If you are craving something deliciously elegant yet surprisingly simple to make, these Savory Mushroom and Goat Cheese Tarts with Shallots Recipe will steal your heart and your appetite. Combining earthy mushrooms sautéed with sweet shallots, a creamy layer of tangy goat cheese, and buttery flaky puff pastry, these tarts effortlessly bring together fantastic textures and deep flavors. Whether you’re making them for a cozy family dinner or an impressive appetizer for guests, this recipe is a wonderful way to showcase humble ingredients in the most delightful way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting to know your ingredients is the first step to a winning dish. Each element in this recipe plays a key role in creating that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and aroma, making your tarts irresistible.
- Unsalted butter: Provides a rich buttery base that helps soften the shallots and bring depth to the filling.
- Olive oil: Adds a fruity note to sautéing and balances the butter’s richness.
- Shallots: Thinly sliced for a subtle onion sweetness that complements the mushrooms beautifully.
- Garlic cloves: Minced to infuse a fragrant garlicky undertone without overpowering.
- Mixed mushrooms: A combination such as cremini, shiitake, or oyster delivers an earthy, savory backbone.
- Fresh thyme leaves: The touch of thyme enhances the herbal brightness in every bite.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that heighten the natural flavors.
- White wine or vegetable stock: Used to deglaze the pan and concentrate all the flavors in the mushroom mixture.
- Goat cheese: Softened to spread easily, it brings creamy tanginess that contrasts perfectly with the mushrooms.
- Puff pastry sheet: The flaky, buttery crust that transforms the filling into a beautiful tart.
- Egg wash: Beaten egg with water ensures a golden, shiny crust.
- Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish: Adds a fresh pop of color and subtle herbal lift when serving.
How to Make Savory Mushroom and Goat Cheese Tarts with Shallots Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Flavorful Mushroom and Shallot Filling
Start by warming the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Gently sauté the thinly sliced shallots until they turn soft and translucent, releasing their natural sweetness. Next, add the minced garlic and cook just long enough for it to become fragrant but not browned. This careful base set-up ensures the flavor layers build perfectly for the filling.
Step 2: Cooking the Mushrooms to Browned Perfection
Bring the mushrooms into the pan with the thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook them patiently for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to encourage even browning. This step is crucial — the caramelization unlocks those deep, umami-packed flavors that make these tarts so addictive.
Step 3: Adding the Wine or Stock to Elevate the Filling
Pour in your white wine or vegetable stock and let it simmer for another couple of minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce and concentrate the mushroom essence. Once done, remove the skillet from heat to cool the mixture slightly before assembling.
Step 4: Preparing the Puff Pastry Base
Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or 400°F and get a lined baking sheet ready. Unroll the puff pastry and cut it into six equal-sized shapes — circles or rectangles depending on your preference. Use a knife to score a 1 cm border around each piece without cutting all the way through. This technique helps the edges puff up attractively during baking.
Step 5: Assembling the Savory Mushroom and Goat Cheese Tarts with Shallots Recipe
Spread a thin, even layer of softened goat cheese within the scored borders on each pastry piece. Then, generously spoon the mushroom and shallot filling on top. Brush the outer edge of the pastry with the egg wash to guarantee a beautifully golden finish when baked.
Step 6: Baking Until Golden and Puffy
Slide the tarts into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the puff pastry has risen up and turned a gorgeous golden brown, and the filling is bubbly and inviting.
Step 7: Garnishing and Serving Warm
Let your tarts cool just enough to handle, then sprinkle with fresh thyme or parsley if you like for that extra touch of brightness and color. Serve these warm to enjoy the full range of flavors and textures in every bite.
How to Serve Savory Mushroom and Goat Cheese Tarts with Shallots Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh thyme leaves or some chopped parsley sprinkled on top not only add a lovely burst of green but also lift the earthy mushroom flavors, creating a balanced and inviting presentation.
Side Dishes
Pair these tarts with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or serve alongside roasted seasonal vegetables for a heartier meal that still feels elegant and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party offering, cut the tarts into smaller bite-sized squares and serve on a wooden board with toothpicks. You can also layer the mushroom mixture on individual puff pastry shells to create mini tartlets that work perfectly as finger food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This keeps the pastry crisp but requires gentle reheating to restore texture.
Freezing
You can freeze baked tarts by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. They stay good for up to 1 month, making them a convenient ready-made treat for busy days.
Reheating
Reheat your tarts in a 180°C (350°F) oven for 10-12 minutes or until warmed through and the pastry has regained some crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the pastry soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of goat cheese?
Absolutely! While goat cheese offers a tangy creaminess that complements the mushrooms beautifully, you can try cream cheese or ricotta for a milder, slightly sweeter flavor, though the texture might be a bit different.
Is it possible to make these tarts vegetarian?
Yes, the recipe as written is vegetarian since it uses vegetable stock or white wine and contains no meat products. Just ensure your puff pastry does not include any animal-derived ingredients if you want it strictly vegetarian.
Can I prepare the mushroom filling in advance?
Definitely. The mushroom and shallot mixture can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Bring it to room temperature before assembling the tarts for the best texture.
What should I do if I don’t have puff pastry?
If puff pastry isn’t available, you might use a shortcrust or even phyllo dough as alternatives, but keep in mind it will alter the taste and texture somewhat. Puff pastry provides that signature flaky, buttery lift unique to this dish.
How do I ensure the puff pastry doesn’t get soggy from the filling?
Scoring a border around each pastry piece and spreading a thin layer of goat cheese helps create a moisture barrier that protects the pastry edges. Also, avoid adding too much liquid when assembling to keep everything crisp and flaky.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend trying this Savory Mushroom and Goat Cheese Tarts with Shallots Recipe enough. It’s a comforting yet sophisticated dish that’s sure to impress, whether you’re serving it for a casual brunch or special occasion. With its perfect harmony of flavors, textures, and that gorgeous look, these tarts might just become your new favorite to keep in the recipe rotation! Give it a go, and enjoy every scrumptious bite.
Print
Savory Mushroom and Goat Cheese Tarts with Shallots Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Savory Mushroom and Goat Cheese Tarts with Shallots are a delightful appetizer or light meal featuring a flaky puff pastry crust topped with a rich mixture of sautéed mushrooms, sweet shallots, and creamy goat cheese. Perfectly seasoned with fresh thyme and finished with a golden egg wash, these tarts offer an elegant balance of earthy and tangy flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 medium shallots, thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 300g (10 oz) mixed mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, or oyster), sliced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup white wine or vegetable stock
Assembly
- 4 oz (120g) goat cheese, softened
- 320g (11 oz) puff pastry sheet
- 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
- Fresh thyme leaves or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced shallots and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook Mushrooms: Add the mushrooms, thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are tender and browned.
- Deglaze and Reduce: Pour in the white wine or vegetable stock and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Unroll the puff pastry sheet and cut it into 6 equal rectangles or circles, depending on your preference.
- Score Edges: Score a 1 cm (1/2 inch) border around the edge of each pastry piece with a knife, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Spread Goat Cheese: Spread a thin layer of softened goat cheese onto the center of each pastry, staying within the scored border.
- Add Mushroom Mixture: Spoon the mushroom mixture evenly over the goat cheese on each pastry.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg wash for a golden finish.
- Bake Tarts: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden and puffed.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the tarts from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh thyme leaves or parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Ensure the mushroom mixture is cooled before assembling to prevent soggy pastry.
- You can substitute white wine with vegetable stock for a non-alcoholic option.
- Use fresh thyme for the best herbal flavor, but dried thyme works well too.
- Egg wash creates a beautiful golden color but can be omitted for a vegan adaptation using plant-based alternatives.
- These tarts are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the oven for a crisp texture.
