easy sharing. You can also customize the shape—cut smaller rounds for elegant canapés or make mini tartlets for a charming appetizer platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days and remain delicious whether served cold or reheated. The puff pastry may soften slightly, but the flavors stay vibrant.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked assembled tarts on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. This makes them a perfect make-ahead treat for unexpected guests.
Reheating
Reheat leftover tarts in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 to 12 minutes to restore their crispy crust and warm the filling. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the pastry soggy and lose that satisfying flakiness that makes this recipe so memorable.
FAQs
Can I use different types of mushrooms for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cremini or baby bella mushrooms work wonderfully, you can mix in shiitake, portobello, or even chanterelles for varied textures and flavors. Just ensure they are sliced and cooked until their moisture evaporates for best results.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, with some swaps. Use a plant-based puff pastry, substitute the butter with vegan margarine or oil, and replace herbed goat cheese with a creamy vegan cheese spread. The flavor will be different but still delicious and satisfying.
How do I soften the goat cheese effectively?
Leaving the herbed goat cheese out at room temperature for about 30 minutes before making the tarts softens it nicely. Alternatively, a quick microwave zap of 10 to 15 seconds can help, but watch closely to avoid melting it completely.
Can I prepare the mushroom mixture ahead of time?
Yes, the mushroom and shallot mixture can be made a day in advance and refrigerated. Just bring it to room temperature before assembling the tarts to maintain the best texture and flavor.
What’s the best way to cut puff pastry without tearing it?
Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter on a lightly floured surface and avoid pressing too hard to prevent compressing the layers. Gently score rather than cutting all the way through when making borders to get that perfect puff.
Final Thoughts
This Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe is truly a showstopper, simple enough for a weekday treat but refined enough to impress guests. The blend of flavors and textures is irresistible, and each step invites you to savor the process as much as the result. I can’t wait for you to make these tarts and share the joy they bring at your table!
Print
Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 tarts
- Category: Appetizer, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts are delicate, savory pastries perfect for brunch or appetizers. Featuring a flaky puff pastry base, topped with sautéed mushrooms, sweet shallots, fragrant thyme, and creamy herbed goat cheese, these tarts combine rich and fresh flavors, baked to golden perfection and optionally drizzled with honey or balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Mushroom Shallot Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 shallots, thinly sliced
- 8 oz cremini or baby bella mushrooms, sliced
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese & Finishing
- 4 oz herbed goat cheese, softened
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
- Optional: honey or balsamic glaze for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Sauté Shallots and Mushrooms: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add thinly sliced shallots and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until they soften slightly. Then add sliced mushrooms, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until mushrooms are golden and moisture has evaporated. Set the mixture aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare Puff Pastry Bases: On a lightly floured surface, unfold the thawed puff pastry and cut it into 6 rectangles or circles. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly score a 1/2-inch border around each piece without cutting all the way through, then prick the centers with a fork to prevent excessive puffing.
- Assemble Tarts: Spread a layer of softened herbed goat cheese inside each scored border. Evenly distribute the mushroom and shallot mixture over the goat cheese layers.
- Apply Egg Wash: Beat the large egg and brush the edges of each pastry tart with the egg wash to help achieve a golden brown finish during baking.
- Bake: Bake the assembled tarts in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove tarts from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Optionally, drizzle with honey or balsamic glaze for added sweetness and complexity.
Notes
- These tarts can be served warm or at room temperature, making them versatile for brunch or appetizer occasions.
- You can substitute plain goat cheese and add your own favorite fresh herbs such as rosemary or chives for personalized flavor.
- For a vegan version, consider using plant-based puff pastry and a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- If using frozen puff pastry, ensure it is fully thawed before working to avoid tearing.
