Name: Mushroom and Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Tart Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 puff pastry dough (about 9-10 oz, defrosted, but kept in the refrigerator); 1 egg (for egg wash); 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash); 4 oz (1/2 cup) log goat cheese (room temperature); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 clove garlic (minced); 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme; 1 tablespoon butter; 3 cups white button or crimini mushrooms (stems removed and sliced approximately ¼-inch thick); 1 shallot (thinly sliced); ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon pepper

If you love the combination of earthy mushrooms and tangy goat cheese wrapped in a flaky crust, then you’re going to adore this Mushroom and Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Tart Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy enough for guests but is actually super simple to whip up on a weeknight. Trust me, once you try it, this tart will become your go-to for brunch, appetizers, or even a light dinner.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortlessly Elegant: Looks fancy but comes together fast with store-bought puff pastry.
Flavor-Loaded: The creamy goat cheese paired with garlicky sautéed mushrooms and thyme is a match made in heaven.
Versatile to Serve: Whether for brunch, a light dinner, or as a show-stopping appetizer, it always fits the occasion.
Family Favorite: I’ve made this countless times and my family never gets tired of it.

The image shows a rectangular tart placed on brown baking paper over a white marbled surface. The tart is divided into seven pieces with a golden brown, flaky crust that frames the filling. The first layer inside the crust is creamy and white, likely a cheese spread, topped with a thick layer of cooked mushrooms that are dark brown and slightly glossy. Small fresh green herb sprigs are scattered on and around the tart, adding a touch of color. A striped cloth is visible on the right side, and a wooden pepper grinder is positioned near the bottom right. The lighting is soft and natural, highlighting the textures of the tart and mushrooms. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Mushroom and Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Tart, mushroom goat cheese tart, easy mushroom tart, puff pastry tart recipes, vegetarian appetizer recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

This dish balances rich and fresh flavors beautifully. I recommend using fresh thyme and quality mushrooms since they really shine here. Also, keep your puff pastry chilled until you’re ready to work with it—that’s a trick I learned to get the best puff!

Flat lay of a rectangular sheet of puff pastry dough with clean straight edges, a small log of creamy white goat cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a peeled clove of garlic, a few sprigs of fresh thyme, a small white ceramic bowl with a pat of soft yellow butter, a generous pile of sliced white button mushrooms, a neatly sliced shallot, a small white ceramic bowl with coarse salt, a small white ceramic bowl with ground black pepper, one whole uncracked brown egg placed beside a small white ceramic bowl containing a lightly beaten egg wash, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Mushroom and Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Tart, mushroom goat cheese tart, easy mushroom tart, puff pastry tart recipes, vegetarian appetizer recipes

Puff pastry dough: Keep it refrigerated until you roll it out to ensure maximum puff and flakiness.
Goat cheese: Use a creamy log-style goat cheese at room temperature for easier spreading.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps mellow the garlic flavor.
Garlic: Freshly minced gives a sharp, aromatic kick.
Fresh thyme: Adds lovely herbal notes — dry thyme won’t give the same vibrant flavor.
Butter: Essential for sautéing to get those mushrooms golden and flavorful.
Mushrooms (white button or crimini): Choose fresh, firm mushrooms for the best texture.
Shallot: Gives a gentle onion sweetness that pairs perfectly with mushrooms.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out all the flavors.
Egg (for egg wash): Ensures that beautiful golden crust you’ll want to show off.

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.

Variations

I love tweaking this Mushroom and Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Tart Recipe depending on what I have on hand or the season. You should definitely make it your own and experiment a bit!

Variation: Adding caramelized onions along with the shallots gives the tart a deeper sweetness — my family absolutely adores it this way.
Variation: Swap out the white button mushrooms for wild mushrooms like chanterelles or shiitakes for an earthier, more complex flavor during fall.
Variation: If you want a vegetarian option with a bit of extra protein, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or walnuts on top before baking.
Variation: For a lighter twist, use part-skim goat cheese or dollop some ricotta mixed with goat cheese.

How to Make Mushroom and Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Tart Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Set your oven to 375°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper so your tart doesn’t stick and cleanup is a breeze. I usually do this first to get the ball rolling.

Step 2: Make the Goat Cheese Spread

In a small bowl, mix the goat cheese with olive oil, minced garlic, and fresh thyme. If your goat cheese is a bit firm, letting it warm to room temperature first makes spreading way easier. Don’t worry if the mixture seems thick—it’ll smooth out as you spread it on the pastry.

Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms and Shallots

I like to melt butter over medium-high heat, add the sliced mushrooms and shallots without crowding the pan, and season with salt and pepper. Let them cook, stirring occasionally, until all their moisture is released and then mostly evaporated—about five minutes total. This step is crucial; if the mushrooms are soggy, the tart won’t crisp up properly. Once done, transfer them to a plate and let them cool a bit.

Step 4: Roll Out and Prepare the Puff Pastry

Roll your chilled puff pastry into a roughly 10×15 inch rectangle. If the edges are a little ragged, trim them for a neat, professional look. Transfer the dough to your prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, score a 1-inch border around the edges of the pastry, making sure not to cut all the way through. This border will puff up beautifully while the center stays flatter to hold all your toppings. Don’t forget to prick the center area with a fork to avoid too much puffing there — this is a trick I discovered that really helps keep the tart looking pretty.

Step 5: Assemble the Tart

Spread the goat cheese mixture evenly inside the scored border on the pastry. If it’s a bit stubborn, just drop it by spoonfuls and gently smear it with the back of your spoon—a little rustic charm never hurt anyone! Then, pile on the sautéed mushroom and shallot mixture.

Step 6: Egg Wash and Bake

Whisk together your egg with a tablespoon of water and brush the puff pastry edges to get that gorgeous golden color when baked. It’s okay if you don’t use all the egg wash. Bake the tart for 20–25 minutes until it’s puffed up and the crust is golden. Once out of the oven, let it cool for about 15 minutes before slicing. This cooling step helps the cheese set slightly so it doesn’t all ooze out when you cut it.

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

Keep Puff Pastry Cold: Always handle your puff pastry quickly and keep it chilled until baking to get that amazing rise and flakiness.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When sautéing mushrooms, cook in batches if necessary to avoid steaming — you want them golden and dry.
Score, But Don’t Cut Through: Scoring the border helps guide the puff and keeps the tart neat — just be sure not to cut all the way through.
Cool Before Cutting: Let the tart rest so the cheese sets up; this avoids a messy, runny center and makes beautiful slices.

How to Serve Mushroom and Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Tart Recipe

A rectangular puff pastry tart with a golden, flaky crust forms the base layer. On top of the crust is a smooth, creamy white cheese layer that covers the middle part of the tart. The cheese layer is topped with a generous amount of cooked brown mushroom slices with a slightly glossy texture. Two sprigs of fresh green thyme rest on top of the mushrooms, adding a fresh contrast. The tart is placed on parchment paper over a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Mushroom and Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Tart, mushroom goat cheese tart, easy mushroom tart, puff pastry tart recipes, vegetarian appetizer recipes

Garnishes

I always finish my tart with a few fresh thyme sprigs right before serving. Not only does it look stunning, but it also adds an extra burst of herbal aroma that complements the mushrooms perfectly. Sometimes I sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt on top for an added crunch — it makes the flavors pop!

Side Dishes

Pair this tart with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a crisp arugula salad to bring brightness to the rich tart. For something heartier, a bowl of tomato soup is a comforting match that my family loves, especially in cooler months.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve served this tart on a wooden cutting board surrounded by small bowls of olives, nuts, and sliced cured meats for a delightful charcuterie-style spread at dinner parties. It’s always a conversation starter and so easy to share. Another fun idea is cutting it into mini squares and serving as elegant hors d’oeuvres at cocktail parties — just perfect finger food!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover tart wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container in the fridge. Eating it within 2 days keeps it tasting fresh. When I’ve left it longer, the crust loses a bit of its crunch, so I try not to wait too long.

Freezing

Freezing this tart is possible, but I recommend freezing it before baking — prepare the tart assembly, freeze it on the baking sheet until solid, then wrap it well and freeze. When ready, bake it directly from frozen at 375°F, just add a few extra minutes. This trick saves time on busy days.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to refresh the crispness of the puff pastry. I avoid microwaving because it makes the crust soggy and chewy, which is such a bummer after all that work!

FAQs

Can I use frozen puff pastry for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw your puff pastry in the refrigerator overnight and keep it cold while working with it. This helps prevent it from sticking and ensures it puffs up beautifully in the oven.
What mushrooms work best for the tart?

I prefer white button or crimini mushrooms for their mild flavor and texture, but you can experiment with wild mushrooms like shiitake or cremini for a richer taste. Just remember to clean them gently and slice about a quarter-inch thick.
Can I prepare parts of the tart ahead of time?

Yes! You can mix the goat cheese spread and sauté the mushrooms up to a day ahead. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Assemble and bake the tart just before serving for the best results.
How do I prevent the puff pastry edges from burning?

Brushing the edges with egg wash not only gives color but also protects them somewhat. If you notice the edges browning too quickly during baking, cover them loosely with foil halfway through to avoid burning.
Is this tart suitable for vegans?

This recipe uses goat cheese and butter, so it’s not vegan. However, you could try substituting with vegan cream cheese and a plant-based butter, though the flavor and texture will differ.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Mushroom and Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Tart Recipe turns out every single time — it feels like a special occasion treat but without the fuss. I remember the first time I shared it with friends, they were blown away by how something so simple could taste so rich and savory. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making this tart just as much as we enjoy eating it. Next time you want to impress without stress, give this recipe a try — you won’t be disappointed!