If you’re craving a dish that feels both luxurious and comforting, look no further than this Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe. Bursting with earthy mushrooms, sweet shallots, and creamy herbed goat cheese nestled in a flaky puff pastry, these tarts are a celebration of flavors and textures. This recipe is a personal favorite because it balances rustic heartiness with elegant simplicity, making it perfect for everything from casual lunches to sophisticated appetizers. Once you try making these tarts, you’ll understand why they quickly become a go-to in any kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the key to this recipe’s success. Each component, from the tender shallots to the aromatic herbs, plays a special role in building layers of flavor and texture that make this dish unforgettable.
- 1 sheet puff pastry thawed: Provides a buttery, flaky base that crisps beautifully in the oven.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps cook the shallots without burning.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Enriches the mushroom mixture with creamy depth.
- 2 shallots thinly sliced: Bring sweetness and a mild onion flavor that complements the mushrooms.
- 2 cups cremini or baby bella mushrooms sliced: Earthy and meaty, these form the tart’s savory heart.
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves: Infuses a woodsy, aromatic note that brightens the dish.
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary finely chopped: Adds a fragrant pine-like flavor that pairs perfectly with goat cheese.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors.
- 4 ounces herbed goat cheese softened: Creamy, tangy, and speckled with fresh herbs to tie the flavors together.
- 1 egg beaten (for egg wash): Gives the pastry a glossy, golden finish.
- Optional honey or balsamic glaze for drizzling: Adds a touch of sweetness or acidity to balance the savory elements.
How to Make Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by heating olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. The combination of these fats ensures the shallots and mushrooms cook evenly while imparting richness. Add the thinly sliced shallots and cook gently until soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. This soft sweetness enhances the umami flavor of the mushrooms coming next.
Step 2: Sauté Mushrooms with Herbs
Next, toss in the sliced cremini mushrooms along with freshly chopped thyme and rosemary. Season everything with salt and black pepper. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and become beautifully browned, concentrating the flavors and ensuring a meaty texture that’s far from boring. Once the excess liquid is mostly evaporated, remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool slightly before assembling your tarts.
Step 3: Prepare the Puff Pastry Base
While the filling cools, roll out your thawed puff pastry and cut it into four equal rectangles or your desired tart size. Placing the pastry rectangles on a parchment-lined baking sheet, use a knife to lightly score a ½-inch border around each piece—take care not to cut through. This scoring helps the edges puff up nicely, creating a perfect frame for your toppings. Prick the center of each tart with a fork to prevent too much rising in the middle, ensuring the goat cheese and mushrooms sit flat.
Step 4: Assemble the Tarts
Spread a generous layer of softened herbed goat cheese in the center of each pastry rectangle, carefully avoiding the scored border so the cheese does not spill over. Then, spoon the mushroom and shallot mixture evenly on top of the cheese. The creamy cheese underneath creates a luscious cushion that contrasts delightfully with the earthy mushrooms.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches and Bake
Brush the edges of each tart with the beaten egg to achieve that irresistible golden sheen during baking. Transfer the baking sheet to a preheated oven set at 400°F (200°C) and bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until the pastry is crisp and golden brown. When they come out of the oven, consider a delicate drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze to finish—this touch adds either a hint of sweetness or bright acidity, rounding out every bite.
How to Serve Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves or a few whole baby arugula leaves add vibrant color and a fresh herbal note that complements the richness of the tarts wonderfully. Don’t overlook a light drizzle of balsamic reduction—the flavor punch it delivers takes these tarts to the next level.
Side Dishes
Pair these tarts with a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or a simple roasted vegetable medley. The freshness and textural contrast from the sides balance the buttery pastry and creamy cheese beautifully, making your meal feel thoughtfully complete.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform these into elegant appetizers by making mini tarts using smaller puff pastry squares. Arrange them on a wooden board with a glass of chilled white wine for a charming party spread. Alternatively, serve warm for a cozy lunch—either way, presentation is an excuse to get creative and have fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often develop further when refrigerated, though the pastry is best enjoyed fresh or properly reheated to regain its crispness.
Freezing
These tarts freeze well if you want to prepare them in advance. Assemble the tarts but don’t bake them, then flash freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure the pastry cooks through.
Reheating
To reheat, place the tarts on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 to 12 minutes. This method crisps the pastry back up without drying out the filling. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that flaky texture.
FAQs
Can I use different types of mushrooms for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cremini or baby bella mushrooms provide a great balance of earthiness and texture, you can experiment with shiitake, oyster, or even a wild mushroom mix for deeper, more complex flavors.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
To veganize these tarts, swap the butter for plant-based margarine, use olive oil only, replace the goat cheese with a dairy-free herbed cheese alternative, and substitute the egg wash with a plant-based milk or a mixture of maple syrup and water for browning.
Can I prepare the mushroom mixture ahead of time?
Yes, the mushroom shallot filling can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before assembling your tarts for the best flavor and texture.
What can I use instead of herbed goat cheese?
If herbed goat cheese is not available, plain goat cheese with fresh chopped herbs mixed in works beautifully. Alternatively, cream cheese blended with herbs like thyme, rosemary, and chives can also be a tasty substitute.
Can these tarts be served cold?
Definitely! These tarts are tasty whether served warm or at room temperature, making them a versatile choice for picnics, buffets, or casual gatherings.
Final Thoughts
This Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe is truly a delightful treat that showcases how simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing guests at your next gathering, these tarts bring warmth and elegance to the table. Give this recipe a try—you’ll find it quickly becomes a beloved favorite in your culinary collection.
Print
Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 tarts
- Category: Appetizer, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts are a delightful French-inspired appetizer or lunch option featuring a flaky puff pastry crust filled with a savory mixture of sautéed mushrooms, shallots, fresh herbs, and creamy herbed goat cheese. Perfectly golden and crisp, they offer a rich blend of earthy and tangy flavors, ideal for serving warm or at room temperature.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Sautéed Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 shallots, thinly sliced
- 2 cups cremini or baby bella mushrooms, sliced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Cheese and Topping
- 4 ounces herbed goat cheese, softened
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional: honey or balsamic glaze for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Sauté shallots: In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and unsalted butter. Add the thinly sliced shallots and cook for 3-4 minutes until they soften and become fragrant, enhancing the depth of flavor.
- Cook mushrooms with herbs: Add the sliced mushrooms, fresh thyme leaves, and finely chopped rosemary to the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes until the mushrooms are browned and most of the liquid has evaporated, creating a concentrated savory base. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare puff pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface and cut into 4 equal rectangles or your desired tart size. Transfer these to the prepared baking sheet.
- Score and prick pastry: Lightly score a ½-inch border around each rectangle by gently pressing the tip of a knife without cutting all the way through. Prick the center of each tart with a fork to prevent excessive puffing in the middle during baking.
- Assemble tarts: Spread a layer of softened herbed goat cheese in the center of each pastry rectangle, staying inside the scored border. Then, evenly distribute the mushroom and shallot mixture over the cheese layer.
- Apply egg wash: Brush the exposed pastry edges with the beaten egg to encourage a beautiful golden-brown finish while baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed, golden, and crisp.
- Finish and serve: Remove the tarts from the oven and optionally drizzle with honey or balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness or acidity. Serve warm or at room temperature for maximum flavor enjoyment.
Notes
- These tarts can be prepared ahead of time and reheated gently before serving.
- For variation, swap herbed goat cheese with plain goat cheese and add your favorite fresh herbs to customize the flavor.
- Mini versions of these tarts make excellent appetizers for parties or gatherings.
