Introduction

If you’re looking for an elegant appetizer that combines earthy mushrooms with creamy goat cheese, these Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts are a perfect choice. Their flaky puff pastry base and flavorful filling make them ideal for dinner parties or festive gatherings. Easy to prepare and sure to impress, these tarts will quickly become a favorite.

Four small tarts sit on a sheet of white parchment paper over a wooden board, placed on a white marbled surface. Each tart has a golden, flaky crust with a crimped edge. Inside, there is a creamy white base layer topped with sautéed mushrooms that are browned and slightly glossy. Small green herb sprigs rest on top of the mushrooms and around the tarts, adding a fresh touch. The scene is close up, showing the texture of the crust and mushrooms clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
8 ounces cremini or button mushrooms, finely chopped
2 medium shallots, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 ounces goat cheese, softened
2 tablespoons fresh herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley), chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut into squares or circles about 3-4 inches in diameter. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 3: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the shallots until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Add the minced garlic and chopped mushrooms. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms are tender and golden. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 5: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened goat cheese, sautéed mushroom mixture, and chopped fresh herbs. Mix until well blended.
Step 6: Prick the center of each pastry piece with a fork to prevent excessive puffing. Leave a half-inch border around the edges.
Step 7: Spoon a generous amount of the filling into the center of each pastry square or circle, spreading slightly but keeping the edges clear.
Step 8: Bake the tarts for 15-20 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
Step 9: Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving warm or at room temperature. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired.

Tips & Variations

Try mixing in other cheeses like ricotta or sharp cheddar for a unique flavor twist.
Add a pinch of nutmeg or smoked paprika to the filling for extra depth.
Incorporate finely chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans for texture.
Make mini tarts by cutting smaller shapes for bite-sized appetizers.
Garnish with edible flowers or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an elegant presentation.
Serve with a tangy yogurt dip or herb pesto to enhance flavors.

Storage

Store leftover tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy pastry. You can also freeze assembled but uncooked tarts on a baking sheet; once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

How to Serve

The image shows four square puff pastry tarts placed on parchment paper over a wooden board. Each tart has three visible layers: a golden, flaky puff pastry base with crisp edges, a middle layer of soft white cheese slices, and a top layer of sautéed brown mushrooms that look shiny and tender. Small green sprigs of herbs like thyme are placed on top for garnish. The background has a white marbled texture that contrasts softly with the warm colors of the tarts. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of mushrooms?

Yes, you can experiment with varieties like shiitake or portobello. Just chop them finely to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.

Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian. Just verify that your puff pastry does not contain any animal-derived ingredients if you want to keep it strictly vegetarian.