Description
These Mushroom Shallot and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts combine flaky puff pastry with a savory filling of sautéed mushrooms, shallots, garlic, and creamy herbed goat cheese. Perfect as an elegant appetizer or light meal, these tarts are easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection, finished with fresh thyme for an aromatic touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
- All-purpose flour (for dusting)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Filling
- 2 cups mushrooms (any variety), finely chopped
- 2 shallots, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 oz herbed goat cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Prepare Filling: In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter together with olive oil until bubbly. Add the finely chopped shallots and sauté until translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Cook Mushrooms: Add the chopped mushrooms to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and become tender, approximately 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Lightly dust a clean surface with all-purpose flour. Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet to make it slightly thinner and more workable. Cut the pastry into equal-sized squares or rectangles suitable for individual tarts.
- Assemble Tarts: Place the pastry pieces on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon the mushroom and shallot filling evenly onto the center of each pastry square. Crumble the herbed goat cheese over the top of each filled square.
- Fold and Brush: Fold the edges of the pastry over the filling to create rustic tart shapes, leaving the center exposed. Using a brush, apply the beaten egg over the exposed pastry edges to ensure a golden and glossy finish once baked.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the tarts have puffed up and turn golden brown on the edges.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the tarts from the oven and garnish each with fresh thyme leaves for added aroma and flavor. Let the tarts cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the filling to set slightly.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the puff pastry is properly thawed but still cold before rolling out.
- Feel free to use a mix of mushroom varieties for deeper flavor and texture.
- Herbed goat cheese adds a nice tang; plain goat cheese can be substituted but consider adding your own herbs.
- The tarts can be made ahead and baked just before serving, or baked then reheated gently.
- Adjust seasoning carefully since the goat cheese contributes saltiness.
