Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe

Introduction

These Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts are elegant yet simple to make, perfect for appetizers or a light meal. The flaky puff pastry pairs beautifully with a savory mushroom and goat cheese filling, accented by fragrant herbs.

Ingredients

• 10 4-inch puff pastry sheet squares
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (any kind will do)
• 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 each of sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper
• 1 egg, whisked (for egg wash)
• 1/4 cup white wine (can substitute with chicken broth)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F and prepare two large baking pans. Arrange the puff pastry squares on the pans, leaving an inch or two between each. Use a fork to poke small holes on the surface of each square without piercing through the dough. Place no more than 6 squares per pan.
2. Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped shallot and garlic, sautéing for 1-2 minutes. Add the mushrooms, remaining tablespoon of olive oil, and all the spices. Cook for 2 minutes, then pour in the white wine and cook for another 4-5 minutes until liquid reduces.
3. Step 3: Turn off the heat and stir in goat cheese, parmesan, and parsley until the goat cheese melts into a creamy mixture.
4. 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 edges or a boat shape.
5. Step 5: Brush the exposed puff pastry edges with the whisked egg wash, avoiding the filling. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the pastry is golden and crisp. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use frozen pre-cut puff pastry squares, fully thawed, or cut your own 4×4-inch squares from a puff pastry roll.
• Substitute white wine with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic option.
• Try different mushrooms like cremini, shiitake, or portobello for varied flavors.
• For extra flavor, sprinkle additional fresh herbs or parmesan on top before baking.

Storage

Store cooled tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to crisp the pastry again. Avoid microwaving to maintain flakiness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these tarts ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the tarts and refrigerate them (covered) for up to a day before baking. Let them come to room temperature before placing in the oven.

Can I use a different cheese instead of goat cheese?

Absolutely! Soft cheeses like cream cheese or ricotta can be used, though goat cheese adds a distinctive tangy flavor that complements the mushrooms well.

Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 130 reviews

These Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts are elegant yet easy-to-make appetizers featuring flaky puff pastry topped with a savory mixture of sautéed mushrooms, shallots, garlic, fresh herbs, and creamy goat cheese. They bring a gourmet touch to any brunch, side dish, or casual gathering, combining earthy flavors with the richness of goat cheese and parmesan, all baked to golden perfection.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 10 tarts 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French-inspired
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Puff Pastry

• 10 4-inch puff pastry sheet squares (preferably frozen pre-cut, thawed)

Filling

• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (any variety)
• 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)

Additional

• 1 egg, whisked for egg wash

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Puff Pastry: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the thawed 4-inch puff pastry squares on two large baking pans, spacing them about an inch or two apart, with no more than six squares per pan. Using a fork, gently poke small holes in the surface of each square to prevent excessive puffing, but be careful not to pierce through the dough completely.
2. Sauté Shallots, Garlic, 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 and the remaining tablespoon of olive oil along with the sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for another 2 minutes.
3. Add Wine and Reduce: Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth if substituting) and cook for 4-5 minutes until the liquid reduces slightly and the mushrooms are tender. Turn off the heat once done.
4. Incorporate Cheeses and Herbs: Stir the goat cheese, parmesan, and chopped parsley into the mushroom mixture until the goat cheese melts and the filling thickens to a creamy consistency.
5. Assemble the Tarts: Spoon generous amounts of the mushroom and goat cheese filling onto the center of each puff pastry square. Optionally pinch the edges of the puff pastry to create a decorative border—either pinch all four corners for curved edges or pinch just two sides for a boat-shaped tart. Add a little extra filling on top if desired.
6. Apply Egg Wash and Bake: Brush the exposed puff pastry edges (not the filling) with the whisked egg to achieve a golden brown finish. Bake the tarts in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving these warm, flavorful tarts as an appetizer or side dish.

Notes

• Use frozen pre-cut 4×4 inch puff pastry squares for convenience; thaw completely before use, ideally overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for at least two hours.
• If you purchase puff pastry rolls, cut them into 4×4 inch squares yourself.
• Preferred puff pastry brand is Bakara for its French style and delicious flavor, but any puff pastry will work.
• White wine can be substituted with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic option.
• Pinching the edges of the pastry is optional but adds a fun, decorative touch and helps contain the filling.

Keywords: appetizer, easy, fancy, goat cheese, gourmet, mushroom, puff pastry, quick, side dish, shallot, herbs