If you are searching for a dish that perfectly balances earthy flavors with creamy decadence, the Savory Mushroom and Goat Cheese Tarts with Shallots Recipe is an absolute must-try. These elegant little tarts combine tender, caramelized mushrooms and sweet shallots with tangy, smooth goat cheese wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Every bite is a delightful mix of textures and flavors that will have you reaching for seconds. Whether you’re prepping a sophisticated appetizer for guests or treating yourself to a cozy weekend brunch, this recipe will quickly become a personal favorite that feels both gourmet and wonderfully approachable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe comes from its simplicity and the quality of each ingredient. Every component plays an essential role — from the flaky puff pastry providing buttery crunch, to the mixture of mushrooms offering a rustic earthiness, and the goat cheese delivering a luscious creaminess. These ingredients not only bring texture and depth to the dish but also create a beautiful color contrast that makes the tarts irresistible.
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed): Choose a high-quality brand for that perfect, golden puff.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the mushrooms evenly.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Combines with olive oil for a silky sauté base.
- 2 cups mixed mushrooms: Use a mix like cremini, shiitake, and oyster for complex, earthy flavors.
- 2 shallots (thinly sliced): Their mild sweetness perfectly complements the mushrooms.
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves: Fresh herbs brighten the dish with subtle aromatic notes.
- 4 ounces goat cheese (softened): Provides a tangy, creamy layer that melts delightfully on the pastry.
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream: Smooths out the goat cheese for easy spreading.
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash): Gives the pastry a beautiful golden shine and crispness.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the ingredients.
- Microgreens or arugula for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh, peppery finish and pretty presentation.
How to Make Savory Mushroom and Goat Cheese Tarts with Shallots Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry Base
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready to bake the tarts to golden perfection. On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out your thawed puff pastry sheet and cut it into four equal rectangles. Transfer these onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. To create that classic puff pastry tart edge, score a ½-inch border around each rectangle carefully so you don’t cut all the way through. Prick the centers with a fork to prevent unnecessary puffing inside the tart.
Step 2: Cook the Mushrooms and Shallots
In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and butter together until melted and shimmering. Add your sliced mushrooms and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until they soften and start to turn beautifully browned. Then toss in the shallots and fresh thyme leaves, cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until aromatic. Season this savory mixture generously with salt and black pepper, then remove from the heat to let those flavors settle.
Step 3: Prepare the Goat Cheese Mixture
While the mushroom filling cools slightly, mix the softened goat cheese with heavy cream in a small bowl until smooth and spreadable. This silky mixture will create a luscious base that contrasts delightfully with the sautéed vegetables.
Step 4: Assemble the Tarts
Spread a thin, even layer of the goat cheese mixture within the scored border of each pastry rectangle. Be careful to stay inside the edges to keep the filling from spilling. Next, spoon the savory mushroom and shallot mixture on top of the goat cheese layer, dividing it equally among all four tarts. Brush the exposed pastry edges generously with the beaten egg to ensure they bake up with a gorgeous golden color and crisp texture.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the puff pastry is puffed high and has turned a stunning golden brown. Once baked, let them cool just slightly — these tarts are best served warm so the flavors can shine.
How to Serve Savory Mushroom and Goat Cheese Tarts with Shallots Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish like fresh microgreens or peppery arugula adds the perfect finishing touch and a splash of color. These greens enhance the earthiness of the mushrooms with a hint of brightness and a lovely texture contrast that makes each bite feel vibrant and fresh.
Side Dishes
Pair these tarts with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette for a bright counterpoint. A bowl of rustic tomato soup or a chilled glass of white wine also complements the rich, savory flavors beautifully, creating a well-rounded meal perfect for lunch or a casual dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, serve these tarts as elegant appetizers on a wooden board surrounded by fresh herbs and a few wedges of goat cheese. You can also cut them into smaller squares for bite-sized hors d’oeuvres, making them perfect for parties or gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though rare!), store the tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This will keep the pastry crisp enough while the mushroom and cheese filling stays flavorful and fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze the mushroom and shallot filling separately in a sealed container for up to 1 month. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge, then assemble and bake the tarts fresh. Puff pastry is best used fresh and doesn’t freeze well once baked.
Reheating
To reheat, place the tarts in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through and the pastry regains some crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of goat cheese?
Absolutely. While goat cheese adds a distinctive tang and creaminess, you can swap it with ricotta or cream cheese for a milder flavor that still pairs wonderfully with the mushrooms and shallots.
What mushrooms work best for this recipe?
A mix is ideal. Using cremini, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms balances earthiness, texture, and flavor complexity. However, button mushrooms or portobello strips will work fine if those are what you have on hand.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
You can adapt it by using a vegan puff pastry, substituting the goat cheese with a plant-based cream cheese, and replacing butter with olive oil or vegan margarine. Sauté mushrooms and shallots just as directed.
Is it necessary to score the puff pastry?
Scoring the border allows the edges to puff separately and creates a nice crust that holds the filling in place. It helps keep the center from puffing up too much, maintaining a great texture and look.
How do I make the tarts ahead for a party?
You can prepare the mushroom filling a day in advance and refrigerate it. On the day of the event, assemble the tarts on the puff pastry, brush the edges with egg wash, and bake just before serving for the freshest results.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Savory Mushroom and Goat Cheese Tarts with Shallots Recipe feels like handing you a little piece of comfort and elegance all wrapped in golden pastry. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make over and over again, whether for casual gatherings or a cozy night in. So go ahead, gather your ingredients and let your kitchen fill with the rich aroma of mushrooms and herbs baking to perfection. You won’t regret bringing this unforgettable flavor combo to your table.
Print
Savory Mushroom and Goat Cheese Tarts with Shallots Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 tarts
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these savory mushroom and goat cheese tarts featuring a flaky puff pastry crust, rich goat cheese, and a flavorful mixture of sautéed mushrooms, shallots, and fresh thyme. Perfect as an elegant appetizer or a sophisticated brunch treat, these tarts are easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cups mixed mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, and oyster, sliced)
- 2 shallots (thinly sliced)
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
- 4 ounces goat cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- salt and black pepper to taste
Finishing
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- microgreens or arugula for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet and cut it into 4 equal rectangles. Place these rectangles on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Score a ½-inch border around each rectangle carefully without cutting all the way through, then prick the centers with a fork to prevent excessive puffing while baking.
- Sauté the Mushrooms and Shallots: Heat the olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat until melted and hot. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and turn golden brown. Add the thinly sliced shallots and fresh thyme leaves, cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the shallots are fragrant and tender. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste, then remove it from the heat.
- Prepare the Goat Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the softened goat cheese with the heavy cream and blend until smooth and spreadable. This will create a creamy layer that complements the flavorful mushrooms.
- Assemble the Tarts: Spread a thin, even layer of the goat cheese mixture on the center of each chilled pastry rectangle, keeping within the scored border. Spoon the mushroom and shallot mixture evenly over the goat cheese layer on each tart.
- Apply Egg Wash and Bake: Using a pastry brush, carefully brush the beaten egg along the scored edges of each pastry rectangle. This will give the tarts a beautiful golden finish once baked. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed, crisp, and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove the tarts from the oven and let them cool slightly. Garnish with fresh microgreens or arugula for a touch of color and flavor, if desired. Serve warm to enjoy the full depth of taste and texture.
Notes
- You can prepare the mushroom filling ahead of time and assemble the tarts just before baking to save time.
- For a different flavor profile, substitute the goat cheese with ricotta or cream cheese.
- These tarts make a fantastic appetizer or an elegant brunch option.
