Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Mushroom Goat Cheese Tarts are a refined and flavorful treat that combines the earthy richness of sautéed mushrooms with the creamy tang of goat cheese. The buttery puff pastry adds the perfect crunchy texture, making each bite a satisfying experience. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing for a holiday gathering, or simply indulging in a special treat, these tarts will elevate any occasion.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
- 2 cups of assorted mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, or button), sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- 4 ounces goat cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
directions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). - Prepare the Pastry:
Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into squares or circles, depending on the shape of your tart pans. - Line the Tart Pan:
Press the pastry into a greased tart pan, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides. Trim any excess pastry. - Cook the Mushrooms:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they brown and release moisture, about 5-7 minutes. - Add Garlic and Thyme:
Stir in the minced garlic and thyme. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let the mushroom mixture cool slightly. - Prepare the Goat Cheese Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened goat cheese and heavy cream. Blend until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Combine:
Fold the sautéed mushrooms into the goat cheese mixture until evenly mixed. - Fill the Tart Shells:
Spoon the mushroom and goat cheese filling into the prepared pastry shells, spreading it evenly. - Egg Wash:
Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg to give it a golden finish. - Bake:
Place the tarts in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and puffed. - Cool:
Remove the tarts from the oven and let them cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing. - Garnish:
Serve the tarts warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 4 tarts.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Variations
- Add some greens: Stir in a handful of spinach or arugula into the mushroom mixture for a burst of freshness.
- Different cheese: Swap goat cheese for cream cheese, ricotta, or brie for a different creamy flavor.
- Add nuts: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pine nuts on top before baking for added texture and a nutty flavor.
- Vegan option: Use vegan puff pastry and replace the goat cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative for a vegan-friendly version.
storage/reheating
Store any leftover tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes or until warm and crispy again.
FAQs
Can I make these tarts ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the tarts ahead of time by assembling them and refrigerating the unbaked tarts for up to 1 day. Bake them fresh when ready to serve.
Can I freeze these tarts?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked tarts for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What other types of mushrooms work best for this recipe?
In addition to cremini, shiitake, and button mushrooms, you can experiment with portobello, oyster, or even chanterelle mushrooms for a different flavor profile.
Can I use pre-made puff pastry?
Yes, pre-made puff pastry works perfectly for this recipe and saves you time. Just make sure to thaw it according to the package instructions before using.
How can I make these tarts spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mushroom and goat cheese mixture for a spicy kick.
Can I serve these tarts as a main course?
Yes, these tarts can easily be served as a light main course with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free puff pastry to make this recipe gluten-free.
What can I serve with Mushroom Goat Cheese Tarts?
These tarts pair wonderfully with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or a light vinaigrette.
Can I use a different herb instead of thyme?
Yes, rosemary, tarragon, or sage would also complement the mushrooms and goat cheese in this recipe.
How do I know when the tarts are done baking?
The tarts are done when the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed, and the filling is bubbly and slightly browned.
Conclusion
Elegant Mushroom Goat Cheese Tarts are a perfect combination of flavors and textures, with savory mushrooms, creamy goat cheese, and flaky puff pastry. These tarts make an ideal appetizer or light meal that will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds. Try them for your next gathering, and enjoy the rich, gourmet flavors in every bite!
Elegant Mushroom Goat Cheese Tarts: An Incredible Delight for Any Occasion
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 4 tarts
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Elegant Mushroom Goat Cheese Tarts are a delightful combination of savory mushrooms, creamy goat cheese, and delicate puff pastry, perfect for a sophisticated appetizer or a special treat. Their irresistible flavor and beautiful presentation will impress your guests.
Ingredients
1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
2 cups of assorted mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, or button), sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
4 ounces goat cheese, softened
1/4 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into squares or circles, depending on the shape of your tart pans.
- Line the Tart Pan: Press the pastry into a greased tart pan, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides. Trim any excess pastry.
- Cook the Mushrooms: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they brown and release moisture, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Thyme: Stir in the minced garlic and thyme. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let the mushroom mixture cool slightly.
- Prepare the Goat Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened goat cheese and heavy cream. Blend until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine: Fold the sautéed mushrooms into the goat cheese mixture until evenly mixed.
- Fill the Tart Shells: Spoon the mushroom and goat cheese filling into the prepared pastry shells, spreading it evenly.
- Egg Wash: Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg to give it a golden finish.
- Bake: Place the tarts in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and puffed.
- Cool: Remove the tarts from the oven and let them cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish: Serve the tarts warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
For added freshness, stir in a handful of spinach or arugula into the mushroom mixture.
Swap goat cheese for cream cheese, ricotta, or brie for a different creamy flavor.
Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pine nuts on top before baking for added texture and a nutty flavor.
For a vegan option, use vegan puff pastry and replace the goat cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative.
These tarts can be prepared ahead of time and baked fresh when needed.
Unbaked tarts can be frozen for up to 2 months and baked directly from the freezer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tart
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
