These Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts are a delicious combination of creamy goat cheese, earthy mushrooms, and the sweet richness of caramelized shallots. Encased in flaky puff pastry, these tarts make the perfect appetizer or snack. Simple to make, yet sophisticated in flavor, they are a great choice for any occasion, from casual dinners to special gatherings.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Tarts:
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10 4-inch puff pastry squares
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8 oz mushrooms (any kind), sliced
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1 shallot, finely chopped
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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4 oz goat cheese
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1/4 teaspoon each of sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper
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1 egg (for egg wash)
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1/4 cup white wine (or substitute with chicken broth)
Directions
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare two large baking sheets. Arrange the puff pastry squares on the sheets, ensuring they are spaced about 1 inch apart. Use a fork to poke small holes on the surface of each square, being careful not to pierce through the dough.
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Cook the Mushrooms: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shallot and garlic, sautéing for 1-2 minutes. Add the sliced mushrooms, the remaining olive oil, and the herbs, then cook for another 2 minutes. Pour in the white wine and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes.
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Prepare the Filling: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the goat cheese, Parmesan, and chopped parsley. Mix well until the goat cheese has melted and the mixture is creamy.
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Assemble the Tarts: Spoon a generous amount of the mushroom and cheese mixture onto each puff pastry square. You can either leave the sides open for a natural puff or pinch the edges to form a shape you prefer (such as a square or boat-like tart).
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Egg Wash and Bake: Brush the exposed edges of the puff pastry with the whisked egg wash. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crispy.
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Serve: Let the tarts cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these savory bites as an appetizer or side dish!
Nutrients
The exact nutritional values aren’t provided, but here’s an estimated breakdown per serving (for 10 tarts):
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Calories: 150-180 kcal
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Protein: 4g
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Fat: 12g
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Saturated Fat: 5g
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Carbohydrates: 15g
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Fiber: 2g
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Sugar: 3g
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Sodium: 300mg
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Cholesterol: 20mg
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Potassium: 220mg
These Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts are a versatile and flavorful dish that will surely impress anyone at your table!
The Puff Pastry: Flaky and Buttery
The base of these tarts is puff pastry, which is key to achieving that crispy, flaky texture that makes every bite irresistible. Puff pastry is a wonderful tool in the kitchen, providing a light and buttery exterior that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling inside. Its ability to puff up and create delicate layers makes it perfect for tarts, as it adds a satisfying crunch without overwhelming the other flavors in the dish.
Using pre-made puff pastry squares saves time and effort, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you could also opt to make your own pastry from scratch. Each square is arranged on the baking sheet, poked with a fork to ensure even baking, and brushed with an egg wash to enhance the golden color once baked.
The Filling: Creamy Goat Cheese, Mushrooms, and Shallots
The filling for these tarts is a harmonious blend of creamy goat cheese, earthy mushrooms, and the subtle sweetness of caramelized shallots. The mushrooms serve as the savory backbone of the filling, providing a deep, umami flavor that complements the creamy goat cheese. Mushrooms have a natural ability to absorb flavors and release moisture, making them perfect for this dish. They soak up the white wine during cooking, which adds a touch of acidity and enhances their flavor.
The shallots are sautéed until soft and golden, releasing their natural sweetness. Shallots offer a milder, sweeter alternative to onions, and their caramelization brings a richness to the filling that balances the tangy goat cheese perfectly.
The goat cheese adds a creamy and tangy element that ties the entire filling together. When mixed with the Parmesan cheese, the combination becomes even more indulgent and savory. The herbs—sage, thyme, and rosemary—add freshness and depth, while the parsley adds a final pop of color and freshness once mixed into the filling.
The Cooking Process: Easy and Quick
This recipe is designed to be simple and quick, yet it delivers complex, layered flavors. The first step is to sauté the shallots and garlic in olive oil, allowing the shallots to soften and begin to caramelize. The mushrooms are then added and cooked until they release their moisture and start to brown. After adding the white wine, the mixture simmers for a few minutes, allowing the wine to reduce and infuse the mushrooms with flavor.
Once this base is ready, the mixture is removed from heat, and the goat cheese, Parmesan, and parsley are stirred in until the cheese melts into the mixture, creating a creamy, cohesive filling. The filling is then spooned onto the prepared puff pastry squares, which are either left open for a more rustic look or pinched into a shape to create a more structured tart.
Baking the Tarts: Golden and Crispy
The tarts are then brushed with an egg wash made from a whisked egg, which gives the puff pastry a golden, glossy finish. The tarts are baked at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes, allowing the puff pastry to rise and become golden brown and crispy. The filling inside stays creamy, while the pastry becomes light and flaky.
Serving the Tarts: Perfect for Any Occasion
These Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts are incredibly versatile and can be served as an appetizer, snack, or side dish. They’re perfect for a special gathering, such as a holiday meal, a birthday party, or an elegant dinner party, where you want to impress your guests with a dish that looks as good as it tastes. The savory, cheesy filling and crisp pastry make them a perfect bite-sized treat.
For a lighter meal, you can pair them with a simple salad, such as arugula or spinach, dressed in a light vinaigrette. These tarts also work well as part of a charcuterie board or as a starter before a main course.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts are a perfect blend of savory, creamy, and crispy goodness. These tarts bring together earthy mushrooms, sweet caramelized shallots, and creamy goat cheese, all encased in a flaky puff pastry shell. Whether served as an appetizer at a dinner party or enjoyed as a snack with a glass of wine, they are sure to impress with their flavor and presentation.
With just a few simple ingredients and a straightforward cooking process, this dish offers sophistication and comfort in every bite. Perfect for a variety of occasions, these tarts will quickly become a favorite at your table.