These Easy Savory Mushroom Goat Cheese Tartlets are a tasty bite-sized treat! With crispy pastry filled with rich mushrooms and creamy goat cheese, they make a great appetizer.
Whenever I make these, I can’t help but smile. They’re perfect for parties, or even just a cozy night in. Plus, they’re super simple to throw together—who doesn’t love easy snacks?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This recipe relies on ready-made puff pastry for a flaky and airy texture. If you don’t have puff pastry, you can use shortcrust pastry or even phyllo dough, but they will have a different texture and flavor.
Mushrooms: Cremini and button mushrooms are excellent choices because they add flavor and tenderness. Feel free to experiment with shiitake or portobello mushrooms for a different taste. If you’re looking for a meat alternative, cooked lentils work well.
Goat Cheese: While goat cheese is tangy and creamy, you can substitute it with feta cheese or even cream cheese mixed with herbs if you have dietary restrictions. I personally love the flavor boost from goat cheese!
Shallots: If you can’t find shallots, yellow onions can do the job. Just use a little less, as they have a stronger flavor. They add sweetness to balance out the mushrooms.
How Do I Make Sure My Tartlet Pastry is Crispy and Perfect?
Getting that perfect, flaky pastry is key to these tartlets! Here’s how you can achieve it:
- Keep the pastry cold. Cold ingredients help create those flaky layers as they bake!
- Roll the pastry out evenly to prevent uneven baking. Aim for about 1/8 inch thickness.
- Use an egg wash on the edges for a golden color. This simple step adds beauty and a lovely shine.
- Don’t overload the filling—too much can make it soggy. Just a spoonful of mushroom mixture is perfect!
Follow these tips, and you’re bound to wow everyone with your delicious tartlets!
How to Make Easy Savory Mushroom Goat Cheese Tartlets
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 8 oz mushrooms (such as cremini or button), sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, plus extra for garnish
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and bake. In about 15 minutes, you can have everything ready to pop in the oven, and in another 15-20 minutes, your delicious tartlets will be golden and ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pastry:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep the tartlets from sticking.
2. Shape the Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet. Cut the pastry into 4-inch circles (you can use a round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass). Gently press each circle into a muffin tin or tartlet pans to form little shells. Don’t worry if they don’t look perfect; it will still taste amazing!
3. Cook the Filling:
In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil or butter and warm it up. Once hot, add the chopped shallot and cook until it’s soft and translucent, about 2 minutes. Then, toss in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Give everything a good stir and cook until the mushrooms are tender and browned—this should take about 7-8 minutes. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and thyme leaves, and then remove it from the heat. Let it cool just a bit.
4. Assemble the Tartlets:
Now it’s time to fill the shells! Spoon a layer of crumbled goat cheese into each tartlet shell, making sure to spread it around evenly. Next, top with the mushroom mixture and sprinkle a few more goat cheese crumbles on top for extra flavor.
5. Bake and Serve:
Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg to give it a beautiful golden color when baked. Place the tartlets in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and puffed. When they’re done, remove them from the oven, and garnish with a few extra fresh thyme sprigs for a lovely touch.
6. Enjoy Your Delicious Tartlets!
Let the tartlets cool slightly before serving. These savory bites can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making them perfect for any gathering or a delightful treat just for you!
With their delightful mix of mushroom and goat cheese flavors wrapped in flaky pastry, these tartlets are simply irresistible!
FAQ for Easy Savory Mushroom Goat Cheese Tartlets
Can I Make These Tartlets Vegetarian?
Absolutely! This recipe is already vegetarian, as it features mushrooms and goat cheese. Enjoy these delicious bites knowing they’re meat-free!
Can I Use Store-Bought Mushroom Filling Instead?
Yes, you can use a store-bought mushroom filling if you’re short on time. Just make sure to heat it up before spooning it into the pastry shells for the best flavor!
How Do I Store Leftover Tartlets?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness before enjoying again!
Can I Freeze These Tartlets?
Yes! You can freeze the unbaked tartlets for up to a month. Just assemble them and place them in the freezer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
