Elegant, flavorful, and unfailingly impressive, Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts are the kind of appetizer you would happily serve at a cozy gathering or a festive brunch. Flaky golden puff pastry anchors a luscious layer of creamy herbed goat cheese, topped with a savory tumble of sautéed mushrooms and sweet, mellow shallots, all touched with fresh herbs. These tarts manage to look gourmet and taste downright indulgent—yet the whole thing comes together in under an hour. Whether you’re aiming to delight dinner guests or treat yourself on a quiet afternoon, Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts bring just the right touch of French-inspired magic to the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to crave-worthy Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts lies in their beautifully simple ingredients—every element is chosen to add flavor, creaminess, or that irresistible buttery crunch. Gather your ingredients and let their colors and aromas inspire you as you prep!
- Puff pastry: Brings flaky layers and golden crispness; be sure it’s thawed for easy rolling and cutting.
- Olive oil: Adds subtle richness when sautéing vegetables.
- Unsalted butter: Enhances the flavor and helps achieve perfectly browned mushrooms.
- Mushrooms: Earthy, meaty, and full of umami—any blend works, but cremini or baby bella are superb.
- Shallots: Slightly sweet and delicate, they mellow beautifully as they cook, adding depth to the filling.
- Garlic: A little aromatic garlic goes a long way for flavor without overpowering the tart.
- Fresh thyme leaves: Offer subtle, woodsy notes that complement the mushrooms.
- Fresh rosemary: Packs an herby punch—just a touch is aromatic and satisfying.
- Salt: Draws out the natural flavors of your veggies and ties everything together.
- Black pepper: Adds a mild kick and balances the richness.
- Herbed goat cheese: Creamy, tangy, and enriched with herbs; soft enough to spread and utterly luxurious.
- Heavy cream: Loosens the goat cheese, making it easier to swoosh over the pastry.
- Egg (for egg wash): Ensures those tart edges turn a gorgeous deep gold in the oven.
- Fresh parsley: Bright and verdant, it’s the perfect finish for both color and freshness.
How to Make Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts
Step 1: Prep the Puff Pastry
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper, which helps prevent sticking and ensures an easy cleanup. Roll your thawed puff pastry out on a lightly floured surface and cut it into 6 even rectangles. Arrange them a little apart on the baking sheet. Score a border around each rectangle (but don’t cut all the way through!) and prick the center with a fork—these tricks keep the pastry from over-puffing in the oven and make those beautiful, crisp edges.
Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms and Shallots
Warm the olive oil and butter together in a skillet over medium heat. Once they’re shimmering and foamy, add your sliced mushrooms and shallots, stirring occasionally as they cook down and caramelize for about 8 minutes. Once the mixture is soft, golden, and fragrant, stir in the garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper, and let everything cook for just a minute or two more. Your kitchen will smell absolutely dreamy at this point!
Step 3: Prepare the Herbed Goat Cheese Layer
In a small bowl, blend the softened herbed goat cheese with heavy cream until you have a smooth, spreadable mixture. The cream makes the cheese just the right texture to dollop and spread—no tearing up the pastry! Spread this mixture within the borders you scored on each rectangle, leaving the edges exposed so they’ll puff up beautifully.
Step 4: Assemble the Tarts
Using a spoon, evenly divide and mound the mushroom-shallot mixture on top of the goat cheese layer, keeping it nestled inside the borders. This ensures every bite is packed with savory, herb-flecked goodness. Carefully brush the exposed pastry edges with beaten egg to help them develop that tempting golden color as they bake.
Step 5: Bake to Crispy Perfection
Transfer your tarts to the preheated oven and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and crisp, and those edges are glistening golden brown. The mushrooms should be slightly caramelized on top, and the cheese layer bubbly and a little toasty.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle each tart with chopped fresh parsley for bright contrast and a final layer of flavor. Serve the Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts warm—this is when they’re at their irresistible best!
How to Serve Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts
Garnishes
A fresh sprinkle of chopped parsley is classic, but don’t hesitate to add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a sweet-and-tangy finish. For extra flair, add a pinch of flaky sea salt or even a few microgreens. These pops of color and flavor make your Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts even more inviting.
Side Dishes
These tarts pair fabulously with a simple green salad lightly dressed in a lemony vinaigrette, which balances the richness. For a heartier meal, serve alongside a bowl of creamy tomato soup, or arrange with roasted seasonal veggies for a stunning vegetarian lunch spread. Their versatility makes them a highlight of any table.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, try cutting the puff pastry into smaller squares or rounds for perfectly shareable bites. Serve individual tarts atop petite salad greens for a restaurant-style first course, or arrange them on a platter with edible flowers for a whimsical brunch centerpiece. However you present them, Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts never fail to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (a rare occurrence!), let the tarts cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They’ll stay crisp and keep their wonderful flavors, ready for a quick reheat anytime cravings hit.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange cooled tarts in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container. Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts keep well in the freezer for up to a month—just remember to reheat directly from frozen for best results.
Reheating
For that just-baked texture, reheat the tarts on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes (a little longer if frozen) until piping hot and crisp at the edges. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy. The oven method brings them right back to life—golden, flaky, and thoroughly irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Appetizer, Lunch
Absolutely! Although herbed goat cheese provides creamy tanginess, whipped ricotta, cream cheese with herbs, or even a soft blue cheese can work for a different flavor profile. Just make sure it’s spreadable so you can layer it evenly over the pastry.
What mushrooms are best for Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts?
Cremini, baby bella, or white button mushrooms are fantastic, but you can create a more nuanced flavor with a wild mushroom mix. If you love big, earthy flavors, try shiitakes, oyster mushrooms, or even a few slices of portobello for depth.
How far in advance can I make these tarts?
You can assemble the tarts a few hours ahead and keep them refrigerated (unbaked), covered with plastic wrap. When ready, just brush with egg wash and bake as directed. This makes Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts ideal for entertaining without last-minute stress.
Can these tarts be made gluten-free?
Yes, simply use a good-quality gluten-free puff pastry (found in the freezer section at many larger grocery stores). All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy swap for guests with special dietary needs.
What’s the best way to keep the pastry from getting soggy?
Be sure to score the pastry and prick the centers with a fork before adding fillings. Also, let the mushroom mixture cool slightly before spreading over the cheese layer, which prevents steam from making the crust soft. Baking until golden and crisp at the edges does the rest!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer that’s stunning, easy to make, and downright delicious, you’ll fall in love with Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts. There’s something about the irresistible combination of flaky pastry, creamy cheese, and savory mushrooms that brings excitement to any meal. Give them a try—your table (and your taste buds) will thank you!
Print
Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 tarts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these savory Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts made with flaky puff pastry, earthy mushrooms, aromatic shallots, and creamy goat cheese. Each bite is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it an ideal appetizer or light lunch option.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Mushroom-Shallot Mixture:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 2 shallots, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Goat Cheese Filling:
- 4 ounces herbed goat cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
Additional:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the pastry: Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface and cut into 6 rectangles. Place them on the baking sheet, score a border, and prick the centers.
- Cook the mushrooms: Saute mushrooms and shallots in olive oil and butter until golden. Add garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Prepare the goat cheese: Mix goat cheese with heavy cream until spreadable.
- Assemble the tarts: Spread goat cheese on the pastry, top with mushroom mixture, brush edges with egg wash.
- Bake: Bake for 18–20 minutes until golden and puffed.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- You can use caramelized onions instead of shallots.
- Pair tarts with a salad for a light lunch.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tart
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
