Name: Mushroom and Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Tarts Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: French-inspired
Ingredients: 10 4-inch puff pastry sheet squares; 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (any kind); 1 shallot, finely chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1/3 cup parsley leaves, roughly chopped; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/4 cup parmesan cheese; 4 oz goat cheese; 1/4 teaspoon sage; 1/4 teaspoon thyme; 1/4 teaspoon rosemary; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup white wine (or substitute with chicken broth); 1 egg, whisked (for egg wash)

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 9 reviews

If you’re looking for a delightful appetizer or a cozy snack, this Mushroom and Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Tarts Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Imagine flaky, golden puff pastry topped with rich, earthy mushrooms and creamy goat cheese – trust me, once you try this, you’ll be hooked! I’ve made these tarts more times than I can count, and each time they come out perfectly flaky and flavorful, just waiting to impress your guests or treat yourself.

💛

Why This Recipe Works

Flaky Puff Pastry Base: Using pre-cut frozen puff pastry makes this recipe easy and gives you consistent, golden, buttery layers every time.
Savory Mushroom Mix: The combination of sautéed mushrooms, shallots, and garlic infused with herbs adds depth and complexity without overpowering the cheese.
Creamy Goat Cheese Blend: Adding both goat cheese and parmesan gives a balanced creamy texture with a nice sharpness.
Customizable Shape & Finish: You can fold or pinch the pastry edges to create beautiful designs that make these tarts look like they came from a fancy bakery.

Mushroom and Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Tarts, Mushroom and Goat Cheese Appetizers, Savory Puff Pastry Tart Recipes, Easy Mushroom Tart Ideas, Gourmet Mushroom and Goat Cheese Bites - Two square-shaped pastries sit on a wooden board with crispy, puffed, golden-brown edges. Each pastry has one main layer of creamy sauce mixed with chopped herbs, topped with thick slices of cooked mushrooms that are dark brown with a slightly glossy texture. The pastries have a soft, flaky base that is light beige inside, contrasting with the darker mushroom topping. The wooden board underneath is smooth with natural grain. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Mushroom and Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Tarts Recipe plays a role in bringing out layers of flavor and texture. From the earthy mushrooms to the fresh herbs, each component complements the other perfectly — plus, using good quality puff pastry makes all the difference for that flaky crust. Let me walk you through why I choose what I do when shopping for this recipe.

Puff pastry sheets: I love using frozen pre-cut squares for convenience; just thaw them properly to keep their puffiness.
Mushrooms: Any variety works; I usually pick cremini or button for their mild flavor, but feel free to experiment!
Shallot: Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth that’s softer than regular onions.
Garlic cloves: Essential for that comforting, savory kick.
Parsley leaves: Gives freshness and a lovely herby contrast to the rich toppings.
Olive oil: For sautéing – lends fruitiness without overpowering the other flavors.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty wow factor that pairs so well with goat cheese.
Goat cheese: The star ingredient delivering creamy tanginess that melts into the mushrooms.
Herbs (sage, thyme, rosemary): These herbs bring earthiness and warmth to the filling.
Egg: Used as an egg wash to help the pastry brown beautifully.
White wine (or chicken broth): Adds a subtle acidity and depth when sautéing the mushrooms.

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

What I love about this Mushroom and Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Tarts Recipe is how flexible it is. Depending on what’s in your fridge or pantry, you can easily make it your own. I like to mix things up sometimes — gives it a little personality, don’t you think?

Variation: Once, I swapped the mushrooms for caramelized onions and walnuts—turns out sweet and crunchy are a dream combo with goat cheese.
Dietary tweak: Use a dairy-free cheese alternative and vegan puff pastry for a plant-based version that’s just as delightful.
Fresh herbs: If fresh sage or thyme isn’t handy, dried herbs work fine—just use a pinch less since they’re more concentrated.
Wine substitution: No white wine? Don’t worry, chicken or vegetable broth works well and keeps the filling extra juicy.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Mushroom and Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Tarts Recipe

Step 1: Get Your Puff Pastry Ready

First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lay out the puff pastry squares on two baking sheets, spacing them out by about an inch or two. I never put more than six on a single sheet because they need room to puff up beautifully! Grab a fork and gently prick holes all over each square, being careful not to poke through the dough – this keeps the center from bubbling up too much during baking.

Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms and Aromatics

Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the finely chopped shallot and garlic, sautéing for a minute or two until fragrant. Then, add your sliced mushrooms along with the remaining olive oil and sprinkle in all the herbs, salt, and pepper. After a couple minutes, pour in the white wine (or broth if using) and let it reduce for 4-5 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and flavorful.

Step 3: Combine Cheese and Herbs

Turn off the heat and stir in the goat cheese, parmesan, and chopped parsley. The cheese melts gently into the mushroom mix and thickens just enough to hold on the pastry without running everywhere—this mix is where all that cozy, rich flavor lives.

Step 4: Assemble the Tarts

Spoon generous amounts of the mushroom and cheese mixture onto each puff pastry square. Now here’s a little fun part: you can leave the edges free for a rustic look or pinch the edges in different ways. I love creating curved edges by pinching all four corners or making a boat shape by pinching two opposite sides—it adds a cute handmade touch. Either way, top off with a bit extra filling because, why not?

Step 5: Egg Wash and Bake

Brush only the bare puff pastry edges with the whisked egg to encourage a golden shine as they bake. Pop them into your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until they’re puffed up and gorgeous golden brown. When they come out, trust me, your kitchen will smell heavenly.

💡

Pro Tips for Making Mushroom and Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Tarts Recipe

Thaw Puff Pastry Properly: I learned that if your puff pastry is even slightly frozen, it won’t puff properly—thaw overnight in the fridge or for two hours at room temperature.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give the pastry squares enough breathing room so they can rise evenly and crisp up.
Control Moisture in Mushrooms: Mushrooms can release a lot of water—cooking them until the liquid evaporates ensures your tart won’t be soggy.
Avoid Egg Wash on Filling: Keep the egg wash only on the pastry edges; otherwise, the filling can brown unevenly or dry out.

How to Serve Mushroom and Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Tarts Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a huge fan of fresh herbs as garnishes here—just a little sprinkle of chopped parsley or thyme brightens the look and flavor. Sometimes I add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a sweet tangy finish; it’s an easy way to elevate the presentation and flavor profile.

Side Dishes

These tarts pair beautifully with a light green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or a seasonal roasted vegetable medley. For a heartier meal, I like serving them alongside soup — I once paired them with a creamy butternut squash soup and it was a total winner.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I sometimes arrange these tarts on a wooden board with sprigs of fresh rosemary and thyme tucked between—makes the table look rustic-chic and inviting. If serving as finger food, cut them into smaller bite-sized squares and add toothpicks; guests love grabbing these at parties!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover tarts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To keep the pastry crisp, I avoid stacking them directly—lay them side by side or separate layers with parchment paper.

Freezing

If you want to make these ahead and freeze, assemble the tarts but don’t bake them. Freeze them flat on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes—this trick is a lifesaver for last-minute hosting!

Reheating

Reheat the tarts in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to restore their crispness. Microwaving can make the crust soggy, so I stick to the oven or a toaster oven for best results.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of goat cheese?

Absolutely! While goat cheese provides a lovely tang and creaminess, you can substitute with cream cheese, ricotta, or even feta. Just keep in mind the flavor profile will shift slightly—goat cheese adds that distinct richness that’s hard to beat.
Do I need to thaw frozen puff pastry before using?

Yes, thawing puff pastry is essential for even puffing and ease of handling. I recommend thawing it overnight in the fridge or for at least two hours at room temperature. Using frozen pastry will make it harder to work with, and it might not rise properly.
Can I make these tarts ahead for a party?

You sure can! You can prep and assemble the tarts ahead, freeze them unbaked, then bake fresh on the day of your gathering. This way, you get freshly baked tarts with minimal last-minute work—perfect for impressing guests.
What’s the best way to avoid soggy puff pastry?

To keep your puff pastry crisp, cook off excess moisture from mushrooms thoroughly before mixing in cheese, use an egg wash around the edges, and avoid covering the filling with egg wash. Also, don’t overcrowd the pans so heat circulates evenly during baking.

Final Thoughts

This Mushroom and Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Tarts Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites for good reason — it’s simple to make, yet tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Every time I prepare these, I feel like I’m sharing a little piece of comfort and elegance with my friends and family. You’ll enjoy how impressive they look and how quickly they disappear! So go ahead, give these tarts a whirl — I promise they’ll become a staple in your recipe rotation just like they are in mine.