The Dreamy Mushroom Shallot & Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe

Delicate mushroom shallot and herbed goat cheese tarts dance between rustic elegance and sophisticated comfort.

Woodland flavors merge with creamy cheese in a delightful culinary exploration.

Earthy mushrooms bring deep, rich undertones to these delicate pastry vessels.

Shallots whisper subtle sweetness throughout each carefully crafted bite.

Herbed goat cheese creates a luxurious backdrop that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Crisp, buttery tart shells cradle these magnificent flavor combinations.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of this irresistible appetizer.

Why Goat Cheese Tarts Steal the Show

• Craft Gourmet Magic: Transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish that looks impressive but requires minimal culinary skills.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for elegant appetizers, casual lunch, or sophisticated dinner parties that appeal to vegetarian and cheese lovers.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Prepare these tarts in under 30 minutes with minimal prep work, making them ideal for busy home cooks seeking delicious meals without extensive cooking time.
• Seasonal Ingredient Showcase: Highlights fresh mushrooms and herbs, allowing home chefs to explore seasonal produce while creating a delectable, visually stunning dish.

Ingredients for Your Fancy Tart Fix

• Puff Pastry: A light and flaky foundation that creates a crisp and golden exterior for the tarts.
• All-Purpose Flour: Used for dusting the surface to prevent sticking during pastry preparation.

• Mushrooms: A savory and earthy ingredient that provides depth and texture to the tarts.
• Shallots: A delicate and sweet allium that adds a mild, refined flavor to the filling.
• Garlic: A pungent and aromatic ingredient that enhances the overall taste of the mushroom mixture.

• Herbed Goat Cheese: A creamy and tangy cheese that brings a rich and herbaceous element to the tarts.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and intensify the flavors of the ingredients.

• Egg: Used to create a golden, glossy finish on the pastry edges.
• Olive Oil, Butter: Provide richness and help sauté the vegetables with a smooth, luxurious texture.

• Fresh Thyme: A fragrant herb that adds a subtle, earthy brightness to the finished tarts.

How To Bake Mushroom Goat Cheese Tarts

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat the oven and set up a baking sheet with parchment paper. This creates the perfect foundation for your delicious tarts.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Base

In a skillet, combine olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add shallots and cook until they become soft and translucent.

Introduce minced garlic and continue cooking for another minute to release their delightful flavors.

Step 3: Cook Mushroom Mixture

• Release their moisture
• Become tender
• Develop a rich, deep flavor

Season the mixture with salt and pepper to enhance the taste.

Step 4: Prepare Pastry Canvas

Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface. Cut the pastry into squares or rectangles that will serve as the base for your tarts.

Step 5: Assemble Tart Layers

Spread the mushroom mixture onto each pastry piece. Crumble herbed goat cheese generously over the top, creating a delicious flavor combination.

Step 6: Shape Rustic Tarts

Gently fold the edges of the pastry to create a free-form, rustic shape. Brush the exposed pastry edges with beaten egg to achieve a beautiful golden finish.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the tarts in the preheated oven and bake until they turn a gorgeous golden brown color. This should take approximately 20-25 minutes.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the tarts. Allow them to cool slightly before serving to let the flavors settle and the pastry become perfectly crisp.

Tips for Crispy Crusts and Creamy Centers

• Choose firm, fresh mushrooms like cremini or shiitake for the best flavor and texture in your tarts.
• Gently sauté mushrooms to release moisture without making them soggy, ensuring a crisp pastry base.
• Crumble goat cheese just before adding to the tart for maximum freshness and creamy consistency.
• Experiment with different herb-infused goat cheeses to add unique flavor profiles to your tarts.
• Allow tarts to cool slightly before serving to help the pastry set and prevent burning your mouth.

Flaky Tart Variations You’ll Adore

• Mediterranean Medley: Replace mushrooms with roasted red peppers, zucchini, and add crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired variation.
• Bacon Lover's Version: Crisp pancetta or bacon pieces into the mushroom mixture, adding smoky depth and extra protein to the tart.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Mix in diced jalapeños, sprinkle pepper jack cheese, and top with fresh cilantro for a zesty flavor profile.
• Alpine Inspired: Swap goat cheese with gruyère, add caramelized onions, and include chopped rosemary for a rich, earthy tart experience.

Pairing Ideas That Elevate These Tarts

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a bright, acidic white like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the richness of goat cheese and complement the earthy mushroom flavors.
• Enhance with Fresh Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the tart's creamy and rich profile, adding a refreshing contrast to the warm pastry.
• Match with Charcuterie Board: Include prosciutto, aged Parmesan, and cornichons to provide salty, tangy elements that elevate the tart's delicate mushroom and herb notes.
• Select Herbal Aperitif: Serve a small glass of dry vermouth or Lillet Blanc to spark the palate and harmonize with the herbal goat cheese and thyme undertones.

Storing Your Goat Cheese Tarts the Right Way

• Refrigerate: Store leftover tarts in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Freeze: Wrap individual tarts tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Label with date and contents.
• Reheat Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place tarts on baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through.
• Reheat Toaster Oven: Place tarts directly on rack, heat at 325°F for 8-10 minutes. Check periodically to avoid overcooking edges.

Tart FAQs for Elegant Entertaining

• What type of mushrooms work best for this recipe?

Button, cremini, or wild mushrooms like shiitake are excellent choices. They provide rich flavor and perfect texture for the tarts.

• Can I make these tarts ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mushroom mixture and assemble the tarts a few hours before baking. Keep them refrigerated and brush with egg wash just before baking.

• Do I need any special kitchen tools for this recipe?

A skillet, baking sheet, parchment paper, and rolling pin are the main tools you’ll need. A sharp knife helps with cutting pastry and chopping ingredients.

• Is herbed goat cheese necessary, or can I use regular goat cheese?

You can use plain goat cheese and add your own fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. Regular goat cheese works perfectly fine in this recipe.

Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulgent Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts showcase rich, earthy flavors dancing on buttery pastry. Delicate layers of savory ingredients promise a delightful culinary experience you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups mushrooms (any variety), finely chopped
• 4 ounces herbed goat cheese
• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 2 shallots, finely chopped
• 1 egg, beaten

Preparation Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• All-purpose flour (for dusting)

Seasoning and Garnish:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Fresh thyme leaves for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal tart preparation.
2. Create a flavor base by heating olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat, then gently sauté shallots until they become translucent and soft.
3. Introduce minced garlic to the skillet and cook briefly to release aromatic oils, then add mushrooms and cook until they release moisture and become tender and golden.
4. Season the mushroom mixture with salt and pepper, ensuring a balanced and rich flavor profile.
5. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface, cutting it into elegant squares or rustic rectangles that will form the tart base.
6. Arrange the pastry pieces on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each tart.
7. Distribute the sautéed mushroom mixture evenly across the pastry, creating a delicious foundation for the tarts.
8. Crumble herbed goat cheese generously over the mushroom layer, adding a creamy and herbaceous dimension.
9. Gently fold the pastry edges inward, creating a free-form border that will help contain the filling during baking.
10. Brush the pastry edges with beaten egg to achieve a golden, glossy finish.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the pastry turns a rich, golden brown and becomes crisp.
12. Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh thyme leaves, allowing the tarts to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• Enhance flavor depth by using a mix of wild mushrooms like shiitake, cremini, and oyster for complex, earthy notes.
• Customize dietary needs by using gluten-free puff pastry for those with wheat sensitivities or swap goat cheese with dairy-free alternatives.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to streamline cooking process, allowing mushrooms and shallots to cool slightly before assembling tarts prevents soggy pastry bottoms.
• Consider serving as an elegant appetizer or light lunch, pairing beautifully with a crisp white wine or fresh green salad for a complete meal experience.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg