Mushroom, Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts

These mushroom, shallot, and herbed goat cheese tarts are a delightful and elegant appetizer or light meal option. With golden puff pastry as a base, these tarts are layered with savory mushrooms, aromatic herbs, and creamy goat cheese, all baked to perfection. They are ideal for brunch, dinner parties, or any occasion that calls for a touch of sophistication.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Elegant yet easy: These tarts are impressive but come together quickly with minimal effort.
• Versatile: Perfect as an appetizer, brunch dish, or a vegetarian entrée.
• Full of flavor: The rich, earthy mushrooms paired with fragrant herbs and tangy goat cheese are a flavor-packed combination.
• Customizable: Adapt the recipe with different mushrooms, herbs, or cheeses to suit your taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 10 4-inch puff pastry sheet squares (store-bought or homemade)
• 8 oz mushrooms (any variety), sliced
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/3 cup parsley leaves, roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 4 oz goat cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon each of dried sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper
• 1 egg, whisked (for egg wash)
• 1/4 cup white wine (or chicken broth as a substitute)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Arrange the puff pastry squares on the prepared baking sheets, leaving at least 1 inch between each. Use a fork to gently poke holes in the surface of each square (avoid piercing all the way through).
3. In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped shallot and garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes.
4. Add the mushrooms, the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, and the dried herbs. Cook for 2 minutes.
5. Deglaze with white wine or broth, cooking for another 4–5 minutes until the liquid reduces.
6. Remove from heat. Stir in goat cheese, parmesan, and parsley until well combined and creamy.
7. Spoon generous portions of the mushroom mixture onto each pastry square. You may leave the edges free or fold/pinch the pastry sides for a decorative touch.
8. Brush the exposed pastry edges with the egg wash.
9. Bake for 25–30 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
10. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 10 individual tarts.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 40–45 minutes

Variations

• Add a sweet touch: Drizzle with balsamic glaze after baking for a sweet-savory contrast.
• Different cheeses: Use cream cheese, feta, or brie instead of goat cheese.
• Mushroom mix: Blend cremini, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms for depth of flavor.
• Herb switch: Fresh basil or tarragon can replace or complement the listed dried herbs.

storage/reheating

Store any leftover tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes to regain crispness.
Avoid microwaving as it may make the pastry soggy.

FAQs

Can I use phyllo dough instead of puff pastry?

Phyllo can work, but you’ll need multiple layers brushed with butter for a crisp base. Puff pastry is richer and more suitable for this recipe.

What mushrooms are best for this recipe?

Cremini or button mushrooms are classic, but wild mushrooms like chanterelles or oyster mushrooms add gourmet flavor.

Can these tarts be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and assemble the tarts a few hours ahead and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

Can I freeze these tarts?

Yes, freeze unbaked tarts for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding 5–10 extra minutes to the cook time.

Is there a dairy-free option?

Use plant-based puff pastry and substitute dairy-free cheeses like cashew cheese or almond ricotta.

How can I make these gluten-free?

Use gluten-free puff pastry available in specialty or health food stores.

Can I serve these tarts cold?

They taste best warm or at room temperature but can also be enjoyed cold, especially for picnics.

What can I serve with these tarts?

A light green salad, tomato soup, or roasted vegetables complement these tarts well.

Can I omit the wine?

Yes, substitute with low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth.

How do I keep the pastry from getting soggy?

Ensure mushrooms are cooked until their moisture evaporates before adding to pastry.

Conclusion

Mushroom, shallot, and herbed goat cheese tarts are a delightful addition to any meal, offering rich flavors in a beautifully crisp package. Whether for entertaining or a comforting vegetarian option, these tarts are sure to impress. Simple to prepare, delicious to eat—add this recipe to your go-to appetizer list.

Mushroom, Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts

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• Author: Emma Delaney
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 10 tarts
• Category: Appetizer, Brunch
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: European, Vegetarian
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delight in these Mushroom, Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts—savory puff pastry squares filled with earthy mushrooms, tangy goat cheese, and aromatic herbs. Perfect as an appetizer or a gourmet brunch bite, they’re easy, elegant, and full of flavor.
Keywords: mushroom goat cheese tart, savory puff pastry tart, herbed tartlets, vegetarian appetizer, gourmet mushroom tart

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Ingredients

• 10 puff pastry squares (4-inch each)

• 8 oz mushrooms (any kind), sliced

• 1 shallot, finely chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1/3 cup parsley leaves, roughly chopped

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese

• 4 oz goat cheese

• 1/4 teaspoon each: sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper

• 1 egg, whisked (for egg wash)

• 1/4 cup white wine (or chicken broth as substitute)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking pans with parchment paper.

2. Prepare puff pastry: Arrange squares with spacing; poke lightly with a fork without piercing through.

3. Sauté aromatics: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in skillet. Add shallot and garlic, cook for 1–2 mins.

4. Cook mushrooms: Add mushrooms, remaining olive oil, and herbs/spices. Cook 2 mins. Add white wine and simmer 4–5 mins.

5. Mix filling: Off heat, add goat cheese, parmesan, parsley. Stir until creamy.

6. Assemble tarts: Spoon filling onto pastry squares. Shape edges as desired (corners pinched for curves or sides for a boat shape).

7. Egg wash: Brush egg on exposed pastry edges only.

8. Bake: 25–30 mins until golden brown. Serve warm.

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Notes

• Use store-bought puff pastry sheets, thawed and cut into 4-inch squares.

• For a crisper bottom, chill the assembled tarts for 10 minutes before baking.

• Delicious with a green salad or as a festive party starter.