Mushroom, Shallot & Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts – A Cozy Little Bite of Elegance

There’s something undeniably charming about small savory tarts. They feel thoughtful and special, like the kind of food you bring out when you want to slow things down just a little and savor the moment. These mushroom, shallot & herbed goat cheese tarts are exactly that kind of recipe—simple, comforting, and quietly elegant, with flavors that feel both rustic and refined.

This is the kind of dish that bridges seasons beautifully. In cooler months, the earthy mushrooms and caramelized shallots feel cozy and grounding. In warmer months, the flaky pastry and tangy goat cheese make them feel light enough to enjoy with a glass of wine and a sunny table. They’re perfect as an appetizer, a brunch addition, or even a light lunch alongside a green salad.

What really makes these tarts shine is the balance. Mushrooms bring deep, savory umami. Shallots soften and sweeten as they cook, adding a gentle richness without overpowering the dish. The goat cheese—whipped lightly with fresh herbs—adds creaminess and a subtle tang that lifts everything else. All of it sits on buttery puff pastry that bakes up golden and crisp, giving you that irresistible contrast between flaky base and soft, savory topping.

They also happen to be wonderfully unfussy. Store-bought puff pastry does most of the heavy lifting, while the filling comes together in one pan. You can make them ahead, adapt the herbs to what you have on hand, and serve them warm or at room temperature. These are the kinds of recipes that quietly become staples—the ones you reach for again and again when you want something dependable but impressive.

Ingredients:

• Puff pastry sheets, thawed
• Mixed mushrooms (cremini, button, or shiitake), finely sliced
• Shallots, thinly sliced
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Olive oil
• Unsalted butter
• Fresh thyme leaves
• Fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• Soft goat cheese
• Cream cheese
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry slightly and cut into even squares or rectangles.
3. Score a small border around each pastry piece, being careful not to cut all the way through.
4. Brush the edges lightly with beaten egg and place pastry on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.
6. Add sliced shallots and cook gently until soft and lightly golden.
7. Add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
8. Add mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and become golden and tender.
9. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.
10. In a small bowl, mix goat cheese and cream cheese until smooth.
11. Spread a thin layer of herbed goat cheese mixture inside the scored border of each pastry.
12. Spoon mushroom and shallot mixture evenly over the cheese.
13. Bake until pastry is puffed and deeply golden.
14. Cool slightly before serving and garnish with extra herbs if desired.

Mushroom Shallot & Herbed Goat Cheese Tarts

Flaky puff pastry tarts filled with sautéed mushrooms, sweet shallots, and creamy herbed goat cheese.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 8 tarts

Course: Appetizer, Brunch

Cuisine: European

Calories: 290

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Tarts

• 2 sheets puff pastry thawed
• 2 cups mushrooms sliced
• 2 shallots thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 4 oz goat cheese soft
• 2 oz cream cheese softened
• 1 tsp fresh thyme
• 1/2 tsp fresh rosemary chopped

Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Skillet
• Mixing bowl

Method

 

1. Sauté shallots, garlic, and mushrooms in butter and oil until golden and tender.
2. Mix goat cheese and cream cheese until smooth.
3. Spread cheese on scored puff pastry and top with mushrooms.
4. Bake until pastry is puffed and golden.

Notes

Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• Don’t overcrowd the mushrooms in the pan; cook in batches if needed to avoid steaming.
• Let the mushroom mixture cool slightly so it doesn’t melt the pastry before baking.
• Scoring the pastry helps it puff beautifully around the edges.
• Use room-temperature cheese for the smoothest spreading texture.

Variations

• Add a drizzle of honey after baking for a sweet-savory contrast.
• Swap goat cheese for ricotta or feta.
• Add caramelized onions instead of shallots.
• Finish with a sprinkle of grated parmesan for extra depth.
• Add spinach or kale to the mushroom mixture for more greens.

Serving Suggestions
Serve these tarts warm or at room temperature as an appetizer, brunch item, or light meal. They pair beautifully with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon and olive oil, or alongside a cheese board and fresh fruit. For entertaining, they’re perfect with a crisp white wine or sparkling water with citrus.

Storage Information
Store leftover tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it can soften the pastry.

FAQ
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mushroom mixture and cheese spread a day ahead. Assemble and bake just before serving for best texture.

Can I freeze them?
They freeze best unbaked. Assemble the tarts, freeze solid, then bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

What mushrooms work best?
Cremini and shiitake offer great flavor, but even simple button mushrooms work well.

History / Fun Facts
Savory tarts have long been part of European home cooking, especially in French and Mediterranean kitchens. Combining mushrooms with soft cheese is a classic pairing, loved for its balance of earthiness and creaminess—a timeless combination that continues to inspire modern home cooks.