Description
These Mushroom Puff Pastry Tarts are a delicious and elegant appetizer featuring sautéed mushrooms and aromatic herbs on a flaky puff pastry crust, topped with creamy cheese and Parmesan for a golden finish. Perfect for gatherings or a delightful snack, they are easy to prepare and bake to crispy perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 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
Dairy & Cheese
- 3 tablespoons cream cheese or ricotta
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Other
- 1 sheet store-bought puff pastry, thawed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter, for sautéing
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: 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 over medium heat in a skillet. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until they become fragrant and translucent. Stir in the chopped mushrooms and cook until their moisture evaporates and they begin to brown slightly. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme or parsley for a fresh herbal note.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet. Cut into your desired shapes such as squares or circles, and place them spaced apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Add the Filling: Spread a thin layer of cream cheese or ricotta cheese on each puff pastry piece. Then evenly top with the sautéed mushroom mixture. Finally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top to encourage a golden, flavorful crust during baking.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the prepared tarts for approximately 15 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden brown, crisp, and has puffed up nicely.
- Serve Warm: Remove the tarts from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the rich, savory flavors combined with the flaky, buttery texture of the pastry.
Notes
- Cheese Swap: Use goat cheese or feta in place of cream cheese or ricotta for a different flavor profile.
- Additional Vegetables: Add spinach, caramelized onions, or roasted red peppers to the mushroom filling for extra depth.
- Meat Additions: Incorporate crispy bacon bits or finely diced ham for a non-vegetarian option.
- Vegan Option: Substitute dairy-free cream cheese and omit Parmesan cheese to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
- Spices: Enhance flavor with a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a subtle heat or smokiness.
- Ensure mushrooms are well sautéed to avoid soggy pastry.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: mushroom tart, puff pastry appetizer, vegetarian appetizer, easy party snacks, baked mushroom tart, savory puff pastry
