Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe

Dreamy Mushroom, Shallot & Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe

Crafting delightful mushroom tarts brings pure culinary magic into your kitchen.

Earthy aromas will dance through your space as delicate ingredients combine.

Shallots add subtle sweetness to these elegant pastry gems.

Creamy goat cheese provides a luxurious backdrop for robust mushroom flavors.

Crisp pastry shells create perfect vessels for these sophisticated appetizers.

Small gatherings or intimate dinner parties become extraordinary with these impressive little bites.

Savor each delectable morsel and watch guests marvel at your impressive skills.

FAQs on Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts

  • Can I use different types of mushrooms?

Yes, you can experiment with various mushrooms like shiitake, cremini, or oyster mushrooms for unique flavors and textures.

  • Is it possible to make these tarts vegetarian?

Absolutely! The recipe is already vegetarian. Just ensure your cheeses are vegetarian-friendly if that’s a concern.

  • Can I prepare the filling in advance?

Yes, you can make the mushroom and cheese filling up to a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat slightly before assembling the tarts.

  • Do I need any special equipment to make these tarts?

No special equipment is required. A skillet, baking pan, parchment paper, and basic kitchen tools are all you need.

What Makes Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts So Delicious

  • Craft Gourmet Appetizers: Impress guests with restaurant-quality tarts that look and taste sophisticated without complicated techniques.
  • Quick Weeknight Culinary Magic: Transform simple ingredients into delectable pastries in under an hour, perfect for spontaneous dinner parties or relaxed family meals.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable recipe works brilliantly as an elegant starter, light lunch, or stunning party snack that appeals to multiple taste preferences.
  • Minimal Kitchen Skills Required: Beginner-friendly method uses basic cooking techniques, allowing even novice cooks to create professional-looking dishes with confidence.

Ingredients Needed for Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts

Main Ingredients:
  • Puff Pastry: A light, flaky pastry that serves as the delicate base for these elegant tarts.
  • Mushrooms: Earthy and rich fungi that provide a robust flavor and meaty texture to the tart filling.
  • Goat Cheese: A creamy, tangy cheese that adds luxurious smoothness and distinctive flavor to the dish.
Aromatics and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Shallot, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that provide a delicate, sweet, and pungent base for the mushroom mixture.
  • Parsley: A fresh herb that adds brightness and a pop of green color to the tart filling.
Seasoning and Binding Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: A smooth cooking fat that helps sauté the vegetables and adds richness to the dish.
  • White Wine: A liquid that deglazes the pan and adds depth of flavor to the mushroom mixture.
  • Parmesan Cheese: A hard, salty cheese that provides additional richness and complexity to the filling.
  • Egg: Used to create a golden, glossy wash on the pastry edges for a beautiful finish.
  • Salt, Black Pepper, Spices: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile of the tarts.

How to Bake Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Surface

Heat the oven to 400°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

Step 2: Arrange Pastry Bases

Carefully place puff pastry squares on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about an inch of space between each square. Use a fork to gently prick the surface of each pastry, which helps prevent excessive rising during baking.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add finely chopped shallots and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant. Ingredients:
  • Shallots
  • Garlic
  • Olive oil

Introduce sliced mushrooms to the pan, stirring continuously to ensure even cooking and caramelization.

Step 4: Create Flavor-Packed Filling

Deglaze the pan with white wine, allowing the liquid to reduce and concentrate the flavors. Remove from heat and incorporate:
  • Creamy goat cheese
  • Grated parmesan
  • Fresh chopped parsley

Stir until the cheeses melt and blend seamlessly with the mushroom mixture.

Step 5: Assemble the Tarts

Generously spoon the mushroom and cheese mixture onto each pastry square. For an elegant touch, gently fold the edges of the pastry inward, creating a rustic border.

Step 6: Final Preparation and Baking

Brush the pastry edges with egg wash to achieve a beautiful golden-brown finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the pastry turns crisp and golden.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Allow tarts to cool slightly before serving. These delicate appetizers are perfect for sophisticated gatherings or an elegant weekend lunch.

Tips to Perfect Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts

  • Ensure mushrooms are thoroughly dried before cooking to prevent excess moisture and achieve a crispy texture.
  • Experiment with different mushroom varieties like shiitake or cremini for unique flavor profiles.
  • Use room temperature goat cheese for smoother blending and easier spreading on pastry squares.
  • Chill puff pastry briefly before adding toppings to maintain its flaky structure during baking.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute puff pastry with gluten-free puff pastry or a cauliflower crust base.

Flavor Variations for Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts

  • Rustic Mediterranean Tart: Replace goat cheese with feta, add sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
  • Spicy Chorizo Mushroom Tart: Incorporate diced chorizo sausage with mushrooms, swap parmesan for manchego cheese, and add smoked paprika for extra heat.
  • Vegan Forest Tart: Use cashew cheese instead of goat cheese, replace butter with olive oil, add roasted pine nuts and wild mushroom blend for rich earthy notes.
  • Truffle Woodland Tart: Drizzle truffle oil over tarts after baking, use mixed forest mushrooms like porcini and chanterelles, sprinkle fresh thyme and aged pecorino cheese for sophisticated flavor complexity.

Serving Suggestions to Enhance Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Elevate the tarts with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, whose bright acidity and light body complement the rich, earthy mushroom and tangy goat cheese flavors.
  • Serve with Fresh Arugula Salad: Create a zesty side dish with peppery arugula, lemon vinaigrette, and shaved parmesan to balance the tart's creamy and umami profile.
  • Match with Charcuterie Plate: Arrange cured meats like prosciutto, salami, and a selection of hard and soft cheeses to provide a delightful contrast to the mushroom tarts' delicate texture.

Storage Advice for Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts

  • Store leftover tarts in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual tarts tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 weeks. Label with date and contents.
  • Preheat oven to 350F. Place tarts on baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through.
  • Heat tarts for 30-45 seconds on medium power. Check temperature and add additional 15-second intervals if needed. Avoid overheating to maintain pastry crispness.
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Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe

Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe


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4.8 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 10 1x

Description

Savory Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts blend rustic French countryside charm with elegant culinary craftsmanship. Delicate pastry shells cradle earthy mushrooms, caramelized shallots, and creamy goat cheese, inviting you to savor each exquisite bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 10 4-inch puff pastry sheet squares
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) mushrooms, any kind, sliced
  • 4 ounces (113 grams) goat cheese
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) parmesan, grated

Aromatics and Herbs:

  • 1 shallot, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/3 cup parsley leaves, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon sage
  • 1/4 teaspoon thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon rosemary
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Additional Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 egg, whisked for egg wash
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) white wine (can substitute with chicken broth)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper, ensuring even spacing for optimal pastry cooking.
  2. Lay out puff pastry squares, gently piercing each surface with fork tines to prevent excessive rising during baking.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high temperature. Sauté shallots and garlic until fragrant and translucent, approximately 1-2 minutes.
  4. Add mushrooms to the skillet, incorporating remaining olive oil and selected spices. Stir continuously for 2 minutes to develop rich flavor profiles.
  5. Deglaze the pan with white wine, allowing liquid to reduce and concentrate mushroom essence for 4-5 minutes.
  6. Remove skillet from heat and fold in goat cheese, parmesan, and fresh parsley until ingredients meld and cheese softens.
  7. Distribute mushroom mixture evenly across pastry squares, creating rustic mounds of filling.
  8. Optional: Artfully crimp pastry edges for decorative presentation and enhanced structural integrity.
  9. Delicately brush pastry borders with egg wash to achieve golden, glossy exterior.
  10. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until pastry transforms into crisp, amber-hued delicacies.
  11. Allow tarts to cool slightly before serving to let flavors harmonize and filling set.

Notes

  • Cheese Selection Flexibility lets you swap goat cheese with ricotta or feta for different flavor profiles and dietary needs.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation can be achieved by using gluten-free puff pastry or creating a cauliflower crust base for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Wine Substitution works perfectly with vegetable broth or apple cider if avoiding alcohol, maintaining the moisture and depth of flavor in the mushroom mixture.
  • Moisture Control becomes crucial when preparing tarts; ensure mushrooms are not overly wet to prevent soggy pastry bottoms by carefully draining excess liquid after sautéing.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 10
  • Calories: 172 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 160 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 35 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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