Description
A delicious, elegant, and sophisticated Caramelized Mushroom Tartlets recipe: flaky puff pastry filled with rich, savory, caramelized mushrooms, garlic, and Gruyère cheese. A perfect 45-minute appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 oz cremini or button mushrooms, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 sheet all-butter puff pastry, thawed
- ½ cup crème fraîche or softened cream cheese
- ½ cup shredded Gruyère or fontina cheese
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish
- Flaky sea salt, for finishing
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a large skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add shallots and cook until translucent. Stir in garlic and mushrooms, season, and cook until the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown, about 8–10 minutes. Add balsamic vinegar and thyme; cook another 2 minutes until glossy and slightly caramelized. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the pastry: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the puff pastry sheet and cut into 2-inch rounds. Gently score a smaller circle inside each piece.
- Assemble the tartlets: Spread a thin layer of crème fraîche or cream cheese within the inner circle. Spoon a small amount of the mushroom mixture on top, then sprinkle with shredded Gruyère or fontina. Brush the outer edges of the pastry with beaten egg.
- Bake: Arrange the tartlets on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Finish and serve: Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and garnish with fresh thyme leaves. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Mushroom Browning: Cooking the mushrooms long enough to evaporate all the moisture is crucial for the deep flavor and to prevent a soggy tartlet bottom.
- Pastry Prep: Score the pastry lightly without cutting through. This allows the inner section to hold the filling while the outer ring puffs up beautifully.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the mushroom filling up to 2 days in advance; store it in the refrigerator until ready to assemble.
- Flavor Variation: Add a touch of truffle oil or a few drops of sherry to the filling just before assembly for an elevated, restaurant-style flavor.
- Festive Touch: Garnish with microgreens or pomegranate arils for a pop of color during the holidays.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking, Sautéing, Assembling
- Cuisine: French Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: whole tart (makes ~6 servings)
- Calories: ~1,850 kcal
- Sugar: ~14 g
- Sodium: ~1,050 mg
- Fat: ~138 g
- Saturated Fat: ~75 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~58 g
- Trans Fat: ~1 g
- Carbohydrates: ~120 g
- Fiber: ~8 g
- Protein: ~38 g
- Cholesterol: ~315 mg
Keywords: Mushroom Tartlets, Caramelized Mushroom, Puff Pastry Appetizer, Gruyère Tart, Elegant Appetizer, Savory Tart, Holiday Appetizer, French Appetizer, Quick Bake