These easy mushroom and goat cheese tarts are a real treat! Flaky pastry filled with tasty mushrooms and creamy goat cheese make for an elegant snack or appetizer.
Honestly, I love how quickly they come together. Just mix the filling, scoop it into the pastry, and bake! Perfect for when friends drop by. You’ll impress them for sure! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the star of the dish! It gives you a light and flaky base. If you can’t find puff pastry, you can use phyllo dough or even shortcrust pastry, but the texture will change a bit.
Mushrooms: Button or cremini mushrooms are great choices for this recipe. If you want a twist, try shiitake or portobello mushrooms for a deeper flavor. Just make sure they are sliced evenly for consistent cooking.
Goat Cheese: The tangy flavor of goat cheese really shines here. If you’re not a fan, cream cheese or feta make for good substitutes. Just remember, the taste will be slightly different, but still tasty!
Heavy Cream: This adds creaminess to the goat cheese. You can use sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a non-dairy cream alternative for a lighter option. Adjust the amount to achieve your desired consistency.
How Do You Get the Perfectly Cooked Mushrooms?
Cooking mushrooms properly is crucial to avoid sogginess in your tarts. Here’s how to do it right:
- Always use medium heat. This helps evaporate moisture without burning.
- Make sure to let the mushrooms cook until all their liquid releases and evaporates, usually around 7-8 minutes.
- Stir occasionally to cook evenly, but don’t stir too often; letting them sit helps them brown.
Getting this step right will enhance the flavor of your tarts! Enjoy the process! 🍄
Easy Mushroom and Goat Cheese Tarts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tarts:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 10 oz (280g) mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini work well)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 oz (115g) goat cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or crème fraîche
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15-20 minutes to cook, making a total of approximately 30-35 minutes. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a delightful appetizer or light snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your tarts bake evenly and puff up beautifully. While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Onions and Mushrooms:
In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Next, add the minced garlic along with the sliced mushrooms. Cook this mixture until the mushrooms turn golden brown and most of their moisture has evaporated, which should take about 7-8 minutes. Don’t forget to stir occasionally!
3. Season the Mushroom Mixture:
Once the mushrooms are cooked, stir in the thyme along with salt and pepper to taste. After seasoning, remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
4. Make the Goat Cheese Filling:
While your mushroom mixture cools, grab a bowl and mix the softened goat cheese with the heavy cream until it’s smooth and spreadable. This mixture should be creamy and easy to work with.
5. Cut the Puff Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet and cut it into 3-4 inch squares. You should be able to get about 6-8 squares from one sheet, depending on how large you cut them.
6. Assemble the Tarts:
Place the pastry squares on your prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, carefully score a smaller square about 1/2 inch inside the edge of each pastry square — this will create a nice border. Now, spread about 1 tablespoon of the goat cheese mixture in the center of each square, staying within the scored borders.
7. Add the Mushroom Topping:
Top the goat cheese mixture with a spoonful of the sautéed mushrooms. This layer brings in rich flavors that complement the creamy cheese.
8. Apply Egg Wash:
Beat the egg in a small bowl and then brush the edges of the pastry squares with the egg wash. This will give your tarts a lovely golden color as they bake.
9. Bake the Tarts:
Now it’s time to bake! Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the pastry looks golden and puffed up. Keep an eye on them so they don’t over-brown!
10. Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, remove the tarts from the oven and let them cool for a minute. If you’d like, garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for extra flavor and a nice presentation. Serve the tarts warm and enjoy your delicious creation!
Bon appétit and enjoy your tasty Easy Mushroom and Goat Cheese Tarts!
FAQ for Easy Mushroom and Goat Cheese Tarts
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While goat cheese adds a unique tangy flavor, you can substitute it with cream cheese, ricotta, or feta for different taste profiles. Each option will bring its own charm to the tarts!
How Do I Store Leftover Tarts?
Store any leftover tarts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, which helps restore the pastry’s crispiness.
Can I Make These Tarts Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the mushroom filling and goat cheese mixture a day in advance. Just assemble the tarts right before baking. This way, you’ll have fresh, warm tarts ready in no time!
What Can I Serve with These Tarts?
These tarts make a delightful appetizer on their own, but you can serve them alongside a fresh garden salad, or with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. They also pair wonderfully with a glass of white wine!