Bursting with rich, savory umami and punctuated by creamy flecks of herbed goat cheese, this Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe is the ultimate showstopper for any gathering—whether you’re hosting a fancy brunch or looking to elevate your everyday dinner. Flaky puff pastry cradles caramelized shallots and mushrooms, while every bite gets a hint of fresh thyme and parsley. You’ll find yourself coming back to this Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe again and again because it’s deceptively easy and spectacularly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk ingredients! Each one here is chosen not just for taste, but for the way they transform the simple into the extraordinary. These few pantry staples and fresh finds are all you need to bring color, texture, and flavor to life in your Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe.
- Puff Pastry: The buttery, flaky base that gives these tarts their irresistible bite; using store-bought makes things quick and foolproof.
- Olive Oil: Enhances the earthy notes of the mushrooms and shallots while giving them a soft, golden finish.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and depth, especially when sautéed with aromatic shallots.
- Shallots: Their mild sweetness anchors the tart filling and works beautifully with mushrooms.
- Mushrooms: Cremini, shiitake, or button—choose your favorites for a woodland medley of flavor and color.
- Garlic: Just two cloves bring a gentle heat and unmistakable fragrance.
- Fresh Thyme Leaves: A small teaspoon infuses that classic, savory flavor we all associate with French-inspired fare.
- Salt: A pinch brings all the ingredients together and accentuates each note.
- Black Pepper: A dash adds just the right amount of warmth, without overpowering.
- Herbed Goat Cheese: Soft and tangy, this is the creamy glue that holds all the flavors together.
- Heavy Cream: Loosens the goat cheese for smooth spreading and adds a luscious texture.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped and scattered at the end for a burst of color and herbal brightness.
- Egg: A quick brush brings that gorgeous, golden sheen to the edges of your pastry.
How to Make Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Puff Pastry
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured countertop, gently roll out your thawed puff pastry into even thickness and cut it into 6 equal rectangles. This ensures that each tart bakes up with that classic golden puff and serves as the perfect canvas for the filling. Arrange them on your prepared baking sheet, then carefully score a small border (about half an inch from the edge) with a sharp knife—this will help produce those spectacular, raised edges after baking. Be gentle so you don’t cut all the way through!
Step 2: Sauté Shallots and Mushrooms
Heat your olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium heat. When the butter’s just melted and begins to foam, toss in your thinly sliced shallots. Stir for a few minutes until they turn lovely and soft, then add your mushroom slices. Cook these, stirring occasionally, for another 6–8 minutes until the mushrooms have released their moisture, turned golden, and everything smells intoxicating. For the last minute, add garlic, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir well—the aromatics will work their magic here and infuse your mixture with savory depth.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Goat Cheese Base
While the mushrooms are cooking, combine the herbed goat cheese and heavy cream in a small bowl. Mix them until completely smooth and creamy. This luscious base is what will spread easily on the pastry and balance out the deep, earthy flavors with tang and richness.
Step 4: Assemble the Tarts
Spread an even layer of the creamy goat cheese mixture inside the scored border of each pastry rectangle, keeping the edges neat for the best final look. Next, top each with a generous scoop of your sautéed mushroom and shallot mixture, spreading right up to that border. This creates a lovely, rustic mosaic effect in every tart.
Step 5: Egg Wash and Bake
With all the tarts assembled, use a pastry brush to gently coat the exposed borders with your beaten egg. This step gives each tart its irresistible golden, glossy finish. Slide your tray into the oven and bake for 18–20 minutes, until the pastry is gloriously puffed and golden brown. Your kitchen will smell divine!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once the Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe emerges from the oven, scatter freshly chopped parsley over the tops to add a burst of color and freshness. Serve straight from the oven or just slightly cooled—the flavors shine either way.
How to Serve Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing brings out the beautiful contrast of this Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe quite like a sprinkle of vibrant green parsley or extra fresh thyme leaves. For a touch of extra richness or a dramatic finish, consider a light drizzle of balsamic glaze right before serving. The sweet acidity cuts through the creamy, tangy goat cheese and enhances every mushroomy bite.
Side Dishes
Serve these tarts with a lightly dressed arugula salad, some roasted asparagus, or perhaps a chilled soup for a complete, effortlessly elegant meal. The earthiness of the mushrooms and brightness from the herbs play especially well against crisp, fresh sides, while a glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling mocktail makes a perfect sip alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
The Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe is stunning served alone on a wooden board for appetizer hour, or you can cut each tart into two for gorgeous party bites. Stack them in a rustic basket lined with linen for casual brunches, or arrange on elegant plates with edible flowers for celebratory occasions. These little showpieces are guaranteed to impress by sight and by taste!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, keep the tarts in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay tasty and flaky for up to 3 days, making them a savory snack or fuss-free lunch the next day.
Freezing
This Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe is surprisingly freezer-friendly! Cool the tarts completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and stash them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 1 month, ready to be revived whenever those tart cravings hit.
Reheating
To bring tarts back to their just-baked glory, pop them into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes. This crisps up the pastry again while keeping the filling creamy and satisfying—much better than using a microwave, which can make the pastry soggy.
FAQs
Can I use plain goat cheese instead of herbed?
Absolutely! If you use plain goat cheese, just add a pinch of your favorite fresh or dried herbs (like chives, basil, or tarragon) to mimic those classic herbal notes in the filling.
Are there other mushrooms I can use in the Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe?
Definitely! Try portobello, oyster, or even wild mushrooms for a more complex flavor profile. Mixing different types can add a wonderful variety of textures, too.
Can these tarts be made gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap traditional puff pastry for a gluten-free version, which is available in many grocery stores. Just make sure to keep an eye on the baking time, as gluten-free pastry can brown a little faster.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute whole milk or even a splash of Greek yogurt to loosen the goat cheese for spreading. The filling will still be creamy and flavorful.
Is the Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe suitable for make-ahead entertaining?
Absolutely! You can prep the mushroom filling and the cheese mixture a day ahead, assemble just before baking, and have warm, fresh tarts ready in no time. They’re also delicious served room temperature if you need to make your life a little easier before the party.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for an appetizer that’s bold, beautiful, and bursting with flavor, you can’t go wrong with this Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe. Each step is simple, every ingredient counts, and the finished tarts are guaranteed to disappear fast. Give this recipe a try—you’ll soon have a new favorite on your hands to treasure and share!
Print
Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 tarts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these savory Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts for a delightful burst of flavors in every bite. These French-inspired tarts are perfect for any occasion, whether as an appetizer, side dish, or a light lunch paired with a fresh salad. Impress your guests with the buttery puff pastry, creamy goat cheese, and earthy mushrooms topped with fresh herbs. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy!
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Mushroom Shallot Mixture:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 shallots, thinly sliced
- 12 ounces mushrooms, sliced (cremini, shiitake, or button)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Herbed Goat Cheese Filling:
- 4 ounces herbed goat cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Egg Wash:
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface and cut into 6 rectangles. Place on the baking sheet and score a border around each.
- Sauté Shallots and Mushrooms: In a skillet, cook shallots in olive oil and butter. Add mushrooms, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Make Goat Cheese Mixture: Mix goat cheese and heavy cream until smooth.
- Assemble Tarts: Spread goat cheese mixture on pastry, top with mushroom mixture, brush edges with egg wash.
- Bake: Bake for 18–20 minutes until golden. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- These tarts are versatile and can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or light lunch.
- For added flavor, drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tart
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 340 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
