If you adore savory treats that seamlessly blend creamy, earthy, and aromatic flavors, you are absolutely going to fall head over heels for this Mushroom, Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe. It’s a delightful combination of tender mushrooms and shallots sautéed to perfection, folded into tangy herbed goat cheese, all nestled within golden, flaky puff pastry. Whether you are hosting a brunch, seeking an elegant appetizer, or just craving a cozy snack, these tarts hit every note with layers of texture and rich, irresistible flavor that truly shine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet carefully chosen ingredients is the secret to elevating this dish. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the luscious filling and perfectly flaky shell that make this dish so memorable.
- 10 4-inch puff pastry sheet squares: These are the canvas of the tart, providing buttery, flaky texture that’s light but substantial.
- 8 oz mushrooms (any kind): Sliced to add an earthy depth and tender bite, enhancing the meaty umami flavor.
- 1 shallot, finely chopped: Offers a gentle, sweet sharpness that mellows beautifully with cooking.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses a warm, aromatic kick that complements the mushrooms perfectly.
- 1/3 cup parsley leaves, roughly chopped: Adds fresh, vibrant herbal notes and a burst of green color.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing, providing the ideal richness and helping to meld the flavors.
- 1/4 cup parmesan: Sprinkles a nutty, salty accent that deepens the cheese profile.
- 4 oz goat cheese: The star ingredient of the filling, creamy, tangy, and herbed for a luxurious texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon each of sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper: These classic herbs lend an aromatic earthiness that perfectly balances the richness.
- 1 egg, whisked (for egg wash): Brushed on the pastry to create that irresistible golden, glossy finish.
- 1/4 cup white wine (or chicken broth): Adds a subtle acidity and depth to the mushroom mixture while cooking.
How to Make Mushroom, Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry Base
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F and setting up two large baking pans. Arrange your puff pastry squares with space between them—it’s essential not to overcrowd the pan for even cooking. To avoid puffing up too much or blistering later, gently poke small holes across each pastry square with a fork, being careful not to pierce all the way through the dough. This simple prep step keeps the tart base perfectly crisp but still light and flaky.
Step 2: Sauté the Shallots, Garlic, and Mushrooms
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and add the finely chopped shallot and minced garlic. Let them soften and release their aroma for about 1 to 2 minutes. Then throw in your sliced mushrooms, the remaining olive oil, and sprinkle your sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Keep everything moving in the pan to evenly cook the mushrooms until they soften while soaking up the herbs. Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) for a slow sizzle that reduces down, imparting subtle acidity and enhancing the depth of this filling.
Step 3: Combine the Cheese and Herbs into the Filling
Once the mushroom mixture has cooked, turn off the heat and fold in the goat cheese, parmesan, and chopped parsley. The warmth of the skillet will gently melt the goat cheese into a creamy, luscious texture that binds the filling ingredients together. Stir thoroughly until you have a rich, thick filling that’s bursting with herbal, umami goodness ready to crown your pastry squares.
Step 4: Assemble the Tarts
Now for the fun part—spoon generous dollops of your mushroom, shallot, and herbed goat cheese mixture onto each puff pastry square. You can leave the edges free to puff naturally or get creative by pinching the sides to create charming designs. Whether you pinch all four corners to make elegant curved edges or pinch two opposing sides for a boat-like shape, it adds a personal touch that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Feel free to pile on extra filling for maximum flavor payoff!
Step 5: Brush and Bake to Golden Perfection
Using your whisked egg, delicately brush the exposed puff pastry edges only—steering clear of the filling to avoid sogginess. This step is key for achieving the signature golden-brown finish that beckons you from the oven. Bake your tarts for 25 to 30 minutes until they are puffed, golden, and irresistibly crisp. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point is pure joy!
How to Serve Mushroom, Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate presentation and add an extra layer of flavor, fresh herbs like parsley, thyme sprigs, or a light drizzle of olive oil make excellent garnishes. They provide a vibrant contrast against the golden pastry and creamy filling, making each tart look as tempting as they taste.
Side Dishes
These tarts pair beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness. Roasted root vegetables or a bright tomato salad also complement the earthy mushroom and tangy goat cheese flavors, turning your meal into a harmonious feast.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting friends or a special gathering, arrange the tarts on a rustic wooden board or slate platter. Incorporate edible flowers or microgreens for a polished look. You can even serve them with a small ramekin of balsamic reduction for dipping, adding a sweet acidity that perfectly contrasts the creamy filling.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mushroom, Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain crispness, reheat gently in the oven rather than the microwave.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled but unbaked tarts by placing them on a baking tray until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe container. This makes for an effortless future treat—just bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To enjoy your tarts warm and flaky again, reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. This method revives the crisp pastry and melts the filling perfectly without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried for this recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage will brighten the flavor even more. Just use slightly more to compensate for their lighter potency compared to dried herbs.
What kind of mushrooms work best for this recipe?
Feel free to use your favorite mushrooms. Button, cremini, or even a mixed wild mushroom medley give wonderful flavor and texture that complement the creamy goat cheese filling.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, it already is vegetarian! Just opt for vegetable broth instead of chicken broth if you decide to substitute the white wine, or simply stick with the white wine for extra depth.
Can these tarts be made gluten-free?
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free puff pastry sheets available at many specialty stores. The rest of the filling ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this recipe quite adaptable.
How do I know when the tarts are perfectly baked?
You’ll want the puff pastry to be a deep golden color and puffed up nicely around the edges. The filling should be hot and bubbly but not runny. This usually takes about 25 to 30 minutes in a 400°F oven.
Final Thoughts
Trying the Mushroom, Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe is like opening the door to a cozy, comforting flavor experience that’s surprisingly easy to make yet impressive enough for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply treating yourself, these tarts bring warmth, elegance, and a delicious depth of flavor that’s sure to become a beloved favorite. Trust me—you’ll be making these again and again!
Print
Mushroom, Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts are elegant yet easy-to-make puff pastry treats perfect for appetizers or light meals. Featuring a savory blend of sautéed mushrooms, shallots, garlic, fresh herbs, and creamy goat cheese, they bake to golden perfection and deliver rich, comforting flavors with a crisp, flaky crust.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry Base
- 10 4-inch puff pastry sheet squares
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
- 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 black pepper
- 1/4 cup white wine (can substitute with chicken broth)
Finishing
- 1 egg, whisked (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Puff Pastry: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) and prepare two large baking sheets. Place the 4-inch puff pastry squares on the pans, spaced an inch or two apart, with no more than 6 squares per pan. Use a fork to gently poke holes on the surface of each square, taking care not to pierce through.
- Sauté Aromatics and Mushrooms: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped shallot and minced garlic, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the sliced mushrooms, remaining tablespoon of olive oil, and all spices (sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper). Stir and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add Liquid and Simmer: Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth substitute) and let the mixture cook for 4-5 minutes until liquid reduces and mushrooms soften.
- Combine Cheeses and Herbs: Remove skillet from heat. Stir in the goat cheese, parmesan, and chopped parsley until the goat cheese melts and the filling thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Assemble Tarts: Spoon generous portions of the mushroom and cheese mixture onto each puff pastry square. Optionally, pinch the edges of the puff pastry to create fun shapes—either pinching all four corners for curved edges or pinching two sides for a boat-shaped tart. You may top with extra filling for added flavor and presentation.
- Apply Egg Wash and Bake: Use a brush to apply the whisked egg wash over the exposed puff pastry edges only, avoiding the filling. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let tarts cool slightly before serving warm. Enjoy these delicious, flaky mushroom and goat cheese tarts as a perfect appetizer or light snack.
Notes
- You can use any variety of mushrooms such as cremini, button, or shiitake according to your preference.
- The white wine can be substituted with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
- When poking holes in the puff pastry, avoid poking through to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
- Shaping the puff pastry edges adds visual appeal and can help keep the filling contained.
- Serve the tarts warm for the best flavor and texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 2 days and reheat before serving.
