These Mushroom and Goat Cheese Tarts are little bites of goodness! With flaky pastry and a creamy filling of mushrooms and tangy goat cheese, they’re perfect for gatherings.
Trust me, one is never enough! I love serving these warm as a fancy appetizer. Plus, they’re easy to make, so you can impress your friends without breaking a sweat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This flaky pastry is the base of your tarts. If you don’t have puff pastry, you could use phyllo dough or even pie crust, but the texture will be different. I find puff pastry gives the best results due to its light and airy nature.
Mushrooms: Cremini or button mushrooms work great, but you can try other types like shiitake or portobello for a different flavor. Make sure to slice them uniformly for even cooking. I love using a mix of mushrooms for added depth!
Goat Cheese: This creamy cheese adds tanginess. If you’re not a goat cheese fan, cream cheese or ricotta can be good alternatives. For a unique twist, consider blue cheese if you like bold flavors!
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk, although the tarts may be less rich. I typically stick to heavy cream for a luxurious texture that contrasts nicely with the mushrooms.
Thyme: Fresh thyme adds a wonderful aroma, but if it’s not available, dried thyme works too! Use half the amount of dried as it’s more concentrated. I often mix in a bit of rosemary for an earthy touch.
How Do I Make Sure My Puff Pastry Turns Out Perfectly?
Perfect puff pastry is all about technique! Firstly, make sure your pastry is thawed but still chilled, as this helps it puff nicely when baked. Here’s how to handle it:
- Roll it out gently on a floured surface, avoiding too much pressure that could flatten the layers.
- Cut your squares without using a knife to avoid cutting through the layers too much; a pizza cutter works wonders!
- Always keep the edges clean when adding toppings. This helps the pastry rise better.
Brushing edges with beaten egg before baking gives it that beautiful golden brown color. Plus, a preheated oven ensures that pastry rises quickly and evenly. Happy baking!
How to Make Mushroom and Goat Cheese Tarts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tarts:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
- 8 oz mushrooms (such as cremini or button), sliced
- 4 oz goat cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 25 minutes to bake, making it a total of about 40 minutes from start to finish. This includes cooking the mushrooms and baking the tarts to golden perfection!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Puff Pastry:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a lightly floured surface, take your sheet of puff pastry and roll it out gently to smooth out any creases. Then, cut the pastry into squares, each about 4-5 inches across. Place these squares on a lined baking sheet, ready for the filling!
2. Cook the Mushrooms:
In a skillet over medium heat, pour in the olive oil. Once it’s hot, toss in the sliced mushrooms and cook them for about 5-7 minutes until they become nice and soft. Then add the minced garlic and thyme, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to let those flavors mix together beautifully.
3. Create the Creamy Mixture:
Now, pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the mushrooms and stir everything to combine. Let the mixture simmer for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste! Once done, remove it from heat and let it cool a little.
4. Assemble the Tarts:
To assemble, take each puff pastry square and spread a layer of softened goat cheese in the center, leaving a small border around the edges. Next, spoon the mushroom mixture evenly on top of the goat cheese on each tart. Yummy!
5. Brush and Bake:
To give your tarts a beautiful golden finish, brush the edges of the puff pastry with the beaten egg. Then, pop the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry puffs up and turns a lovely golden brown.
6. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re baked, take the tarts out and let them cool for a few minutes. If you’d like, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme before serving. Enjoy your delicious Mushroom and Goat Cheese Tarts!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While goat cheese adds a lovely tang, you can substitute it with cream cheese, ricotta, or even feta for a different flavor profile. If using a crumblier cheese like feta, you might want to mix in a little heavy cream to help it spread more easily.
What If I Don’t Have Puff Pastry?
If you don’t have puff pastry, you can use a pie crust or phyllo dough as an alternative. If using phyllo, layer several sheets and brush with olive oil for a flaky texture similar to puff pastry. Just keep an eye on the bake time, as it may differ.
How Should I Store Leftover Tarts?
To store leftovers, place the tarts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to help regain their crispiness. Microwaving can make them soggy, so it’s best avoided!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted peppers for more flavor and texture. Just sauté them along with the mushrooms to incorporate well with the cream mixture.
