These easy mushroom goat cheese tartlets are a tasty treat! With flaky pastry and creamy goat cheese mixed with yummy mushrooms, they are just too good to resist.
I love serving these at parties and watching everyone enjoy them. They’re so simple to make that you might find yourself making them all the time. Plus, who can say no to cheesy goodness? 🧀✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the base of your tartlets, giving them a light and flaky texture. If you’re in a pinch, feel free to use store-bought, which is usually found in the freezer aisle. For a gluten-free option, check for gluten-free puff pastry alternatives.
Mushrooms: Cremini or button mushrooms are great for this recipe, but you can also swap them with shiitake or portobello for a richer flavor. If you’re avoiding mushrooms, sautĂ©ed spinach or zucchini could work as tasty substitutes!
Goat Cheese: The creamy tang of goat cheese is fantastic, but if you’re not a fan, feta is a great alternative. You could also use ricotta mixed with a bit of lemon zest for a fresh flavor.
Thyme: Fresh thyme adds a lovely herbaceous note. If you don’t have fresh thyme, dried thyme works too—just use half as much since dried herbs are more concentrated.
How Can I Make Sure My Puff Pastry Turns Out Flaky and Delicious?
Getting that perfect flaky pastry takes a bit of care. Here are some tips to help you succeed:
- Keep everything cold! Thaw your puff pastry in the fridge, not at room temp, to ensure it puffs up nicely.
- Work quickly and limit handling the dough to prevent it from warming up too much.
- When cutting out circles or pressing down the center, be gentle so the edges stay high and create a “cup” for your filling.
- Brushing the edges with beaten egg not only gives a golden color but also helps seal any gaps for your filling.
Following these pointers will help ensure your tartlets are delightfully flaky and just as delicious as they should be!
Easy Savory Mushroom Goat Cheese Tartlets
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package puff pastry sheets (usually contains 2 sheets), thawed
- 8 oz (225g) cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- 4 oz (115g) goat cheese, crumbled
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing the ingredients, then roughly 15-20 minutes baking the tartlets until they are golden and puffed. A few minutes of cooling time before serving will have them ready to delight your taste buds!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Tray:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s warming up, line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent the tartlets from sticking.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Your kitchen should smell wonderful by now!
3. Cook the Mushrooms:
Now it’s time to add the sliced mushrooms and fresh thyme leaves to the skillet. Continue to cook everything together, stirring occasionally until the mushrooms are golden brown and have released their moisture, which should take about 7-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
4. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry and cut it into 4-6 inch circles using a cookie cutter or a cup. Once you have your circles, place them on the prepared baking sheet. Gently press down the center of each circle with your fingers or the back of a spoon, leaving a slight edge to create a tartlet shell.
5. Assemble the Tartlets:
Now, spoon a generous amount of the mushroom mixture into the center of each puff pastry circle. Then, crumble the goat cheese over the mushroom filling on each tartlet.
6. Egg Wash and Bake:
To give your tartlets a beautiful golden color, brush the edges of the puff pastry with the beaten egg. Place the baking tray in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
7. Cool and Garnish:
Once baked, remove the tartlets from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the tray. Garnish with extra fresh thyme sprigs for a pop of color and flavor.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
These savory mushroom and goat cheese tartlets are best served warm or at room temperature. Enjoy them as a tasty appetizer or snack at your next get-together!
Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite of your tartlets!
FAQ for Easy Savory Mushroom Goat Cheese Tartlets
Can I Use Frozen Puff Pastry?
Absolutely! You can use frozen puff pastry for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or for a few hours at room temperature before rolling it out. This will help ensure it puffs up nicely during baking.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
Feel free to experiment! You can add spinach, roasted red peppers, or caramelized onions for extra flavor. Just make sure to sauté any additional vegetables before adding them to the tartlets to avoid excess moisture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover tartlets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their flakiness.
Can I Make These Tartlets Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the mushroom filling a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. Assemble the tartlets just before you plan to bake them for the best results, as the pastry is best fresh out of the oven.
