I just made these Mushroom Shallot And Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe, and I can’t get over how incredible they are. The combination of flaky puff pastry with a creamy, savory filling is absolutely perfect. They look so gourmet, but honestly, they were surprisingly simple to put together.
I made a whole batch thinking they would last a few days, but my family devoured them in one sitting. These mushroom, shallot, and herbed goat cheese tarts are definitely going to be a new staple in my kitchen. You can also enjoy similar ease and flavor in a Sheet Pan Hot Honey Garlic Chicken and Zucchini Recipe for a complete dinner.
Ingredients
Here are the key components you’ll need to bring these delicious tarts to life.
- 10 4-inch puff pastry squares – I recommend using pre-cut squares to save time. If you buy a roll, make sure to thaw it and cut it into even 4×4 inch pieces.
- 8 oz mushrooms – Any variety works well, so feel free to use your favorite. Sliced cremini or white button mushrooms are great options.
- 1 shallot – Finely chopped. A shallot offers a milder, more delicate flavor than a regular onion, which complements the other ingredients perfectly.
- 3 garlic cloves – Minced. Fresh garlic provides the best flavor, so try to avoid the jarred kind if possible.
- 1/3 cup parsley leaves – Roughly chopped. Fresh parsley adds a burst of freshness that brightens up the rich filling.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil РThis is used for saut̩ing the vegetables and bringing out their flavors.
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese – Grating your own from a block will give you a much better melt and flavor than pre-shredded cheese.
- 4 oz goat cheese – This is the star of the filling, providing a creamy texture and tangy taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon each of sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper – This herb and spice blend creates a wonderful savory depth.
- 1 egg – Whisked for an egg wash. This gives the pastry a beautiful golden-brown finish.
- 1/4 cup white wine – This deglazes the pan and adds a subtle complexity to the filling. You can substitute with chicken or vegetable broth.
Note: This recipe makes approximately 10 individual tarts.
Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can adapt it. Here are a few ideas to customize your tarts.
- Dairy-Free: To make this recipe dairy-free, use a plant-based puff pastry (many commercial brands are accidentally vegan). You can substitute the goat cheese and parmesan with your favorite dairy-free cheese alternatives.
- Add some greens: For an extra layer of flavor and nutrients, wilt some fresh spinach or chopped kale with the mushrooms and shallots.
- Switch up the herbs: Feel free to experiment with different herbs. Dill, chives, or a touch of tarragon would all be wonderful additions to the filling.
- Enhance the flavor: For a deeper, more savory flavor, you could add a tablespoon of balsamic glaze or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the mushroom mixture.
- You can also pair these tarts with a classic Homemade Green Bean Casserole Recipe for a comforting side dish.
Cooking Time
This recipe comes together quite quickly, making it great for an appetizer or a light meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Equipment You Need
You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make these tarts.
- Two large baking pans: To bake the tarts without overcrowding them.
- Large skillet: For sautéing the shallots, garlic, and mushrooms for the filling.
- Small bowl: To whisk the egg for the egg wash.
- Pastry brush: For applying the egg wash evenly onto the puff pastry.
- Fork: To poke small holes in the pastry, which helps it cook evenly.
How to Make Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts
This recipe looks impressive, but the process is straightforward and easy to follow. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have elegant, delicious tarts ready to enjoy.
Prepare the Pastry
First, preheat your oven to 400°F and get your baking sheets ready. Arrange the puff pastry squares on the pans, leaving about an inch or two of space between them. Using a fork, gently poke a few holes across the surface of each square, being careful not to go all the way through the dough.
Cook the Filling
Next, heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped shallot and minced garlic, and sauté for one to two minutes until fragrant. Add the sliced mushrooms, the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, and all the spices (sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper). Stir everything together and cook for another two minutes before pouring in the white wine. Continue to cook for another four to five minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce.
Combine and Assemble
Once the mushroom mixture is cooked, turn off the heat. Add the goat cheese, parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley directly into the skillet. Stir everything together until the goat cheese melts and combines with the other ingredients to form a thick, creamy filling. Now, spoon generous scoops of this delicious mix onto the center of each puff pastry square.
Shape and Bake
You can leave the squares flat and let them puff up naturally, or you can get creative with the shape. I like to either pinch the four corners together to create a unique shape or fold over two opposite sides to make a little boat. Once assembled, brush the exposed edges of the pastry with the whisked egg wash. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
After making these tarts a few times, I’ve picked up a few tricks that really elevate them.
- I found that thawing the frozen puff pastry in the refrigerator overnight yields the best results. If you’re short on time, leaving it at room temperature for at least two hours also works, but be careful it doesn’t get too warm.
- Don’t skip poking the pastry with a fork! This step, known as docking, prevents the center of the pastry from puffing up too much, creating a perfect little well for the filling.
- I love to add a little extra filling on top right before they go into the oven. It makes them look even more generous and appealing once they are baked.
- Be generous with the egg wash. Applying it to all the bare pastry ensures every visible edge turns a beautiful, glossy golden brown.
How to Serve Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts
These tarts are versatile and can be served in many different ways. For a simple appetizer, arrange them on a platter and garnish with fresh parsley. They also make a wonderful side dish for a main course like roasted chicken or steak. For a light lunch or brunch, serve one or two tarts alongside a fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette.
Nutritional Information
Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown for each tart.
- Calories: 250-300 kcal
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 15g
Make Ahead and Storage
These tarts are a great option to prepare in advance. Proper storage ensures they stay fresh and delicious.
Storing
To store leftover tarts, let them cool completely and then place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to three days.
Reheating
The best way to reheat these tarts is in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes. This will help the puff pastry become flaky and crisp again. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make the pastry soft and soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked tarts for later. Once cooled, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to one month and reheated directly from frozen in a 375°F oven for 15-20 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall in love with these mushroom and goat cheese tarts.
- Easy to Prepare: Despite looking fancy and gourmet, this recipe is surprisingly simple and quick to make. It’s perfect for cooks of any skill level who want to create something impressive.
- Incredibly Versatile: These tarts are perfect for any occasion. Serve them as an elegant appetizer, a satisfying snack, a side dish, or even as a light main course for lunch or dinner.
- Customizable Flavors: The filling is easy to adapt to your personal taste. You can easily swap out the herbs, add different vegetables like spinach, or try other types of cheese.
- Perfect for Entertaining: Because they can be made ahead of time and served warm or at room temperature, these tarts are an ideal choice for parties and gatherings.
