Savory Mushroom and Goat Cheese Tarts with Shallots Recipe
There’s something totally irresistible about a flaky, golden tart with a creamy interior and a savory, deeply flavorful topping. That’s exactly what you get with these Savory Mushroom and Goat Cheese Tarts with Shallots: a charming French-inspired appetizer that’s easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough to set out for guests. The contrast of silky mushrooms, sweet shallots, tangy goat cheese, and crisp puff pastry is simply unforgettable. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, you’ll want this recipe on repeat all season long!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in these tarts gets its time to shine—no fillers or fuss, just a handful of essentials that work together to create big flavor and great texture. The short ingredient list makes shopping a breeze, and each component brings a specific note that elevates the finished dish.
- Puff pastry (1 sheet, thawed): This is the base of your tart—light, flaky, and beautifully crisp when baked. Don’t skip the “thawed” step for easy rolling!
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps the mushrooms caramelize and brings a subtle, earthy undertone.
- Butter (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and depth to every bite.
- Mixed mushrooms (2 cups, sliced): Cremini, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms add complexity with their different textures and flavors.
- Shallots (2, thinly sliced): Their gentle sweetness perfectly balances the tangy goat cheese.
- Fresh thyme leaves (2 teaspoons): A hint of herbaceous brightness that lifts the whole dish.
- Goat cheese (4 ounces, softened): Dreamy and tangy, it’s the creamy core of each tart.
- Heavy cream (2 tablespoons): Blends with the goat cheese for a luscious, easy-to-spread filling.
- Egg (1, beaten): Gives the pastry its gorgeous, golden sheen.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning every layer just right.
- Microgreens or arugula (optional, for garnish): A peppery pop of color to finish things off with elegance.
How to Make Savory Mushroom and Goat Cheese Tarts with Shallots
Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out your thawed puff pastry sheet and cut it into four equal rectangles. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet for easy clean-up. Using a sharp knife, gently score a half-inch border around the edge of each rectangle—be careful not to slice all the way through! Prick the centers with a fork so that just the edges rise and turn gloriously puffy in the oven.
Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms and Shallots
Heat your olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat until the butter foams, then toss in the sliced mushrooms. Sauté them for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re delightfully browned and their savory aroma fills your kitchen. Add in the thinly sliced shallots and fresh thyme leaves, and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until everything is soft and fragrant. Season well with salt and black pepper, then remove from the heat—you’re about to assemble!
Step 3: Mix the Goat Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, combine the softened goat cheese and heavy cream. Stir until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and easy to spread. This step only takes a moment, but it ensures every bite of your Savory Mushroom and Goat Cheese Tarts with Shallots will have a luscious, tangy center.
Step 4: Assemble the Tarts
Spread a thin, even layer of the creamy goat cheese mixture onto the center of each pastry rectangle, keeping inside your scored border for the best-looking results. Spoon the warm mushroom-shallot mixture on top, nestling it into the cheese so each tart is generously loaded with flavor and color.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Brush the exposed pastry borders with beaten egg to help them bake up golden and glossy—this step adds major curb appeal! Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the puff pastry is beautifully risen and golden brown on the edges. The aroma alone will have you peeking into the oven more than once!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
When the tarts are hot from the oven, finish them off with a scatter of microgreens or arugula. This simple touch adds a burst of color and a peppery crunch, making your Savory Mushroom and Goat Cheese Tarts with Shallots look as stunning as they taste. Serve them warm for the best texture and flavor.
How to Serve Savory Mushroom and Goat Cheese Tarts with Shallots
Garnishes
A flourish of microgreens or a handful of peppery arugula brightens up each tart and adds a fresh contrast to the warm, rich filling. For extra flair, try a sprinkle of additional fresh thyme, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, or even a handful of lightly toasted pine nuts.
Side Dishes
Savory Mushroom and Goat Cheese Tarts with Shallots are right at home paired with a simple green salad, a tangy vinaigrette, or a refreshing cucumber-lemon salad. A cup of tomato soup or a bowl of herby lentils makes them hearty enough for lunch or a light dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party platter, cut each tart into smaller squares or triangles for easy, shareable appetizer bites. Stack overlapping tarts on a wooden board with dips and fresh veggies for a rustic look, or plate individually with colorful salad for a more elegant presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), let the tarts cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep their best quality for 2 to 3 days, and reheat beautifully for a quick snack or meal.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze Savory Mushroom and Goat Cheese Tarts with Shallots after baking and cooling. Wrap each tart tightly in plastic wrap, then store together in a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container. They’ll stay delicious for up to 1 month; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring tarts back to life, place them on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, until warmed through and the pastry is crisp again. You can microwave in a pinch, but the oven works best for keeping the pastry flaky.
FAQs
Can I use other types of mushrooms?
Absolutely! Use whatever mix of mushrooms you have on hand, or even just one variety if that’s what’s available. Wild mushrooms, baby bellas, or even portobellos add different tastes and textures.
Is there a substitute for goat cheese?
If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, try ricotta, cream cheese, feta, or even Boursin for a different flavor. Each one will give your Savory Mushroom and Goat Cheese Tarts with Shallots a unique twist, but all work beautifully.
What if I don’t have fresh thyme?
Dried thyme is a fine substitute—just use about half as much since dried herbs are more potent. You can also play around with rosemary, parsley, or even tarragon for something a little different.
Can I make these tarts ahead of time?
Definitely. You can sauté the mushrooms and shallots and mix the goat cheese filling up to a day ahead. Assemble and bake the tarts just before serving for the flakiest, freshest result.
Are these tarts gluten-free?
As written, these tarts use regular puff pastry, which contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, look for gluten-free puff pastry in the freezer section or make your own if you’re up for the adventure!
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to take your first bite into the golden, creamy goodness of these Savory Mushroom and Goat Cheese Tarts with Shallots. They’re the kind of recipe that feels special but is secretly simple—perfect for treating yourself or sharing with friends and family. I can’t wait to hear how you enjoy them!
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Savory Mushroom and Goat Cheese Tarts with Shallots Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 tarts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These savory Mushroom and Goat Cheese Tarts with Shallots are a delightful French-inspired appetizer featuring a buttery puff pastry base topped with a creamy goat cheese mixture, flavorful sautéed mushrooms, and aromatic shallots. Perfect for entertaining or as a special treat for yourself!
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
Mushroom Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cups mixed mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, and oyster, sliced)
- 2 shallots (thinly sliced)
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
Goat Cheese Mixture:
- 4 ounces goat cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Additional:
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Microgreens or arugula for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the pastry: Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface, cut into 4 rectangles, score a border, and prick the centers with a fork.
- Sauté mushrooms: Cook mushrooms in olive oil and butter until browned, then add shallots and thyme.
- Prepare goat cheese mixture: Mix goat cheese with heavy cream until smooth.
- Assemble tarts: Spread goat cheese on pastry, top with mushroom mixture, brush edges with egg wash.
- Bake: Bake for 18–22 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve: Serve warm, garnished with microgreens or arugula.
Notes
- You can prepare the mushroom filling ahead of time and assemble just before baking.
- Swap goat cheese for ricotta or cream cheese if preferred.
- These tarts also make a great brunch or appetizer option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tart
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
