Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts offer a perfect balance of savory, earthy flavors with a delightful creaminess from the goat cheese. These little tarts are a delicious appetizer or snack, featuring puff pastry topped with a sautéed mushroom and shallot mixture, and finished with the tangy richness of herbed goat cheese. Ideal for any occasion, these tarts are simple to prepare yet packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 2 shallots, thinly sliced
- 4 oz herbed goat cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out puff pastry and cut into small squares or circles.
- Place puff pastry squares on a baking sheet.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add mushrooms and shallots, sauté until softened.
- Spread a dollop of herbed goat cheese on each puff pastry square.
- Top with the mushroom and shallot mixture.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until pastry is golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh thyme leaves before serving.
Servings and Timing:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
Variations:
- Different Cheese: You can substitute herbed goat cheese with cream cheese, ricotta, or even feta cheese for a different flavor.
- Add Protein: For a heartier version, you can add cooked chicken or bacon bits on top of the mushroom and shallot mixture.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with other herbs like rosemary or oregano in place of thyme for a slightly different taste.
- Vegan Version: Use dairy-free puff pastry and substitute the goat cheese with a plant-based cheese option.
Storage/Reheating:
- Storage: Leftover tarts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore the crispiness of the puff pastry.
10 FAQs:
- Can I use homemade puff pastry for this recipe? Yes, homemade puff pastry can be used instead of store-bought for a more personal touch.
- Can I make the filling ahead of time? Yes, you can sauté the mushrooms and shallots in advance and refrigerate them. Just assemble the tarts right before baking.
- Can I use frozen mushrooms? While fresh mushrooms are preferred for this recipe, you can use frozen mushrooms. Just be sure to thaw and drain them properly to avoid excess moisture.
- Is there a non-dairy substitute for goat cheese? Yes, you can use a dairy-free cheese like cashew cheese or any soft vegan cheese in place of goat cheese.
- Can I prepare these tarts in advance? Yes, you can assemble the tarts ahead of time and refrigerate them. Bake just before serving to enjoy them warm and fresh.
- Can I make these tarts into a larger dish instead of individual tarts? Yes, you can roll out the puff pastry into a large rectangle or circle, spread the filling, and bake as one large tart.
- Can I freeze the tarts? Yes, these tarts can be frozen before baking. Just place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then store in an airtight container. Bake directly from frozen at 400°F for 20-25 minutes.
- What can I serve these tarts with? These tarts make a great appetizer on their own or can be served alongside a light salad for a complete meal.
- Can I use other vegetables instead of mushrooms? Yes, you can substitute other vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, or leeks for the mushrooms and shallots.
- Are these tarts gluten-free? Unfortunately, puff pastry typically contains gluten. To make these tarts gluten-free, use gluten-free puff pastry instead.
Conclusion:
Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts are a quick and flavorful appetizer or snack perfect for any occasion. With the buttery, flaky puff pastry and a savory, creamy filling, these tarts are sure to impress. Whether served at a dinner party, as part of a festive spread, or as a light snack, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, with easy variations, you can customize the flavors to suit your preferences.