These Easy Mushroom and Goat Cheese Tarts are a tasty treat your friends will love! With crispy pastry, earthy mushrooms, and creamy goat cheese, it’s a party on a plate!
Making these tarts is a breeze. Just sauté the mushrooms, mix in goat cheese, and bake in pastry shells. Seriously, your kitchen will smell amazing, and your taste buds will thank you!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff pastry: This lends a flaky, buttery texture to the tarts. If you don’t have puff pastry, you can use phyllo dough, though it will be crisper. Alternatively, a pre-made pie crust can work too, but the texture will be different.
Mushrooms: Use mixed mushrooms for variety. Cremini and shiitake add richness, while button mushrooms are mild. No mushrooms on hand? Try spinach or cooked artichokes for a different flavor.
Goat cheese: Creamy and tangy, goat cheese is perfect here. If you don’t like goat cheese, feta or ricotta can be good substitutes. Ricotta gives a creamier texture while feta offers a saltier flavor.
Shallots: They add a sweet touch. If unavailable, use a small onion or even scallions, but remember that they are sharper. Keep the quantity in mind as shallots are milder.
How Can I Ensure My Pastry is Perfectly Puffing Up?
The secret to great puff pastry is to handle it carefully and ensure it’s chilled before baking. Here are some tips:
- Keep the puff pastry in the fridge until you’re ready to roll it out. Warm pastry doesn’t puff as well.
- Don’t skip pricking the center with a fork; this prevents over-inflating and ensures even cooking.
- Brush the egg wash only on the edges. This creates a beautiful golden crust without weighing down the center.
- Space out the tarts adequately on the baking sheet; air circulation helps them rise.
Easy Mushroom and Goat Cheese Tarts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Tarts:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 8 oz (225 g) mixed mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, or button), sliced
- 4 oz (115 g) goat cheese, softened
- 1 small shallot or 1/4 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and 15-18 minutes for baking, making a total of about 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick snack or appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the tarts from sticking.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet. Cut it into pieces about 3.5 to 4 inches wide. You should get around 5-6 squares or rectangles.
3. Prepare the Pastry Base:
Take a fork and gently prick the centers of each pastry piece. Be sure to leave a small border around the edges; this helps the pastry rise nicely in the oven.
4. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped shallot and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until you can smell their lovely fragrance.
5. Cook the Mushrooms:
Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’re looking for them to release their moisture and begin to brown.
6. Add Herbs and Seasoning:
Stir in the thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper, and then take the skillet off the heat to let the mixture cool a bit.
7. Combine with Goat Cheese:
Mix the softened goat cheese into the mushroom mixture until everything is combined evenly.
8. Assemble the Tarts:
Spoon a generous amount of the mushroom and goat cheese mixture onto the center of each pastry square, spreading it gently while keeping the edges clear.
9. Fold the Edges:
Carefully fold the edges of each pastry square upwards to create a little crust around the filling. This helps hold everything in while baking.
10. Apply Egg Wash:
Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush it lightly on the exposed pastry edges to give them a nice golden finish.
11. Bake the Tarts:
Place the tarts on your prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes or until the pastry is puffed up and beautifully golden brown.
12. Serve and Enjoy!
Once done, take the tarts out of the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Feel free to garnish with extra fresh herbs for a splash of color and flavor.
Enjoy your savory, flaky Mushroom and Goat Cheese Tarts!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! If goat cheese isn’t your favorite, feta or ricotta can be great alternatives. Feta will add a briny flavor, while ricotta offers a creamier texture. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly if you choose a saltier cheese.
What If I Don’t Have Puff Pastry?
No worries! If you don’t have puff pastry, you can use phyllo dough for a crisper texture or a pre-made pie crust, though the result will be a bit denser. Just keep in mind that baking times may vary slightly.
Can I Prepare These Tarts in Advance?
Yes, you can! Prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Assemble the tarts right before baking for the best texture. If you’ve assembled them in advance, you can keep them in the fridge for a few hours before baking, but it’s best to bake them fresh for maximum puffiness!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover tarts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the pastry soggy.
