The Elegant Mushroom Goat Cheese Tarts are everything you want in a show-stopping appetizer: golden, flaky pastry; a luxuriously creamy filling; and an earthy, aromatic depth from fresh mushrooms and herbs. These savory tarts look like something you’d find at a French bakery, but they’re delightfully easy to make at home, perfect for impressing guests or indulging in a little everyday elegance. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, serving up a cozy snack, or searching for an unforgettable starter, these tarts deliver beautiful flavor and a stunning presentation every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of ingredients, Elegant Mushroom Goat Cheese Tarts prove that you don’t need a long shopping list to create incredible flavor. Each item adds its own magic—the mushrooms bring hearty earthiness, goat cheese gives a tangy creaminess, and fresh herbs infuse those signature hints of freshness. Here’s what you’ll need and why each piece matters:
- Puff pastry: This buttery, flaky sheet is the base that turns the tarts crisp and golden with minimal fuss.
- Cremini or button mushrooms (8 oz, finely chopped): Earthy and meaty, these mushrooms create the heart of the filling and pair beautifully with creamy cheese.
- Shallots (2 medium, finely diced): Milder than onions, shallots bring a sweet, aromatic undertone that complements the mushrooms.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds just the right punch of flavor to balance the richness of the cheese and mushrooms.
- Goat cheese (8 oz, softened): This tangy cheese transforms the filling into something irresistibly creamy, melting just enough as the tarts bake.
- Fresh herbs (2 tbsp, such as thyme or rosemary, chopped): For bright, fragrant notes that take these tarts from simple to restaurant-worthy.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): Used to sauté the vegetables, bringing out their natural sweetness and depth.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for rounding out all the flavors and giving each bite perfect balance.
How to Make Elegant Mushroom Goat Cheese Tarts
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat ensures your puff pastry cooks up light, crisp, and absolutely irresistible. Giving your oven plenty of time to heat up means the Elegant Mushroom Goat Cheese Tarts will rise and brown beautifully from the moment they go in.
Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Roll out your thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to smooth out any seams or creases. Use a sharp knife or pastry cutter to cut the pastry into 3–4 inch squares or circles—whatever shape feels most festive to you. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each tart for perfect browning.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced shallots first, letting them turn soft and slightly golden to bring out their sweetness. Toss in the minced garlic and chopped mushrooms, stirring occasionally until the mushrooms soften, release their liquid, and most of it evaporates. Season generously with salt and pepper to bring those flavors to life.
Step 4: Mix the Filling
Transfer the sautéed vegetables to a mixing bowl and let them cool for a minute. Add the softened goat cheese and fresh herbs, using a spatula or fork to blend everything together until creamy and well combined. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasoning here—this is your moment to customize!
Step 5: Assemble the Tarts
Spoon a generous dollop of the mushroom-goat cheese mixture onto the center of each puff pastry square or circle, leaving a border around the edges. Use a fork to gently prick the base of each pastry, which helps control the rise and keeps the filling in place as it bakes. You’ll see the promise of savory goodness even before they go in the oven.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake in your preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the pastry is gloriously golden and puffed. The edges should be crisp, while the filling will set into a creamy, aromatic layer. Your kitchen will smell heavenly—resist the urge to take them out too early!
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let the Elegant Mushroom Goat Cheese Tarts cool on the pan for about five minutes before serving. This brief rest makes them easier to handle and gives the flavors time to settle. Serve them warm for ultimate meltiness or at room temperature if you’re setting out a buffet or picnic.
How to Serve Elegant Mushroom Goat Cheese Tarts
Garnishes
To truly make these tarts pop, sprinkle them with extra fresh herbs like chopped thyme or chives just before serving. A light drizzle of good quality olive oil or a finishing touch of cracked black pepper turns each tart into an edible jewel. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a few edible flowers or microgreens never go amiss.
Side Dishes
Elegant Mushroom Goat Cheese Tarts shine alongside crisp salads like arugula with lemon vinaigrette, a simple tomato salad, or even roasted asparagus. For brunch, pair them with soft scrambled eggs or a fruit salad for a well-rounded plate that feels special but comes together easily.
Creative Ways to Present
You can easily adjust the size—make mini tarts as bite-sized hors d’oeuvres, or larger ones for a light lunch. Try stacking slices on a chic platter, arranging them in a rustic wooden tray, or serving individually on small plates with a swoosh of herb-infused oil underneath. However you style them, Elegant Mushroom Goat Cheese Tarts always look impressive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Elegant Mushroom Goat Cheese Tarts keep beautifully! Once completely cooled, pop them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen a little overnight, making them even more irresistible the next day.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap each tart individually in plastic wrap or foil and place in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to one month. To enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator—no need to miss out on a gourmet snack, even on busy days.
Reheating
To bring back their fresh-from-the-oven magic, place refrigerated or thawed tarts on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes. This crisps the pastry right back up and melts the cheese slightly without drying out the filling.
FAQs
Can I use other mushrooms besides cremini or button?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in shiitake, portobello, or even a wild mushroom mix. Each brings its own character and can elevate the Elegant Mushroom Goat Cheese Tarts in new, delicious ways.
Is there a dairy-free alternative to goat cheese?
You can substitute a plant-based creamy cheese alternative, or even use a mix of pureed cashews and lemon juice for a tangy, creamy texture. The result will still be rich and decadent.
Can I assemble the tarts ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the filling and cut your pastry up to a day in advance. Assemble just before baking for the best crispy texture, but you can also bake and reheat as needed without sacrificing flavor.
What herbs go best with these tarts?
Thyme and rosemary are classics, but don’t hesitate to experiment with sage, tarragon, or even a pinch of chives for a different twist. Freshness is key for best flavor and color.
How can I make the tarts more substantial for a main course?
Try making larger tarts or pairing with a hearty salad and roasted vegetables. You can also top each tart with a poached egg for a simple but elegant brunch or light dinner.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about serving Elegant Mushroom Goat Cheese Tarts—every bite feels like a treat, whether you’re enjoying them as a cozy snack or the centerpiece of your next gathering. Give these a try, and you’ll see just how simple, satisfying, and spectacular homemade tarts can be. Don’t be surprised if they become your new signature dish!
Print
Elegant Mushroom Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These elegant mushroom goat cheese tarts are a delightful appetizer or light meal option. The combination of earthy mushrooms, creamy goat cheese, and fragrant herbs encased in flaky puff pastry is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Filling:
- 8 ounces cremini or button mushrooms, finely chopped
- 2 medium shallots, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces goat cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (such as thyme or rosemary), chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut into squares or circles (3-4 inches in diameter) and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté shallots until translucent, then add garlic and mushrooms. Cook until mushrooms are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Mix Filling: In a bowl, combine sautéed vegetables with softened goat cheese and fresh herbs until well mixed.
- Assemble Tarts: Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each pastry, leaving a border around the edges. Use a fork to prick the pastry base to prevent puffing too much.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown and puffed.
- Cool and Serve: Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Feel free to customize the filling with seasonal vegetables or different types of cheese.
- These tarts can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tart
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
