If you love the combination of earthy mushrooms, creamy goat cheese, and the gentle sweetness of shallots all wrapped up in flaky puff pastry, then this Savory Mushroom and Goat Cheese Tarts with Shallots Recipe is definitely one to bookmark. Each tart bursts with layers of flavor—from the tender, caramelized shallots to the tender mushrooms infused with thyme, elegantly balanced by the tangy goat cheese. These tarts are irresistibly golden and perfect for a cozy dinner, a fancy appetizer at your next gathering, or even a special weekend brunch treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients come together in this recipe to create something truly memorable. Each plays a vital role—whether it’s the freshness of shallots, the depth from mushrooms, or the buttery crunch of the puff pastry—making every bite a delightful experience.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps sauté the shallots to a perfect tenderness without overpowering other flavors.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Balances the butter and contributes a mild fruity note while keeping the mushrooms juicy.
- Shallots (3 medium, thinly sliced): Their delicate sweetness forms the fragrant base of the filling.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Offers a subtle sharpness that lifts and deepens the overall flavor.
- Mixed mushrooms (300g, sliced): Using a variety like cremini, shiitake, and oyster ensures a complex earthy texture and taste.
- Fresh thyme leaves (1 teaspoon) or dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses an herbal aroma that complements the mushrooms perfectly.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon) and pepper (1/8 teaspoon): Seasoning essentials that enhance and balance every ingredient without overwhelming them.
- White wine or vegetable stock (1/4 cup): Adds moisture and a subtle tang that helps meld all the flavors beautifully.
- Goat cheese (4 oz, softened): The creamy, tangy heart of the tarts that contrasts wonderfully with the savory mushrooms.
- Puff pastry sheet (320g): The flaky, buttery crust that encases the filling and gives each tart its irresistible texture.
- Egg (1 large, beaten with 1 tablespoon water): Used as an egg wash to give the pastry a golden, glossy finish.
- Fresh thyme leaves or parsley (optional): A fresh garnish that adds color and a hint of brightness when serving.
How to Make Savory Mushroom and Goat Cheese Tarts with Shallots Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Flavorful Filling
Start by warming butter and olive oil in a skillet set over medium heat. Toss in the thinly sliced shallots and let them soften for about 3 to 4 minutes until translucent and sweetly fragrant. Then, add the minced garlic, giving it just a minute to release its aroma without burning. Now bring in the mushrooms, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir frequently as they cook down over 8 to 10 minutes, until beautifully browned and tender. Pour in white wine or vegetable stock to deglaze the pan and let it simmer for a couple more minutes until the liquid reduces slightly. Turn off the heat and let this rich, savory mixture cool a bit while you move to the next step.
Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry Base
Preheat your oven to 200°C (or 180°C for fan ovens), which ensures a perfect rise and crispiness of the puff pastry. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Unroll the puff pastry and carefully cut it into six even rectangles or circles—whichever shape suits your style or occasion. Then, gently score a border about 1 cm (or half an inch) inside each piece to create a barrier that will keep the filling neatly contained while the edges puff up delightfully in the oven.
Step 3: Assemble the Tarts
Spread a thin but generous layer of softened goat cheese right in the middle of each pastry piece, staying inside the scored lines. This creamy layer acts as a luscious bed that contrasts perfectly with the earthy mushroom filling. Spoon the cooled mushroom and shallot mixture evenly over the goat cheese, ensuring each tart has a generous amount of flavorful goodness. To get that irresistible golden color on the pastry edges, brush them lightly with the beaten egg wash. This final touch makes all the difference in presentation.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place your assembled tarts onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on them as the puff pastry rises and turns golden brown, creating those crisp, flaky layers we all love. Once baked, remove the tarts from the oven and allow them to cool slightly so the flavors set and the tarts are comfortable to handle.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, sprinkle fresh thyme leaves or parsley over the tarts for a splash of green that brightens their rustic charm. Serve them warm to fully enjoy the gooey goat cheese and the inviting aroma of mushrooms and shallots filling the air.
How to Serve Savory Mushroom and Goat Cheese Tarts with Shallots Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh thyme or finely chopped parsley adds a refreshing herbal note that cuts through the richness and adds an attractive pop of color. A delicate drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a touch of cracked black pepper right before serving can also elevate the tarts beautifully.
Side Dishes
These tarts pair wonderfully with crisp green salads dressed lightly in lemon vinaigrette, which complements the earthiness of the mushrooms and richness of the goat cheese. Roasted seasonal vegetables or a bowl of warm soup can turn this dish into a complete, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or elegant appetizer, try making mini versions using puff pastry squares or tartlet pans. Arrange on a wooden board with an assortment of fresh herbs, nuts, or even a little fruit chutney for guests to nibble alongside. You could also serve the tarts on individual plates with a side of mixed greens and a drizzle of balsamic reduction for a restaurant-worthy presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Savory Mushroom and Goat Cheese Tarts with Shallots Recipe, they store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them separate from any salad or fresh garnishes to maintain crispness.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked assembled tarts for up to 1 month. Arrange them on a tray in the freezer until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and proceed with the egg wash and baking. This makes for an easy, impressive snack or appetizer anytime.
Reheating
Reheat leftover tarts in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through, which will help preserve the crispness of the puff pastry. Avoid microwaving, as it can leave the pastry soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of goat cheese?
Absolutely! While goat cheese provides a tangy, creamy contrast, you can substitute with cream cheese, ricotta, or even feta for a slightly different but still delicious result.
What mushrooms work best for this Savory Mushroom and Goat Cheese Tarts with Shallots Recipe?
A mix of mushrooms like cremini, shiitake, and oyster offers a balanced flavor and texture. However, button or portobello mushrooms alone can work if preferred or depending on availability.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly, especially if you choose vegetable stock instead of white wine for the filling.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Definitely! The mushroom and shallot filling can be made up to two days ahead and refrigerated. Just bring it to room temperature before assembling the tarts.
How do I prevent the puff pastry edges from getting soggy?
Scoring a border around the edges and applying an egg wash helps create a barrier and encourages crispiness. Also, letting the filling cool before adding it prevents moisture from seeping into the pastry.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Savory Mushroom and Goat Cheese Tarts with Shallots Recipe enough. It’s a perfect blend of simple yet flavorful ingredients that come together to create a dish that feels both cozy and special. Whether you’re serving guests or treating yourself, these tarts will bring warmth and smiles to the table. Give it a try, and you might just find yourself making it again and again!
Print
Savory Mushroom and Goat Cheese Tarts with Shallots Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these savory mushroom and goat cheese tarts, a perfect appetizer or light meal featuring a flavorful mix of sautéed mushrooms and shallots atop creamy goat cheese, all encased in golden, flaky puff pastry. Enhanced with fresh thyme and an egg wash finish, these tarts are elegantly simple to prepare and ideal for entertaining or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 medium shallots, thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 300g (10 oz) mixed mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, or oyster), sliced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup white wine or vegetable stock
Pastry and Topping
- 4 oz (120g) goat cheese, softened
- 320g (11 oz) puff pastry sheet
- 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
- Fresh thyme leaves or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced shallots and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook Mushrooms: Add the mushrooms, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are tender and browned.
- Deglaze and Reduce: Pour in the white wine or vegetable stock and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Unroll the puff pastry sheet and cut it into 6 equal rectangles or circles, depending on your preference.
- Score Borders: Score a 1 cm (1/2 inch) border around the edge of each piece with a knife, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Assemble Tarts: Spread a thin layer of softened goat cheese onto the center of each pastry, staying within the scored border.
- Add Mushroom Filling: Spoon the mushroom mixture evenly over the goat cheese.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the edges of the pastry with the egg wash for a golden finish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden and puffed.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the tarts from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh thyme leaves or parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute the mixed mushrooms with your favorite single variety if preferred.
- For a vegetarian white wine option, ensure the wine is suitable or use vegetable stock instead.
- Let the mushroom filling cool before spreading on the puff pastry to avoid sogginess.
- Brush the pastry edges carefully with egg wash to enhance browning without leaking onto the filling.
- Serve the tarts warm for best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
