Description

Delight in these elegant Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts featuring flaky puff pastry topped with a savory sauté of cremini mushrooms, shallots, and fresh thyme, finished with creamy herbed goat cheese. Perfect as a sophisticated appetizer or a light lunch, these tarts offer a harmonious blend of earthy and tangy flavors with a crisp golden crust.

Ingredients

Scale

Puff Pastry Base

1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)

Mushroom Shallot Filling

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 cups cremini or mixed mushrooms (sliced)
2 medium shallots (thinly sliced)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

Topping

4 ounces herbed goat cheese (crumbled)
1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Pastry: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface and cut into 4 equal rectangles. Place the rectangles on the baking sheet and lightly score a 1/2-inch border around each tart without cutting through the pastry. Prick the centers with a fork to prevent excessive puffing during baking.
Sauté Shallots and Mushrooms: In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and butter until melted and combined. Add the thinly sliced shallots and cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened. Then add the sliced mushrooms, salt, and black pepper. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their moisture and become tender, about 6–8 minutes.
Add Herbs: Stir the fresh thyme leaves into the mushroom mixture and remove the skillet from heat to cool slightly.
Assemble the Tarts: Spoon the cooked mushroom and shallot mixture evenly within the scored borders on each puff pastry rectangle, keeping the filling inside the edges. Top each tart generously with the crumbled herbed goat cheese. Brush the exposed edges of the pastry with the beaten egg to achieve a golden, glossy finish during baking.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the tarts for 18–20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed, golden brown, and crisp.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the tarts from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature as an elegant appetizer or light meal.

Notes

You can substitute plain goat cheese and customize with your preferred fresh herbs such as chives, thyme, or rosemary.
These tarts are versatile and can be served either warm or at room temperature, making them ideal for make-ahead entertaining.
Pair with a crisp green salad for a satisfying light lunch or serve individually as an elegant appetizer at parties.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: French-Inspired