Short Description
A rustic mushroom and cheese tart featuring golden puff pastry layered with a creamy cheese base and topped with sautéed mushrooms and herbs. Perfectly crisp on the outside and rich on the inside, this tart makes an elegant yet simple appetizer or light lunch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless elegance: Minimal ingredients and steps yield a sophisticated result.
- Rich, savory flavors: Earthy mushrooms, creamy Gruyère, and Parmesan meld beautifully.
- Versatile serving options: Perfect as an appetizer, light lunch, or party snack.
- Make‑ahead friendly: Prep the components in advance and assemble just before baking.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ tsp fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup Gruyère or Fontina cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400 °F (200 °C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the puff pastry slightly and cut into circles or squares, about 5–6 inches wide.
- Score a ½‑inch border around each piece (do not cut through), then prick the centers with a fork.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté mushrooms with olive oil, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper until softened and golden, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Inside the scored border, sprinkle a layer of Gruyère cheese, then top with sautéed mushrooms. Finish with a light dusting of Parmesan.
- Brush the pastry borders with a beaten egg for a golden crust.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes 4–6 appetizer tarts, or 2–3 light lunch portions
- Active time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 35–40 minutes
Variations
- Cheese swap: Use goat cheese, blue cheese, or mozzarella in place of Gruyère.
- Herb alternative: Try rosemary or oregano instead of thyme.
- Add-ons: Include caramelized onions, roasted garlic cloves, or chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
- Vegan option: Replace cheese with vegan alternatives and use plant-based milk for egg wash.
- Mini tart version: Use smaller pastry pieces to create bite-sized appetizers.
Storage / Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350 °F (175 °C) oven for about 8–10 minutes to restore crispiness. You may also warm in a toaster oven at medium heat.
FAQs
What can I substitute for Gruyère cheese?
You can use Fontina, mozzarella, goat cheese, or even cheddar—each will alter the flavor slightly but still give a delicious result.
Can I make these tarts ahead of time?
Yes—prepare and assemble the tart bases and mushroom mixture in advance. Store separately, then bake just before serving for optimal texture.
Is puff pastry gluten-free?
Standard puff pastry contains gluten. Use a labeled gluten-free puff pastry to accommodate dietary restrictions.
How do I prevent the pastry from becoming soggy?
Score the border, dock the center with a fork, and ensure mushrooms are well-roasted so excess moisture is reduced.
Can I freeze these tarts?
Yes—freeze baked tarts in a single layer. Reheat in the oven at 350 °F (175 °C) until warmed and crisp.
What mushrooms work best?
Cremini, button, shiitake, or baby bella mushrooms all work well. Choose firm, fresh mushrooms for best texture.
Can I make mini tarts for a party?
Absolutely—cut the pastry into smaller squares or circles and adjust baking time to about 12–15 minutes.
Can I skip the egg wash?
Yes—but the crust may not turn as glossy or golden. You can brush with melted butter for a similar effect.
Should I drain the mushrooms before assembling?
After sautéing, drain any excess liquid from the pan to avoid sogginess before placing on the pastry.
Can I add extra toppings after baking?
Yes—drizzle with truffle oil, balsamic glaze, or sprinkle with extra fresh herbs for added flavor and flair.
Conclusion
This Savory Mushroom & Cheese Puff Pastry Tart delivers impressive taste with minimal effort. With its crisp pastry, melty cheese, and aromatic mushrooms, it’s an elegant addition to any menu. Whether serving it as a starter, light lunch, or party delight, this tart is sure to please. Enjoy!
Print
Savory Mushroom & Cheese Puff Pastry Tart
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices) 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A nutty twist on the classic banana bread—this loaf is rich, moist, and packed with natural banana sweetness, creamy peanut butter, and a golden crunchy peanut topping. Perfect for breakfast, snacking, or cozy coffee breaks.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1/4 cup coconut oil or melted butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/3 cup roasted peanuts, chopped (plus extra for topping)
- 2 tbsp rolled oats (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, peanut butter, maple syrup, coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined.
- Fold in chopped peanuts.
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle with extra peanuts and rolled oats.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use natural peanut butter for a less sweet, more peanut-forward flavor.
- Wrap leftovers tightly to keep moist for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
- Great served warm with a smear of butter or more peanut butter.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
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