Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe
If you are looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe is an absolute must-try. This delightful recipe perfectly balances earthy mushrooms, sweet shallots, and tangy herbed goat cheese nestled in flaky puff pastry. Each bite offers a symphony of textures and flavors that will make you want to invite friends over just so you can share this irresistible treat. Light enough for a snack yet elegant enough for a party appetizer, these tarts are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe lies in its simple and accessible ingredients. Each component plays a vital role: the mushrooms bring umami richness, the shallots add a gentle sweetness, and the herbed goat cheese gives a creamy, tangy contrast that elevates the overall flavor. Let’s look at what you’ll need to bring this dish to life.
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed: This creates the wonderfully flaky and buttery base that holds all the delicious filling.
- All-purpose flour (for dusting): Helps to roll out the puff pastry without sticking.
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash): Ensures that the pastry edges bake to a gorgeous golden brown.
- 2 cups mushrooms (any variety), finely chopped: Your main filling ingredient, delivering depth and earthiness.
- 2 shallots, finely chopped: Adds subtle sweetness and a refined bite to the filling.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic warmth and enhances all the savory flavors.
- 4 oz herbed goat cheese: Offers a creamy texture with an inviting herbal hint.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Boosts flavor and helps sauté the shallots and mushrooms beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness and helps develop a nice caramelization in the filling.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that bring harmony to the filling.
- Fresh thyme leaves (for garnish): Provides a fresh, herbal finish that makes the tarts visually stunning and fragrant.
How to Make Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is perfect for baking puff pastry to that ideal golden and crisp perfection. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Sauté the Shallots and Garlic
In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter together with the olive oil. Once melted, add the finely chopped shallots and sauté until they turn translucent, which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for just one more minute until you can smell that inviting aroma filling your kitchen.
Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms
Add the chopped mushrooms to the skillet and cook them until they release their moisture and become tender, about 5 to 7 minutes. Season the mixture generously with salt and pepper, stirring occasionally to promote even cooking. When done, remove from the heat and let this flavorful mix cool slightly.
Step 4: Roll Out and Cut the Puff Pastry
Lightly dust your work surface with flour and roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet so it’s slightly thinner than before. This ensures it will bake up light and crispy but strong enough to hold the toppings. Cut the pastry into equal-sized squares or rectangles and place them carefully on your prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: Assemble the Tarts
Spoon a generous amount of the mushroom-shallot mixture onto the center of each puff pastry square. Then crumble herbed goat cheese right over the top—this creamy addition beautifully balances the earthiness from the mushrooms and sweetness from the shallots.
Step 6: Fold and Add Egg Wash
Gently fold the edges of the puff pastry over the filling to create a rustic tart shape. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect; these little imperfections are part of the charm. Brush the exposed edges with the beaten egg to help the pastry achieve that stunning golden gloss when baked.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Bake the tarts for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they puff up beautifully and turn a deep golden brown. Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh thyme leaves on top for a fragrant, elegant finish. Allow the tarts to cool just a few minutes before diving in—they’re best enjoyed warm.
How to Serve Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh thyme is the classic choice, but you can also consider freshly cracked black pepper or a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil. These little touches enhance the aroma and flavor profile without overpowering the main ingredients.
Side Dishes
These tarts pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to brighten and contrast the rich flavors. A bowl of homemade tomato soup or a light roasted vegetable medley also complements the dish beautifully for a fuller meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, serve the tarts on a wooden board scattered with fresh herbs, or arrange them elegantly on a vintage platter. Consider offering mini glasses of a dry white wine or sparkling water with lemon slices to create a refreshing palate experience alongside these savory bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days and remain delicious when reheated gently.
Freezing
You can freeze these tarts either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble as directed, then flash freeze on a tray before transferring to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When ready, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes onto the baking time.
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 its crispness. Avoid microwaving to keep the flaky texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of herbed goat cheese?
Absolutely! While herbed goat cheese adds a wonderful tang and herbal note, you can substitute with cream cheese mixed with fresh herbs, ricotta, or even feta for a saltier twist.
What mushrooms work best for this recipe?
Any variety works well, but cremini, button, or shiitake mushrooms provide a nice, meaty texture and rich flavor that complements the shallots and goat cheese beautifully.
Is it possible to make these tarts gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free puff pastry available at many grocery stores. Just follow the same preparation and baking instructions as with regular puff pastry.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Definitely! The mushroom and shallot filling can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Just warm it slightly before assembling the tarts to release the flavors.
How do I prevent the puff pastry from getting soggy?
Sautéing the mushrooms until their moisture evaporates helps a lot, plus folding the pastry edges over keeps the filling contained. Baking at the right temperature ensures the pastry crisps up nicely.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a recipe that feels special yet comes together with simple ingredients, the Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe should definitely find a spot in your kitchen repertoire. These tarts are a delightful blend of comforting textures and rich flavors that will make every bite memorable. I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing these as much as I do!
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Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts are a delightful savory appetizer or light meal option featuring flaky puff pastry filled with a flavorful mix of sautéed mushrooms, shallots, garlic, and creamy herbed goat cheese. Perfectly golden and garnished with fresh thyme, they offer a sophisticated blend of earthy and tangy flavors in a rustic tart form.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
- All-purpose flour (for dusting)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Filling
- 2 cups mushrooms (any variety), finely chopped
- 2 shallots, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 oz herbed goat cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare Filling: In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter together with the olive oil. Sauté the finely chopped shallots until they become translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes. Then add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook Mushrooms: Add the finely chopped mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they release their moisture and become tender, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Season the mixture with salt and pepper according to your taste. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly to handle easily.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet to slightly thin it. Cut the pastry into equal-sized squares or rectangles and place them onto the prepared baking sheet, spaced slightly apart.
- Assemble Tarts: Spoon a generous amount of the mushroom-shallot mixture onto the center of each puff pastry square. Crumble the herbed goat cheese evenly over the mushroom filling to add creamy richness.
- Fold and Brush: Fold the edges of each puff pastry square up and over the filling to create a rustic tart shape. Use a brush to apply the beaten egg onto the exposed edges of the pastry. This egg wash will give the tarts a beautiful, golden, glossy finish when baked.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the tarts for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed up and golden brown, indicating that it is fully cooked and crisp.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the tarts from the oven and garnish with fresh thyme leaves for a fragrant, herbal touch. Allow the tarts to cool for a few minutes before serving to let the filling set slightly for best texture.
Notes
- For a crisper crust, make sure the puff pastry is well chilled before rolling and cutting.
- You can use any variety of mushrooms, such as cremini, button, or shiitake, depending on your flavor preference.
- Herbed goat cheese can be substituted with plain goat cheese mixed with fresh herbs if unavailable.
- The tarts can be made ahead of time and baked just before serving.
- Serve warm for best flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
