Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
