Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts

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Introduction

Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts are a sophisticated yet comforting bite, combining the earthiness of mushrooms with the delicate sweetness of shallots and the creamy richness of herbed goat cheese. The buttery, flaky tart crust serves as the perfect vessel for these flavors, delivering a balance of savory, creamy, and herbaceous elements. Each bite is like a warm, savory embrace, where the tender mushrooms and shallots meld beautifully with the tangy goat cheese, creating a decadent appetizer or light meal that’s both refined and approachable.

These tarts hold a special place in my cooking repertoire. I first made them for a dinner party, and they were an instant hit. The aroma of sautéed mushrooms and shallots fills the kitchen, making everyone’s mouth water in anticipation. The goat cheese adds a creamy depth that perfectly complements the natural umami of the mushrooms, while the herbs provide a fresh lift. It’s the kind of dish that feels luxurious, yet it’s surprisingly easy to make.

Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts are perfect for those moments when you want something that feels elegant, but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. They’re great as an appetizer for a dinner party, or as a cozy weekend treat with a simple salad on the side. Whether you’re serving them to guests or enjoying them with a glass of wine, these tarts will have everyone savoring every bite.

Perfect for:

• Holiday parties and gatherings
• Elegant appetizers for dinner parties
• Special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries
• Light bites for a casual dinner
• Make-ahead finger foods

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Savory and Elegant: The combination of mushrooms, shallots, and goat cheese creates a rich and refined flavor profile.
• Flaky and Buttery: The buttery tart crust is the perfect base for the creamy filling, offering a satisfying crunch.
• Simple Yet Sophisticated: Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, yet the result is restaurant-quality.
• Customizable: Add extra herbs or spices to adjust the flavor to your liking.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the tarts in advance, then bake just before serving for a fresh, warm treat.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 12 tarts
• Calories per tart: Approximately 180-200 calories

Ingredients

For the Tart Shells:

• 1 package puff pastry (enough for 12 tart shells)
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for dusting)

For the Filling:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 2 shallots, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ¼ teaspoon dried thyme)
• 4 oz goat cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)

Ingredient Highlights:

• Puff Pastry: Flaky and golden, providing a delicate and crispy base for the savory filling.
• Mushrooms: Earthy and umami-rich, they pair wonderfully with the creamy goat cheese.
• Goat Cheese: Adds a creamy, tangy element that balances the rich mushrooms and shallots.
• Shallots and Garlic: Sweet and savory, they enhance the flavor profile of the filling.
• Fresh Herbs: Thyme and parsley bring brightness and depth to the dish.

Step-by-Step

Instructions

Prepare the Tart Shells:

1. Roll Out the Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to about 1/8-inch thickness.
2. Cut the Tart Shells: Using a round cutter (about 3 inches in diameter), cut out 12 rounds of pastry.
3. Place in Tart Pan: Gently press the pastry rounds into a tart pan or muffin tin to form individual tart shells. If desired, trim the edges for a neat appearance.
4. Chill the Pastry: Place the tart pans in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.

Make the Mushroom Shallot Filling:

5. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the mushrooms, shallots, and garlic, and sauté until softened and browned, about 8-10 minutes.
6. Add Herbs and Seasoning: Stir in the thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

Prepare the Goat Cheese Mixture:

7. Mix the Cheese: In a bowl, combine the softened goat cheese with the heavy cream. Stir until smooth and creamy.
8. Add Fresh Parsley: Stir in the fresh parsley and mix well.

Assemble the Tarts:

9. Fill the Tart Shells: Spoon a small amount of the goat cheese mixture into the bottom of each tart shell.
10. Top with the Mushroom Shallot Mixture: Spoon the sautéed mushroom shallot mixture on top of the goat cheese layer in each tart.
11. Egg Wash (Optional): If you’d like a golden finish, lightly brush the edges of the puff pastry with a beaten egg.

Bake the Tarts:

12. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
13. Bake the Tarts: Bake the tarts for 20-25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden and crisp.
14. Serve: Remove the tarts from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

How to Serve

• As Finger Food: Serve the tarts on a platter as a bite-sized appetizer for guests to easily pick up.
• With Salad: Pair with a light salad of mixed greens, lemon vinaigrette, and a sprinkle of parmesan for a complete meal.
• With Drinks: These tarts make an excellent accompaniment to a glass of white wine or sparkling water.
• As a Starter: Serve as an elegant first course to a festive dinner.

Additional Tips

• Chill the Pastry: Refrigerating the puff pastry before baking helps it keep its shape and ensures a flakier texture.
• Pre-Cook the Filling: Ensure the mushroom shallot mixture is not too wet before filling the tarts to prevent soggy pastry.
• Use Different Herbs: Experiment with rosemary or sage for a different herbaceous flavor.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the tart shells and filling ahead of time and refrigerate them separately, then assemble and bake when ready.

Recipe Variations

1. Add Bacon: Include crispy bacon or pancetta in the filling for a smoky flavor.
2. Spinach and Goat Cheese: Add sautéed spinach to the mushroom mixture for added greens and richness.
3. Different Cheese: Swap goat cheese for brie, feta, or cream cheese for different textures and flavors.
4. Caramelized Onions: Replace shallots with caramelized onions for a sweeter, deeper flavor.
5. Vegetarian Version: Skip any meat and focus on mushrooms and additional vegetables like roasted red peppers or zucchini.
6. Mini Tarts: Use a mini muffin tin to make smaller, bite-sized tarts for parties or gatherings.
7. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey for a spicy-sweet twist.
8. Puff Pastry Stars: Use star-shaped puff pastry cutters for a fun, festive presentation.
9. Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free puff pastry for those with dietary restrictions.
10. Herb-Infused Oil: Drizzle the tarts with basil or rosemary-infused olive oil before serving for an extra flavor boost.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store leftover tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Tarts can be frozen before baking. Assemble and freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container. Bake directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for an extra 5-10 minutes.

Special Equipment

1. Tart Pans or Muffin Tin: For creating the perfect tart shell shape.
2. Rolling Pin: Essential for rolling out the puff pastry to the correct thickness.
3. Round Cutter: Helps to cut uniform rounds for the tart shells.
4. Skillet: Used for sautéing the mushrooms and shallots.
5. Basting Brush: For applying the egg wash to the pastry.
6. Pastry Bag (Optional): Can be used to pipe the goat cheese mixture into the tart shells for a neater presentation.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use store-bought puff pastry?
   Yes, store-bought puff pastry works perfectly for this recipe and saves time.
2. Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?
   Yes, but use half the amount (about ¼ teaspoon) since dried thyme is more concentrated.
3. Can I make these tarts ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the tarts up to 1 day in advance, then bake them just before serving.
4. What can I substitute for goat cheese?
   Cream cheese, ricotta, or brie can be good substitutes for goat cheese.
5. How do I prevent soggy tart shells?
   Make sure the mushroom shallot mixture is not too wet before adding it to the pastry. You can also bake the shells for 5 minutes before filling them to help create a barrier.

Conclusion

Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts are a savory, elegant treat that brings a perfect balance of flavors to your table. The earthy richness of the mushrooms is complemented by the sweet, caramelized shallots, while the creamy herbed goat cheese ties everything together with a touch of tang and freshness.

What makes this tart so delightful is the harmony of textures—the buttery, crisp pastry shell contrasts beautifully with the tender filling, creating a bite that is both satisfying and indulgent. Whether served as a light lunch, appetizer, or even as a showstopper at your next gathering, these tarts are sure to impress with their depth of flavor and gourmet appeal.

Ideal for any occasion, Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts will quickly become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. I hope you enjoy making (and tasting!) them as much as I do. Don’t forget to share your creations on social media—I love seeing your personalized touches. Bon appétit!