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
Scale
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
