A Sophisticated and Delicious Appetizer or Light Meal

These Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts combine flaky puff pastry with a savory filling of sautéed mushrooms, sweet shallots, and creamy goat cheese infused with fresh herbs. Elegant yet easy to make, they’re perfect for entertaining guests, holiday gatherings, or a special weeknight treat.

The earthy mushrooms pair beautifully with the mild sweetness of shallots and the tangy richness of goat cheese, creating a balanced and irresistible flavor.

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Ingredients

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (thawed)
• 8 oz cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
• 2 large shallots, thinly sliced
• 4 oz goat cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (such as parsley, thyme, or chives), finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Optional: fresh thyme sprigs for garnish

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface to smooth it out.
3. Cut the pastry into 4-6 equal squares or rectangles. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Score a smaller square inside each piece, about ½ inch from the edges, without cutting all the way through, to create a border.

Step 2: Sauté Mushrooms and Shallots

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add shallots and sauté until soft and translucent (about 3 minutes).
3. Add mushrooms and garlic, cook until mushrooms are browned and any liquid has evaporated (about 8 minutes).
4. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Tarts

1. Spread a thin layer of goat cheese inside each puff pastry border.
2. Spoon the mushroom and shallot mixture evenly over the goat cheese.
3. Brush the pastry edges with beaten egg to help them brown.

Step 4: Bake

1. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
2. Remove from oven and garnish with fresh thyme sprigs if desired.

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Tips & Tricks

• Use cold puff pastry and handle it minimally to keep it flaky.
• Goat cheese can be mixed with a little cream cheese for a milder, creamier texture.
• Fresh herbs brighten the dish, so use a mix or whatever you have on hand.
• These tarts are delicious warm or at room temperature—perfect for parties.
• To make mini tarts, use a muffin tin and smaller pastry rounds.

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Nutrition Info (per tart, serves 4-6)

• Calories: 280
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 220mg

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From Me to Your Site

These Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts offer a wonderful combination of textures and flavors that feel both rustic and refined. They’re easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for entertaining. Including recipes like this on your site helps readers discover elegant, approachable dishes that don’t require hours in the kitchen.

Encourage your audience to experiment with different mushrooms or cheeses to make the recipe their own.