Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts

If you’re on the hunt for an appetizer that’s both elegant and bursting with flavor, these Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts are just what you need. These delightful tarts are the perfect marriage of earthy mushrooms, sweet caramelized shallots, and tangy herbed goat cheese, all nestled in a flaky puff pastry crust. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself to a gourmet snack, these tarts are sure to impress.

The first time I made these tarts, they were a revelation. My kitchen was filled with the irresistible aroma of sautéed mushrooms and shallots, mingling with the warm, rich scent of buttery puff pastry. As I took the first bite, the flavors came together in a harmonious blend of textures and tastes—the crisp pastry, the creamy goat cheese, and the savory mushroom filling. It was love at first bite, and these tarts quickly became a favorite in our household.

What I love most about these Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts is their versatility. They’re elegant enough for a special occasion but simple enough to make on a weeknight. Plus, they’re easily customizable—try different herbs, or add a touch of truffle oil for an extra indulgent twist. Serve them warm, and watch them disappear in seconds!

Recipe Summary:
These Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts are a perfect blend of savory flavors and flaky pastry. The earthiness of the mushrooms pairs beautifully with the sweetness of caramelized shallots and the tanginess of herbed goat cheese, all encased in a golden puff pastry shell. Easy to make and utterly delicious, these tarts are an ideal appetizer or light meal that’s sure to impress.

Exciting Story:
One evening, I wanted to surprise my husband with something special for dinner. I had a pack of puff pastry in the freezer and some mushrooms and goat cheese in the fridge, so I decided to get creative. As I sautéed the mushrooms and shallots, the kitchen filled with a rich, savory aroma. When my husband came home, he followed his nose straight to the kitchen, curious about what I was making. I served these Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts with a simple salad, and we enjoyed them together with a glass of wine. They were an instant hit, and now they’re a go-to recipe for when I want to make a meal feel a little more special.

Why These Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts?

Selling Points:

 

• Elegant and Flavorful: The combination of mushrooms, shallots, and herbed goat cheese creates a rich, savory flavor profile that’s both satisfying and sophisticated.
• Flaky Puff Pastry: The crisp, buttery puff pastry crust adds a delightful texture contrast to the creamy filling.
• Perfect for Entertaining: These tarts are easy to make but look and taste like something you’d order at a high-end restaurant, making them ideal for impressing guests.
• Customizable: Experiment with different herbs, cheeses, or add-ins to make this recipe your own.
• Versatile: Serve them as an appetizer, light lunch, or even as part of a brunch spread.

How to Make Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts:

1. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to smooth out the folds. Cut the pastry into 4 equal squares and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use a knife to lightly score a border around the edge of each square, about ½ inch from the edge. This will allow the edges to puff up during baking.
2. Sauté the Mushrooms and Shallots:
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced shallots and cook until they start to soften and caramelize, about 5 minutes. Add the sliced mushrooms and thyme, and cook until the mushrooms are browned and any liquid has evaporated, about 8-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Assemble the Tarts:
   Spread a layer of herbed goat cheese within the scored border of each puff pastry square. Top with a generous amount of the mushroom and shallot mixture. Brush the edges of the puff pastry with the beaten egg to give them a golden finish.
4. Bake the Tarts:
   Bake the tarts in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed up around the edges. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
5. Garnish and Serve:
   If desired, garnish the tarts with fresh herbs before serving. Enjoy these tarts warm or at room temperature.

Tips:

• Don’t Overload the Pastry: Be careful not to overload the puff pastry with too much filling, as this can prevent the pastry from puffing up properly.
• Caramelize the Shallots Slowly: Take your time caramelizing the shallots to bring out their natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Serve Immediately: These tarts are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when the pastry is still crisp.

Substitutions and Variations:

• Different Mushrooms: Try using a mix of wild mushrooms or shiitakes for a more intense mushroom flavor.
• Cheese Swap: If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, try using ricotta or feta cheese as an alternative.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, chives, or parsley to change the flavor profile.

Make a Healthier Version:

• Lighten Up: Use reduced-fat puff pastry and goat cheese for a lighter version of these tarts.
• Whole Wheat: Opt for whole wheat puff pastry if you can find it for added fiber and nutrients.
• Vegetable Addition: Add a handful of baby spinach or kale to the mushroom mixture for an extra dose of greens.

Closing:
And there you have it—Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts that are as delicious as they are elegant. These tarts are sure to be a hit at your next gathering, or even as a special treat for yourself. Don’t forget to share your results with us, and check out our other savory and sweet recipes for more culinary inspiration!

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I make these tarts ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the filling and puff pastry separately, then assemble and bake them just before serving.
2. What’s the best way to reheat these tarts?
   Reheat the tarts in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes to regain their crispness.
3. Can I freeze these tarts?
   Yes, you can freeze the unbaked tarts and then bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
4. What other cheeses can I use?
   You can substitute the goat cheese with brie, cream cheese, or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor.
5. How long do these tarts stay fresh?
   They’re best enjoyed the same day, but you can store them in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat before serving.
6. Can I use store-bought caramelized onions instead of shallots?
   Absolutely, store-bought caramelized onions can save time and add a similar sweet-savory flavor.

Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts

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Recipe by Alexandra Course: All Word Recipes

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Total time

1

hour 

10

minutes

1

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

• 1 sheet 1 puff pastry, thawed

• 2 tbsp 2 olive oil

• 2 2 shallots, thinly sliced

• 8 oz 8 cremini mushrooms, sliced

• 1 tsp 1 fresh thyme leaves

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 4 oz 4 herbed goat cheese

• 1 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

• Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Directions

• Prepare the Puff Pastry:
• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to smooth out the folds. Cut the pastry into 4 equal squares and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use a knife to lightly score a border around the edge of each square, about ½ inch from the edge. This will allow the edges to puff up during baking.
• Sauté the Mushrooms and Shallots:
• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced shallots and cook until they start to soften and caramelize, about 5 minutes. Add the sliced mushrooms and thyme, and cook until the mushrooms are browned and any liquid has evaporated, about 8-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.
• Assemble the Tarts:
• Spread a layer of herbed goat cheese within the scored border of each puff pastry square. Top with a generous amount of the mushroom and shallot mixture. Brush the edges of the puff pastry with the beaten egg to give them a golden finish.
• Bake the Tarts:
• Bake the tarts in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed up around the edges. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
• Garnish and Serve:
• If desired, garnish the tarts with fresh herbs before serving. Enjoy these tarts warm or at room temperature.

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