Mushroom Goat Cheese Tarts (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Pastry Base

01 - 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

→ For the Filling

02 - 8 ounces cremini or button mushrooms, finely chopped
03 - 2 medium shallots, finely diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 8 ounces goat cheese, softened
06 - 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (such as thyme or rosemary), chopped
07 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
08 - Salt and pepper, to taste

# Instructions:

01 - Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is perfect for getting that gorgeous golden puff on the pastry while making sure the bottom cooks through completely. Getting your oven nice and hot before you start assembling the tarts means it'll be ready right when you need it!
02 - Take your thawed puff pastry sheet (it should be cold but pliable) and roll it out slightly on a lightly floured surface. Don't go too thin – we want these tarts to have some substance! Using a knife or cookie cutter, cut the dough into squares or circles about 3-4 inches across. I find squares are easier and waste less pastry, but circles look a bit more elegant. Transfer these pieces to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each one for expansion.
03 - Grab a skillet and set it over medium heat. Pour in the olive oil and once it's shimmering, add those finely diced shallots. Cook them until they're soft and translucent – about 2-3 minutes. Then toss in the minced garlic and give it a quick stir until fragrant (this only takes about 30 seconds). Now add your chopped mushrooms to the pan. Let them cook, stirring occasionally, until they've released their moisture and started to brown – about 5-7 minutes. This caramelization is where all that deep, earthy flavor comes from! Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
04 - Transfer your sautéed mushroom mixture to a mixing bowl and let it cool for a few minutes. Then add the softened goat cheese and those fragrant fresh herbs. Mix everything together until well combined. The warmth from the mushrooms will help the goat cheese soften further, making it easier to blend. Take a little taste and adjust the seasoning if needed – this is your chance to make it perfect!
05 - Using a fork, prick the center of each pastry square or circle several times – this helps prevent the center from puffing up too much while still allowing the edges to rise. Now spoon a generous dollop of your mushroom and goat cheese mixture into the middle of each piece of pastry. Spread it out slightly, but be sure to leave about a half-inch border around the edges so the pastry can puff up properly around the filling.
06 - Pop your assembled tarts into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. You're looking for that magical moment when the pastry turns beautifully golden brown and puffs up gloriously around the edges. The filling should be slightly bubbly and set. Every oven is different, so keep an eye on them toward the end – these can go from perfectly golden to overly brown pretty quickly!
07 - Once your tarts are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes. This brief resting period allows the filling to set up a bit more and makes them easier to handle. These little bites of heaven can be served warm or at room temperature – they're fabulous either way! For an extra touch, you can sprinkle a few more fresh herbs on top just before serving.

# Notes:

01 - These elegant Mushroom and Goat Cheese Tarts combine buttery puff pastry with a savory filling that balances earthy mushrooms, tangy goat cheese, and aromatic herbs.
02 - Feel free to experiment with different mushroom varieties - a mix of wild mushrooms like shiitake, oyster, or chanterelle would create an even more complex flavor profile.
03 - These tarts make a perfect appetizer for entertaining, but can also be served alongside a simple green salad for a light lunch or dinner.
04 - You can prepare the mushroom and goat cheese filling up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator, making assembly quick and easy right before your guests arrive.

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