Description
These Mushroom Puff Pastry Tarts are a delicious and elegant appetizer or snack featuring a flaky puff pastry base topped with sautéed mushrooms, creamy cheese, and Parmesan. Perfectly golden and crisp, these tarts combine the earthiness of fresh mushrooms with the rich flavors of herbs and cheese, making them a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Mushroom Mixture
- 8 oz fresh button or cremini mushrooms, cleaned and finely chopped
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter, for sautéing
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Pastry & Cheese
- 1 sheet store-bought puff pastry, thawed
- 3 tablespoons cream cheese or ricotta
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Variations
- Cheese swap: goat cheese or feta instead of cream cheese or ricotta
- Additional vegetables: spinach, caramelized onions, or roasted red peppers
- Meat additions: crispy bacon bits or finely diced ham
- Vegan option: dairy-free cream cheese and omit Parmesan cheese
- Spices: crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika
Instructions
- Prepare the Mushrooms: Clean and finely chop the mushrooms. Mince the garlic and dice the onion evenly to ensure balanced cooking and flavor throughout the tart.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil or butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and cook until fragrant and translucent. Stir in the chopped mushrooms and continue cooking until the moisture evaporates and the mushrooms brown slightly. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs of your choice.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet. Cut it into desired shapes such as squares or circles and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them apart to allow for puffing during baking.
- Assemble the Tarts: Spread a thin layer of cream cheese or ricotta evenly over each puff pastry piece. Top with the sautéed mushroom mixture, ensuring an even distribution. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly over each tart to encourage a golden, crispy crust.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the assembled tarts for about 15 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden, crisp, and puffed up beautifully.
- Serve: Remove the tarts from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the rich mushroom flavor combined with the flaky, buttery pastry.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, omit any meat additions and stick to the cheese and vegetable toppings.
- To make the tarts vegan, use dairy-free cream cheese and skip the Parmesan or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative.
- Add other vegetables like spinach or roasted red peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
- Spice variations such as crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika add a nice kick and depth to the mushrooms.
- Ensure puff pastry is fully thawed before rolling to prevent tearing and uneven puffing.
- Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
