These Easy Savory Mushroom Goat Cheese Tartlets are a burst of flavor in every bite! With delicious mushrooms and creamy goat cheese nestled in flaky pastry, they’re perfect for any snack time.
No one will believe how simple they are to make! I love serving them at parties because they disappear fast. Plus, they make me feel like a gourmet chef in my own kitchen! 🍄🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This flaky base gives the tartlets their delightful texture. If you can’t find puff pastry, you can use phyllo dough layered and brushed with butter. It won’t be as puffy, but still delicious!
Mushrooms: Cremini and button mushrooms are great, but feel free to use shiitake or portobello for a more intense flavor. If you’re a fan of other fungi, mix in some oyster mushrooms for variety!
Goat Cheese: This ingredient brings creaminess and tang. If goat cheese isn’t your favorite, try cream cheese or feta for a different twist. Just adjust the amount as needed!
Fresh Thyme: Thyme adds a lovely aroma. If you don’t have it, dried thyme works too—just use about a third of the amount. On the other hand, fresh rosemary or parsley can also brighten the dish!
How Do You Make Sure the Puff Pastry Stays Flaky?
Keeping your puff pastry flaky is essential for the perfect tartlet. Here’s how to make it work:
- Keep the pastry cold. If it warms up too much while you’re working with it, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes.
- Don’t overwork the dough. Handle it gently and avoid rolling it too thin, which can prevent it from puffing up nicely.
- Brush the edges with egg wash only. This gives a golden color without making the pastry soggy.
Following these steps will help ensure your tartlets are airy and crispy. Enjoy baking!
Easy Savory Mushroom Goat Cheese Tartlets
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 8 oz (225 g) mushrooms (such as cremini or button), sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 oz (115 g) goat cheese, crumbled
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, plus extra sprigs for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and 15-18 minutes for cooking, totaling around 30-35 minutes. It’s quick, easy, and yields delightful little tartlets that are sure to impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that heats up, prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This will prevent the tartlets from sticking.
2. Sauté the Mushrooms:
In a skillet, heat your olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook them for about 6-8 minutes. You want them to get nice and brown as they release their moisture. The aroma is going to be amazing!
3. Add Flavor with Garlic and Thyme:
Now, toss in the minced garlic and fresh thyme leaves. Sauté everything for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant. Season with a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
4. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry. Cut circles that are about 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter for your tartlet molds or muffin tin. Don’t worry about perfection; a little unevenness adds character!
5. Form the Shells:
Place each pastry circle into the molds, gently pressing down to fit them. This will create the perfect little shells for your filling.
6. Add Cheese:
Evenly distribute a spoonful of crumbled goat cheese into each pastry shell. It acts as a creamy base that pairs beautifully with the mushrooms.
7. Load Up with Mushrooms:
Top the goat cheese in each shell with the sautéed mushroom mixture, making sure to divide it equally among the tartlets. Don’t be shy; load them up for maximum taste!
8. Finish with More Cheese:
For an extra touch, dot a bit of extra goat cheese on top of each tartlet. It adds creaminess and boosts that delicious flavor.
9. Brush for Gold:
Using the beaten egg, brush the edges of the pastry. This will give your tartlets that lovely golden color when they bake.
10. Bake:
Pop your tartlets into the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re puffed up and beautifully golden brown. The smell will be incredible!
11. Cool and Garnish:
Once out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes. Finally, garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Enjoy these warm as a savory appetizer or snack! They are sure to be a hit at any gathering!
FAQ for Easy Savory Mushroom Goat Cheese Tartlets
Can I Use Store-Bought Mushroom Filling?
Yes, absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought sautéed mushroom filling. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning as needed, since pre-made mixes might contain salt or other spices.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover tartlets can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, until heated through and the pastry is crispy again.
Can I Freeze These Tartlets?
Yes! You can freeze unbaked tartlets. Assemble them and place them in the freezer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to an airtight container. When ready to bake, no need to thaw; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time!
What Can I Substitute for Goat Cheese?
If goat cheese isn’t your favorite, you can substitute it with feta or cream cheese. Both will add a different flavor and creamy texture, so feel free to experiment based on your preference!
