Description
These Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts are a delicious French-inspired appetizer featuring flaky puff pastry topped with savory sautéed mushrooms, sweet shallots, fresh thyme, and creamy herbed goat cheese. Perfectly golden and puffed, these tarts make an elegant and flavorful starter or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 large shallots, thinly sliced
- 8 ounces cremini or baby bella mushrooms, sliced
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
- 4 ounces herbed goat cheese, softened
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: microgreens or chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pastry: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the thawed puff pastry into a 10×10-inch square. Cut the pastry into 4 equal squares.
- Score Pastry Borders: Place the pastry squares on the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, lightly score a 1/2-inch border around the edges of each square without cutting all the way through. This will allow the edges to puff up nicely during baking.
- Sauté Shallots and Mushrooms: In a skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced shallots and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Then add the sliced mushrooms, fresh thyme, salt, and black pepper. Continue cooking for 6 to 8 minutes until the mushrooms are browned and their moisture has evaporated. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
- Assemble Tarts: Spread about 1 tablespoon of softened herbed goat cheese within the scored border of each pastry square. Spoon the mushroom and shallot mixture evenly on top of the goat cheese.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the edges of the pastry squares with the beaten egg to give a beautiful golden color when baked.
- Bake: Bake the tarts in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and puffed.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with microgreens or chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For an extra depth of flavor, add a splash of white wine while cooking the mushrooms.
- You can substitute plain goat cheese and stir in your own favorite herbs such as chives, basil, or parsley.
- These tarts can be prepared a few hours in advance and reheated in the oven before serving to maintain crispness.
