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
Scale
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.
