Description
These Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts combine flaky puff pastry with a savory mixture of sautéed mushrooms, caramelized shallots, fresh thyme, and creamy herbed goat cheese. Perfect as an elegant appetizer, light brunch option, or vegetarian meal, these tarts feature a golden, puffed crust and rich flavors that will delight any palate.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry Base
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
Mushroom Shallot Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 shallots (thinly sliced)
- 8 oz cremini or button mushrooms (sliced)
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese
- 4 oz herbed goat cheese (softened)
Optional Garnish
- Fresh thyme or microgreens
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure a non-stick surface and easy cleanup.
- Sauté Shallots and Mushrooms: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the olive oil and unsalted butter together. Add the thinly sliced shallots and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until they start to soften. Then add the sliced mushrooms, fresh thyme leaves, salt, and black pepper. Cook this mixture for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms turn golden brown and all moisture has evaporated. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet to smooth it out, then cut it into 4 equal rectangles. Transfer these rectangles onto the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, score a border about 1/2 inch from the edge of each rectangle—be careful not to cut all the way through—to allow the edges to puff up during baking.
- Assemble the Tarts: Spread the softened herbed goat cheese evenly within the scored borders on each puff pastry rectangle. Then, top the cheese with an even layer of the cooled mushroom and shallot mixture. Brush the exposed outer edges of the puff pastry with the beaten egg wash to achieve a glossy golden finish.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the tarts for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the puff pastry has risen and turned golden brown and crisp.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the tarts from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs or microgreens if desired, then serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- These tarts can be made ahead of time and served warm or at room temperature, making them perfect for entertaining.
- They are excellent as a brunch item, appetizer, or light vegetarian meal when paired with a fresh side salad.
- You can substitute fresh thyme with dried thyme if fresh is unavailable; adjust quantity accordingly.
- Ensure the puff pastry stays chilled until ready to use for better puffing and flakiness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tart
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
