ou know, I’ll never forget the first time I tried Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts. It was at my best friend’s dinner party a few years ago, and she had whipped up a batch of these little savory bites. I’ll admit, I was a bit skeptical at first – mushrooms and goat cheese aren’t exactly my go-to flavors. But from the moment I took that first flaky, golden bite, I was hooked. The earthy mushrooms, the sweet caramelized shallots, and the tangy, creamy goat cheese just came together in the most incredible way. I couldn’t believe I’d never had Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts before!
That night, I ended up going back for seconds…and thirds. I just couldn’t get enough of those perfect little tarts. And when my friend shared the recipe with me, I knew I had to try making them myself. Let me tell you, it’s now one of my signature dishes. Whenever I have people over, these Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts are the first thing that goes. They’re just so darn delicious and impressive-looking, but they’re actually really easy to put together.
Why This Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts
The secret to these Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts is all in the technique. The key is to sauté the mushrooms and shallots until they’re perfectly caramelized, bringing out their natural sweetness and deepening the flavors. And the trick to the flakiest, most buttery crust? Layering the phyllo dough just right. It takes a little practice, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be whipping up Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts like a pro.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Mushrooms – I like to use a mix of button and cremini mushrooms for the best texture and flavor.
- Shallots – These mild, sweet onions are the perfect complement to the earthy mushrooms.
- Garlic – Just a few cloves to add some extra savory depth.
- Thyme – Fresh thyme leaves give the filling a lovely herbaceous note.
- Goat cheese – The tangy, creamy goat cheese is the star of the show in these Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts.
- Phyllo dough – Flaky, buttery phyllo cups are the perfect vessel for these tasty tarts.
- Butter – A little melted butter helps the phyllo dough get extra crispy and golden.
Step-by-Step Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Instructions
Preparing Your Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts
These Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts come together quickly, with just a few easy steps. The total prep and cooking time is about 45 minutes, and you’ll need a mini muffin tin or tart pan to bake them in.
1- Start by sautéing the mushrooms and shallots in a skillet over medium-high heat until they’re nice and caramelized, about 8-10 minutes.
2- Add the garlic and thyme and cook for another 2 minutes, until fragrant.
3- Remove the mushroom mixture from the heat and let it cool slightly, then stir in the crumbled goat cheese.
4- Carefully press the phyllo dough into the muffin tin or tart pan, brushing each layer with a bit of melted butter to help it stick together.
5- Spoon the mushroom-goat cheese filling into the phyllo cups, being sure to divide it evenly.
6- Bake the Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts at 375°F for 18-20 minutes, until the phyllo is golden brown and crispy.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts is to really let the mushrooms and shallots get nicely caramelized before adding the other ingredients. This brings out their natural sweetness and deepens the flavor.
Also, be gentle when working with the delicate phyllo dough – you want to avoid tearing it as much as possible. And keep a close eye on the tarts in the oven, as phyllo can burn quickly.
Serving and Storing Your Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts
Perfect Pairings for Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts
These Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts make a fantastic appetizer or party nibble. They pair beautifully with a crisp white wine or a light, fruity red. For a heartier meal, try serving them alongside a fresh salad or a bowl of creamy tomato soup.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Luckily, Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts are easy to make ahead. You can prepare the filling up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just spoon it into the phyllo cups and pop them in the oven.
The baked tarts will stay fresh for up to 4 days stored in an airtight container in the fridge. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months – just reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts
Creative Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Variations
There are so many ways to put your own spin on these Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts. Try using different types of mushrooms, like shiitake or oyster. Or swap in caramelized onions for the shallots. You could even add a bit of crumbled bacon or chopped walnuts to the filling for extra crunch and flavor.
And for a seasonal twist, try using rosemary or sage instead of thyme in the fall, or swap in fresh basil in the summer.
Making Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts Diet-Friendly
These Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts can easily be adapted for different dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free phyllo dough or bake the filling in ramekins instead of tart shells.
To make them vegan, substitute the goat cheese with a nut-based cheese or creamy cashew spread. And for a lower-carb take, you can skip the phyllo and serve the mushroom-cheese mixture in endive leaves or on top of roasted portobello mushrooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use regular onions instead of shallots?
A: You certainly can, but shallots have a milder, more delicate flavor that pairs beautifully with the mushrooms and goat cheese. If you use regular onions, you may want to sauté them for a bit longer to get them nice and caramelized.
Q: How do I get the phyllo dough to stay crisp?
A: The key is to brush each layer with a bit of melted butter before adding the next sheet. This helps the phyllo adhere together and get extra crispy in the oven. Be sure to work quickly so the dough doesn’t dry out.
Q: Can I make the Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the mushroom-goat cheese filling up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Then when you’re ready to bake, just spoon it into the phyllo cups and pop them in the oven.
Q: How many Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts does this recipe make?
A: This recipe will yield 24 mini tarts, using a standard 24-cup mini muffin tin. You can easily scale it up or down depending on how many you need to serve.
Q: What if my phyllo dough tears while I’m assembling the tarts?
A: Don’t worry, a few tears here and there won’t ruin the dish. Just gently press the dough back together as best you can. The tarts will still turn out delicious, even with a few imperfections.
Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 6
Description
Indulge in these Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts – a quick and easy recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. The buttery, flaky crust perfectly complements the creamy, herb-infused filling for a delicious and satisfying treat.
Ingredients
– 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
– 8 oz. (227g) cremini mushrooms, sliced
– 2 shallots, thinly sliced
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil
– 4 oz. (113g) herbed goat cheese
– 2 tbsp (30ml) fresh thyme, chopped
– 1 tbsp (15ml) fresh parsley, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. – Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C).
2. – In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. – Add the sliced mushrooms and shallots, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
4. – Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
5. – Remove the skillet from heat and let the mushroom mixture cool slightly.
6. – Unroll the puff pastry sheet and cut it into 6 equal rectangles.
7. – Transfer the rectangles to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
8. – In a small bowl, combine the sautéed mushroom mixture, herbed goat cheese, thyme, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
9. – Spoon the mushroom-goat cheese mixture onto the center of each puff pastry rectangle, leaving a small border.
10. – Bake the tarts for 15-18 minutes, or until the pastry is golden-brown and puffed.
11. – Serve the Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts warm, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
For a variation, try using different types of mushrooms or adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese to the filling. These tarts can be made ahead and reheated just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts are truly a flavor explosion in every bite. The earthy mushrooms, sweet shallots, and tangy goat cheese create such an incredible balance of textures and tastes. And with the buttery, flaky phyllo crust, these little tarts are simply irresistible.
I know you’re going to love making (and devouring) these Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts as much as I do. They’re the perfect appetizer or snack, and they’re sure to impress your family and friends. So what are you waiting for? Preheat your oven and get ready to savor the deliciousness!
And don’t forget to let me know how your Mushroom, Shallot, and Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts turn out. I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
