Mediterranean Mushroom, Shallots & Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts
These flaky puff pastry tarts are layered with sweet caramelized shallots, savory Mediterranean-style mushrooms, and creamy herbed goat cheese. They’re elegant enough for entertaining but simple enough for a weeknight appetizer or light lunch.
📝 Ingredients
1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
1 egg, beaten (for brushing)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 shallots, thinly sliced
10 oz (280 g) cremini or mixed mushrooms, sliced
3–4 oz goat cheese, softened
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or ½ tsp dried)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 small garlic clove, minced
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional: drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze for finishing
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Pastry
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll out the puff pastry slightly to smooth edges.
Cut into 4–6 rectangles or squares.
Score a ½-inch border around each piece (don’t cut all the way through).
Brush the borders with beaten egg.
Prick the center with a fork to prevent puffing.
2️⃣ Cook the Mushroom-Shallot Filling
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add sliced shallots and cook 4–5 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized.
Add mushrooms and cook 6–8 minutes until browned and moisture evaporates.
Stir in garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook 1 more minute.
Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3️⃣ Make the Herbed Goat Cheese
In a small bowl, mix:
Goat cheese
Fresh parsley
Pinch of salt and pepper
Stir until smooth and creamy.
4️⃣ Assemble the Tarts
Spread a thin layer of herbed goat cheese inside each pastry border.
Top evenly with mushroom-shallot mixture.
Bake for 15–20 minutes or until pastry is golden and puffed.
5️⃣ Finish & Serve
Let cool slightly.
Drizzle lightly with honey or balsamic glaze (optional).
Garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired.
Serve warm or at room temperature.
🍽 Servings
Makes 4–6 tarts
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
📌 Notes
Make sure mushrooms release all their moisture to avoid soggy pastry.
Chill assembled tarts for 10 minutes before baking for extra puff.
For extra Mediterranean flavor, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives.
💡 Tips
Use a mix of mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, oyster) for deeper flavor.
Add a sprinkle of crumbled feta for extra tang.
Serve with a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette.
🥗 Nutritional Info (Approx. per tart)
Calories: 280–320
Protein: 7g
Fat: 20g
Carbs: 22g
Fiber: 2g
(Values vary depending on portion size.)
🌿 Benefits
Rich in antioxidants from mushrooms
Contains healthy fats from olive oil
Vegetarian-friendly
Elegant appetizer for gatherings
❓ Q & A
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare filling in advance and assemble just before baking.
Q: Can I freeze them?
You can freeze unbaked assembled tarts. Bake from frozen, adding 3–5 extra minutes.
Q: Can I make it vegan?
Use vegan puff pastry and dairy-free cream cheese alternative.