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)

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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