Description
These Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts feature a flaky puff pastry base topped with a savory mixture of sautéed shallots, mushrooms, garlic, and fresh thyme, finished with creamy herbed goat cheese. Perfect for a sophisticated appetizer or elegant brunch, these tarts combine rich flavors and textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 large shallots (thinly sliced)
- 8 ounces cremini or baby bella mushrooms (sliced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- 4 ounces herbed goat cheese (crumbled)
Finishing
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Fresh parsley or microgreens (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the tarts.
- Sauté Shallots and Mushrooms. In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil and butter. Add the sliced shallots and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened. Then add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 6–8 minutes until golden and tender. Stir in minced garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme, cooking for 1 more minute. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- Prepare Puff Pastry. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet and cut into 4 equal squares or preferred tart shapes. Transfer the squares onto the prepared baking sheet. Lightly score a ½-inch border around the edges of each square with a knife, being careful not to cut through the pastry completely.
- Assemble Tarts. Evenly distribute the cooled mushroom and shallot mixture inside the scored borders on each pastry square. Top each tart with crumbled herbed goat cheese. Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg to promote browning and shine.
- Bake. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the tarts for 18–22 minutes, or until the pastry has puffed and turned a golden brown color.
- Garnish and Serve. Allow the tarts to cool slightly once baked. Garnish with fresh parsley or microgreens if desired, then serve warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- You can substitute plain goat cheese and mix in your own chopped herbs such as rosemary or basil for a customized flavor.
- These tarts work wonderfully as an appetizer, brunch dish, or an elegant vegetarian lunch option.
- Make sure not to cut through the puff pastry when scoring the borders to ensure proper puff during baking.
- Serve warm to enjoy the full contrast of flaky pastry and creamy cheese.
