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
Scale
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.
