Growing up, I can still vividly remember the aromas that would fill our kitchen whenever my mom would make her famous Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts. It was one of my favorite dishes, and the combination of the earthy mushrooms, the delicate shallots, and the creamy, tangy goat cheese was simply out of this world. Even now, all these years later, the mere thought of those buttery, flaky tart crusts and the burst of flavor in every bite takes me right back to those cozy weekend afternoons spent in the kitchen with my family.
Table of Contents
Why This Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts
What makes this Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts recipe so special is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The earthiness of the mushrooms, the sweetness of the shallots, and the tangy creaminess of the goat cheese all come together in a way that’s truly irresistible. And the best part? This recipe yields 12 delicious tarts, so you can share them with friends and family or enjoy them all to yourself!
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts, you’ll need:
- 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 8 oz. cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 2 shallots, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp. fresh thyme, chopped
- 4 oz. herbed goat cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Instructions
Preparing Your Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts
This recipe takes 35 minutes total – 15 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking. You’ll need a rolling pin, a muffin tin, and a few simple kitchen tools to get started. Let’s dive in!
1- Preheat your oven to 400°F and grease a 12-cup muffin tin. Unfold your puff pastry sheets and roll them out on a lightly floured surface until they’re about 1/8-inch thick. Use a 4-inch round cookie cutter to cut out 12 circles from the dough.
2- Gently press the pastry circles into the muffin cups, making sure to press them all the way up the sides. Prick the bottom of each tart shell with a fork to prevent puffing during baking.
3- In a large skillet, sauté the sliced mushrooms, minced shallots, and minced garlic in 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes, until the mushrooms are tender and the shallots are translucent.
4- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. The mixture should be fragrant and well-seasoned.
5- Spoon the mushroom mixture evenly into the prepared tart shells, filling them about 3/4 of the way up. Top each tart with a generous spoonful of crumbled goat cheese.
6- Bake the Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts for 20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts turn out perfectly, here are a few pro tips:
- Use high-quality puff pastry for the best texture and flavor.
- Sauté the mushrooms and shallots until they’re nice and caramelized for maximum flavor.
- Don’t overfill the tart shells – about 3/4 full is ideal to prevent spills.
- Keep a close eye on the tarts during baking to avoid over-browning.
Serving and Storing Your Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts
Perfect Pairings for Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts
These Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts make a wonderful appetizer or light main course. Serve them alongside a crisp green salad or a cup of creamy tomato soup for a cozy, satisfying meal. They also pair beautifully with a glass of chilled white wine or a refreshing sparkling cider. Since this recipe yields 12 tarts, with each serving being 1 tart, you’ll have plenty to go around.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes until heated through. For make-ahead convenience, you can assemble the tarts up to 24 hours in advance and bake them just before serving.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts
Creative Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Variations
Looking to mix things up? Try swapping the mushrooms for roasted vegetables like butternut squash or caramelized onions. You could also experiment with different herb combinations, such as rosemary and sage, or even add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top. The possibilities are endless!
Making Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Diet-Friendly
To make these Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free puff pastry or pie crust. For a vegan version, substitute the goat cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative and use plant-based heavy cream. And if you’re watching your carbs, try serving the filling in portobello mushroom caps instead of a pastry shell.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use other types of mushrooms besides white or cremini?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match different mushroom varieties, such as shiitake, oyster, or even wild foraged mushrooms. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe makes exactly 12 tarts, with each serving being 1 tart.
Q: Can I make the tarts ahead of time and freeze them?
A: Yes, you can! Assemble the tarts, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to serve, bake the frozen tarts directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Q: What should I do if the tart shells puff up too much during baking?
A: If the tart shells start to puff up excessively, simply press them down gently with the back of a spoon or a small jar lid during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 12 tarts
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts are a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. The flaky tart shells are filled with a creamy, savory blend of sautéed mushrooms, shallots, and tangy herbed goat cheese.
Ingredients
– 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 8 oz. cremini mushrooms, sliced
– 2 shallots, finely chopped
– 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp. fresh thyme, chopped
– 4 oz. herbed goat cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. 2. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and chopped shallots. Sauté until the mushrooms are tender and the shallots are translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
3. 3. Add the minced garlic and chopped thyme to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
4. 4. Remove the mushroom mixture from the heat and let it cool slightly. Then, stir in the herbed goat cheese until well combined.
5. 5. Unroll the thawed puff pastry sheet and cut it into 12 equal squares. Gently press the squares into a 12-cup mini muffin tin, pressing up the sides to create a tart shell.
6. 6. Spoon the mushroom-goat cheese mixture evenly into the tart shells.
7. 7. Brush the edges of the tart shells with the beaten egg.
8. 8. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
9. 9. Remove the tarts from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
– For a creamier filling, use a full 8 oz. block of herbed goat cheese.
– Experiment with different types of mushrooms, such as shiitake or oyster, for additional flavor.
– These tarts can be made in advance and baked just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Bites & Finger Foods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts are a true labor of love, but I promise the effort is well worth it. The combination of flaky pastry, earthy mushrooms, sweet shallots, and tangy goat cheese is simply out of this world. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer at your next gathering or enjoying them as a cozy weeknight meal, these tarts are sure to become a new favorite. So what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get baking!
