Name: Mini Mushroom and Goat Cheese Tarts
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon butter; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 (8 ounce) package fresh mushrooms, finely chopped; 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 1 (8 ounce) package refrigerated crescent roll dough; 4 ounces goat cheese

Why You’ll Love Mini Mushroom and Goat Cheese Tarts Recipe

The flaky puff pastry provides a buttery, crisp base that pairs beautifully with the earthy mushrooms and tangy goat cheese.

It’s quick and easy — ready in about 35 minutes with minimal prep.

Versatile: great as a starter, finger food, or a light main dish; feels a bit fancy without a lot of effort.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

½ sheet puff pastry
3 tablespoons butter
¼ pound mushrooms, sliced
2 cloves garlic, crushed
½ cup crumbled goat cheese
4 teaspoons finely chopped fresh parsley

Directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking tray.

On a lightly floured surface, unfold the puff pastry and cut into 8 squares. Prick each square several times with a fork. Place the squares onto the prepared baking sheet.

Bake the puff pastry squares for 7 minutes. Remove the tray, then flatten each square gently with the back of a spatula. Return to the oven and bake until golden brown — about 5 more minutes.

Meanwhile, melt the butter in a skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and crushed garlic; sauté and stir until mushrooms are tender — about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat.

Spoon the mushroom‑garlic mixture evenly over the baked pastry squares. Crumble goat cheese on top of the mushrooms, then sprinkle with finely chopped parsley. Serve warm.

Servings and timing

Makes 8 mini tarts (serves 2)
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

If you don’t have goat cheese, you can substitute crumbled feta cheese — it’s slightly firmer but still delivers a tangy, creamy finish.

For extra flavor, sauté a little finely chopped onion or shallot with the mushrooms and garlic.

Add a pinch of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the mushroom mixture for a more aromatic tart.

Make “mini tartlets” by using a muffin tin: press puff pastry squares into muffin cups and top with filling for individually portioned bites.

Storage/Reheating

To store: place cooled tarts in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

To reheat: warm in a preheated oven at 180 °C (350 °F) for 5–10 minutes, or until heated through and pastry crisp again.

FAQs

How do I keep the puff pastry crisp when reheating?

To preserve crispness, reheat in an oven (rather than microwave) at 180 °C (350 °F) for 5–10 minutes — this brings back the flaky texture better than a microwave, which can make pastry soggy.

Can I make these tarts ahead of time and bake later?

Yes — you can assemble the tarts up to the point of adding filling, then refrigerate (covered) for a few hours. When ready, bake pastry, then add warmed filling and finish baking.

Can I use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary instead of parsley?

Absolutely. Fresh thyme or rosemary — finely chopped — add lovely depth of flavor when mixed into the mushrooms or sprinkled on top before serving.

What other cheeses work besides goat cheese?

Crumbled feta, soft goat cheese with herbs, or even a mild ricotta mixed with a bit of salt and herbs can work as substitutes, though the flavor and texture will vary slightly.

Can I add onion or shallots to the filling?

Yes — finely chopped onion or shallots sautéed with the mushrooms and garlic add sweetness and complexity, giving the tarts extra depth.

Is there a way to make these tartlets vegan?

You could try using vegan puff pastry and substituting the goat cheese with a plant‑based cheese spread, though the flavor and creamy texture will be different.

Can I freeze these tarts?

You can freeze the cooled baked tart shells (without filling) in an airtight, freezer‑safe container. Fill and bake when needed for best results.

How do I prevent the puff pastry from puffing too much or losing shape?

Prick the pastry with a fork before the first bake and flatten with a spatula after the first bake — that helps prevent excessive puffing and keeps the tarts flat enough for topping.

What if mushrooms release too much liquid while cooking?

Cook mushrooms over medium-high heat until most of the liquid evaporates, and don’t overcrowd the pan — this helps prevent soggy pastry once assembled.

Can I double or triple the recipe easily?

Yes — you can scale the ingredients proportionally, but be careful when baking: you may need multiple trays and bake in batches to ensure even baking of all pastries.

Conclusion

These mini mushroom and goat cheese tarts are deceptively simple yet elegant — buttery puff pastry topped with garlicky mushrooms and tangy goat cheese makes for a warm, comforting, and flavorful bite. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, a cozy dinner for two, or party finger food, they’re sure to impress with minimal effort.