Mushroom, Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe
Introduction
These Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts are a delightful combination of earthy mushrooms, aromatic herbs, and creamy goat cheese nestled in flaky puff pastry. Perfect as an elegant appetizer or a light meal, they are sure to impress with their rich flavor and beautiful presentation.
Ingredients
- 10 puff pastry sheets, 4-inch squares
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (any kind)
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/3 cup parsley leaves, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- 4 oz goat cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon sage
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 egg, whisked (for egg wash)
- 1/4 cup white wine (can substitute with chicken broth)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare two large baking pans. Arrange the puff pastry squares on the pans, spacing them 1 to 2 inches apart. Limit to 6 squares per pan. Use a fork to poke small holes in each square without piercing through the dough.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped shallot and minced garlic, sautéing for 1 to 2 minutes. Then add the mushrooms, the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, and all the herbs and spices. Cook for 2 more minutes, then pour in the white wine and cook another 4 to 5 minutes until liquid reduces.
- Step 3: Turn off the heat, then stir in the goat cheese, parmesan, and parsley until the goat cheese melts into the mushroom mixture and thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Spoon generous amounts of the mushroom mixture onto each puff pastry square. You may leave the edges open to puff naturally or pinch the sides to create decorative shapes—either by pinching all four corners for a curved edge or pinching two sides to form a boat shape. Add extra filling on top if desired.
- Step 5: Brush the exposed pastry edges with the whisked egg wash, avoiding the filling. Bake the tarts for 25 to 30 minutes until the pastry is golden brown. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Try using a mix of wild mushrooms for a deeper, earthier flavor.
- If you prefer a milder taste, substitute goat cheese with cream cheese or ricotta.
- For a vegetarian version, swap white wine with vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Adding a sprinkle of fresh thyme on top before baking enhances the aroma.
Storage
Store leftover tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to keep the pastry crisp. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the mushroom and cheese filling a day ahead. Store it covered in the refrigerator and assemble the tarts just before baking to ensure the pastry stays fresh and flaky.
Can I use frozen puff pastry sheets for this recipe?
Absolutely. Make sure to thaw the puff pastry sheets according to package instructions before assembling the tarts for the best texture and rise.
PrintMushroom, Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe
These Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts are delicate puff pastry squares filled with a savory mixture of sautéed mushrooms, shallots, garlic, fresh herbs, and creamy goat cheese, topped with a golden egg wash. Perfect as an elegant appetizer or light meal, these tarts deliver rich, comforting flavors with a beautiful flaky crust.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 10 tarts 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Puff Pastry Base
- 10 squares of 4-inch puff pastry sheets
- 1 egg, whisked (for egg wash)
Mushroom Filling
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (any kind)
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/3 cup parsley leaves, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- 4 oz goat cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon sage
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup white wine (can substitute with chicken broth)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pastry: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the puff pastry squares on two large baking pans, spacing them about 1-2 inches apart, placing no more than 6 squares per pan. Using a fork, lightly poke holes on the surface of each pastry square, being careful not to pierce through entirely to allow venting during baking.
- Sauté Aromatics and Mushrooms: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped shallot and minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the sliced mushrooms and the remaining tablespoon of olive oil along with the sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for another 2 minutes, then pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and continue cooking for 4-5 minutes until the liquid reduces and mushrooms soften.
- Incorporate Cheeses and Herbs: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the goat cheese, parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley until the goat cheese melts and the mixture thickens into a creamy filling.
- Fill and Shape Pastry: Spoon generous portions of the mushroom and cheese mixture onto the center of each puff pastry square. Optional: pinch in the sides to create decorative edges or shapes such as curved edges on all four corners or a boat-like shape by pinching two sides. This helps contain the filling and adds a charming visual appeal.
- Apply Egg Wash and Bake: Using a brush, apply the whisked egg wash only to the visible puff pastry edges, avoiding the filling area. This adds an attractive golden shine. Bake the tarts in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed and golden brown. Remove from oven and serve warm. Enjoy!
Notes
- If you don’t have white wine, chicken broth is an excellent substitute that keeps the filling moist and flavorful.
- Feel free to use any type of mushrooms you prefer, such as cremini, button, or shiitake, for varied taste and texture.
- Pinching the pastry edges is optional but adds a decorative element and helps hold the filling in place.
- This recipe makes about 10 tarts, perfect for entertaining or as a savory snack.
- Leftover filling can be refrigerated and used as a spread or dip.
Keywords: mushroom tart, goat cheese tart, puff pastry appetizer, vegetarian appetizer, herbed mushroom tart
