If you’re searching for a show-stopping yet totally approachable dish, look no further than Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts. These savory pastries combine flaky, golden puff pastry with a rich filling of earthy mushrooms, sweet shallots, fresh herbs, and tangy goat cheese—each bite is a perfect blend of comfort and elegance. Whether you need an impressive appetizer, a brunch standout, or a light lunch with a green salad, these tarts will quickly become one of your most requested recipes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
When it comes to delicious flavor, it’s all about using the right, simple ingredients. Each component in these Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts builds a foundation of flavor and texture, creating incredible contrast between creamy, earthy, flaky, and crisp.
- Puff pastry: Start with store-bought frozen puff pastry—it’s the secret to effortless, buttery layers and instant French bistro vibes.
- Olive oil: This helps sauté the mushrooms and shallots, adding a subtle richness and helping everything get golden brown.
- Unsalted butter: Just a tablespoon gives the sautéed vegetables an irresistible depth and sheen.
- Cremini mushrooms: These mushrooms offer an earthy, meaty flavor and cook down beautifully without getting watery.
- Shallots: Sweet and delicate, shallots mellow and caramelize to perfection, pairing seamlessly with mushrooms.
- Garlic: A couple of cloves infuse the veggie mix with aromatic warmth—don’t skip it!
- Fresh thyme: Thyme leaves add a woodsy green note that brightens the mushrooms and ties the filling together.
- Salt: Just enough to balance and bring out all the flavors.
- Black pepper: A hint of pepper gives everything a gentle kick.
- Herbed goat cheese: Creamy, tangy goat cheese with herbs works magic as the base of each tart—use your favorite, or mix plain goat cheese with chopped herbs.
- Egg: Brushing the pastry with beaten egg ensures ultra-shiny, golden edges for eye-catching tarts.
- Fresh parsley: A final sprinkle of parsley adds a pop of color and freshness (totally optional—yet so pretty!).
How to Make Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Begin by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s perfectly preheated by the time your tarts are assembled. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms and Shallots
In a large skillet, combine the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the sliced cremini mushrooms and shallots. Cook, stirring occasionally, until everything is soft, caramelized, and golden—about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in the garlic, fresh thyme, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture cook for another minute or two until fragrant, then set it aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Prep the Puff Pastry
While your veggies cool, place the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut it into four equal squares. Arrange the squares on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each to give them room to puff up gloriously as they bake.
Step 4: Assemble Each Tart
Spread a tablespoon of herbed goat cheese in the center of each pastry square, being careful to leave about a half-inch border uncovered. Spoon the mushroom and shallot mixture on top of the cheese, dividing it evenly. Fold the edges of the pastry just slightly inward—this gives each tart a rustic, inviting look and helps keep all that goodness in place.
Step 5: Brush and Bake
Lightly brush the exposed pastry edges with beaten egg to encourage that glossy, golden finish. Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the pastry is beautifully puffed and golden brown, with aromatic filling bubbling at the center.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Let the tarts rest for a few minutes after coming out of the oven. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you wish, and savor every warm, crispy, creamy bite of your Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts!
How to Serve Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts
Garnishes
For a dash of extra freshness, top your tarts with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives. If you really want to impress, try a light drizzle of good-quality olive oil or just a few turns of cracked black pepper right before serving. The green herbs pop against the toasty pastry and give your Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts a charming finish.
Side Dishes
These tarts play well with a crisp, tangy salad—think arugula tossed with lemon vinaigrette, or mixed greens with walnuts and dried cherries. For a heartier meal, pair with a bowl of creamy tomato soup or roasted vegetable bisque. The combination of textures and flavors is always a winner and elevates a casual lunch or cozy dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re planning a gathering, try slicing each tart into small squares to create beautiful appetizers for your guests. Alternatively, serve alongside a cheese board with olives and fruit, or add them to a brunch spread with poached eggs and roasted potatoes for a stunning, communal feast. The flexibility of Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts means they never outstay their welcome!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you manage to have any of these tarts left (they do tend to vanish quickly), keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The pastry will lose some of its initial crispness, but the flavors remain delicious and satisfying.
Freezing
Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts freeze surprisingly well! Let them cool completely, wrap each tart individually in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to two months. To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your tarts in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and the pastry is revived. Microwaving works in a pinch, but you’ll miss out on the crisp texture of the pastry.
FAQs
Can I make Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the tarts (minus the egg wash) and keep them covered in the fridge for up to 8 hours. When ready to bake, brush on the egg wash and pop them in the oven—this is a lifesaver for entertaining!
What kind of mushrooms work best for this recipe?
Cremini mushrooms are wonderful for their earthy taste and tender texture, but white button mushrooms or even a gourmet mix (shiitake, oyster) would be delicious variations. Feel free to use what you have on hand or mix and match for added depth.
Can I use plain goat cheese instead of herbed?
Definitely! Plain goat cheese works beautifully. You can even blend in your own favorite herbs like chives, rosemary, basil, or parsley for a personal touch.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Yes—you can use a dairy-free puff pastry (check labels), swap the butter for plant-based margarine, and try a vegan goat cheese-style spread. A bit of plant milk brushed on the pastry edges will create a similar golden sheen as egg wash.
Can Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts be served at room temperature?
They’re best warm, but these tarts are surprisingly tasty at room temperature, making them great for a picnic or potluck. Just be sure not to leave them out more than two hours for food safety.
Final Thoughts
Rich, savory, and visually stunning, Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts are the kind of recipe you’ll return to again and again. Whether you serve them up for a fancy brunch or a cozy night in, they never fail to bring joy to the table. Give them a try—you might just discover your new signature dish!
Print
Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 tarts
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these savory Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts, a delightful fusion of flavors encased in flaky puff pastry. Perfect for a light lunch or elegant appetizer.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed and cut into 4 squares
Mushroom Shallot Mixture:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 cups cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 2 medium shallots, thinly sliced
- 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 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Sauté mushrooms and shallots: In a skillet, sauté mushrooms and shallots in olive oil and butter until golden brown. Add garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Prepare puff pastry: Place puff pastry squares on the baking sheet, spread herbed goat cheese, top with mushroom mixture, fold edges, and brush with beaten egg.
- Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden and puffed.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- You can customize the goat cheese with your favorite fresh herbs like chives, rosemary, or basil.
- These tarts pair wonderfully with a green salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tart
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
