If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a simple yet elegant snack, you have to try this Mushroom and Gorgonzola Puff Pastry Tarts Recipe. I absolutely love this because it marries earthy mushrooms, tangy gorgonzola, and buttery puff pastry into these crispy, melty little tarts that are just irresistible. When I first tried this recipe, I was hooked instantly—these tarts are perfect for casual get-togethers or even as a quick weeknight treat that feels fancy without any fuss. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step so you nail it right from the start!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy yet impressive: You can whip these tarts up in about an hour, but they look like you spent hours in the kitchen.
- Flavor-packed mushrooms: Cooking mushrooms with shallots and fresh herbs boosts the savory depth like crazy.
- Perfect balance with Gorgonzola: The creamy, tangy cheese cuts through the earthiness of mushrooms beautifully.
- Versatile and customizable: You can make them vegetarian, add different herbs, or swap cheeses based on your mood.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients all work so wonderfully together in this Mushroom and Gorgonzola Puff Pastry Tarts Recipe, giving you layers of texture and flavor in every bite. I always recommend using fresh herbs if you can—they take the filling from good to unforgettable.
- Rough puff pastry or store-bought puff pastry: Homemade gives that extra flakiness, but store-bought works just fine for busy days.
- Egg for egg wash: This helps the pastry get that gorgeous golden shine and crisp edges.
- Unsalted butter: Because sautéing the shallots and mushrooms in butter amps up the richness.
- Shallots: Milder and sweeter than onions, they soften up beautifully for the filling.
- Sliced mushrooms: I prefer cremini or baby bellas for their meaty texture, but any mushrooms you like are great.
- Garlic cloves: Adds that lovely aromatic punch without overpowering the mushrooms.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Simple seasonings to let the natural flavors shine.
- Fresh thyme leaves: You’ll taste this herb throughout, adding earthiness and subtle brightness.
- Fresh rosemary: Just a little goes a long way in giving the filling an herbal depth.
- Balsamic vinegar: This splash brings a touch of acidity to balance richness perfectly.
- Crumbled Gorgonzola cheese: The star cheese that melts into creamy pockets of tangy deliciousness.
- Optional garnishes: Flaky sea salt, extra herbs, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze to make them shine even more.
Variations
I love that this Mushroom and Gorgonzola Puff Pastry Tarts Recipe is so flexible. I often tweak it depending on what I have in the fridge or my mood, and you should feel free to do the same. Personalizing it keeps things exciting!
- Mushroom mix-up: My favorite version uses a mix of wild mushrooms to boost texture and complex flavor—you could even add chopped walnuts for crunch.
- Cheese swap: If Gorgonzola isn’t your thing, Brie or goat cheese make creamy alternatives that melt beautifully.
- Herbal twist: Try swapping rosemary for sage or adding a pinch of crushed red pepper for a mild kick.
- Vegan option: Use vegan puff pastry, sauté mushrooms with olive oil, and replace cheese with cashew cream or a plant-based crumbly cheese.
How to Make Mushroom and Gorgonzola Puff Pastry Tarts Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Shallots and Mushrooms to Flavor Perfection
Start by melting butter over medium heat. When it’s bubbling, toss in sliced shallots and cook while stirring for about 3 minutes until they soften but don’t brown—that delicate sweetness forms the base for your filling. Then add the sliced mushrooms, minced garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Keep cooking and stirring until the mushrooms are tender and juicy—this usually takes around 5 to 6 minutes. The aroma at this point? Absolutely mouthwatering. Finish by stirring in balsamic vinegar to brighten everything up a bit. Set this mixture aside to cool while you prep the pastry—trust me, this step makes a huge flavor difference!
Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry
If you made your own rough puff pastry, make sure it’s chilled and ready to roll. For store-bought puff pastry, thaw it fully according to package instructions. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a roughly 10×17 inch rectangle about 1/8 inch thick. If you’re using two sheets of store-bought puff pastry, place one sheet on top of the other and roll to adhere. Then cut your dough into 10 rectangles about 3.5×5 inches using a pizza cutter or sharp knife. Don’t rush here—neat rectangles bake better and look prettier. Brush the dough all over with egg wash for that perfect golden finish, and crimp the edges with a fork to help prevent puffing too much around the edges.
Step 3: Assemble Your Tarts and Bake
Line two baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats. Transfer your pastry rectangles, and sprinkle about 1.5 tablespoons of crumbled Gorgonzola cheese on each one first. Then spoon a scant 1/4 cup of mushroom mixture on top, gently pressing down with the back of the spoon so the mushrooms stick to the cheese as the tarts bake. Pop them in a preheated 400°F (204°C) oven and bake for around 20 to 22 minutes, or until golden and puffed. You’ll love watching these puff up and turn that irresistible golden brown.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Remove the tarts from the oven and, if you’re feeling fancy like I do, sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt, some fresh herbs, or an extra crumble of cheese on top. A light drizzle of balsamic glaze is a game changer too! These are delicious warm, but I also like to serve some at room temperature, especially for parties.
Pro Tips for Making Mushroom and Gorgonzola Puff Pastry Tarts Recipe
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: When sautéing mushrooms, keep them in a single layer and don’t stir too often—this helps them brown nicely instead of steaming.
- Keep your puff pastry cold: The colder your dough, the better it puffs up during baking. If it warms too much, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes.
- Press mushroom topping lightly: This keeps the topping from sliding off and promotes even baking with the cheese.
- Watch the oven closely the first time: Puff pastry bakes quickly, so keep an eye to avoid overbrowning.
How to Serve Mushroom and Gorgonzola Puff Pastry Tarts Recipe
Garnishes
I love finishing these tarts with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a few fresh thyme or rosemary leaves, and a light drizzle of balsamic glaze—it really brings everything together. Some extra crumbled Gorgonzola on top right out of the oven melts beautifully and adds that wow factor.
Side Dishes
These tarts are great on their own for a snack or appetizer, but I like pairing them with a big green salad dressed in a lemon vinaigrette or a bowl of creamy tomato soup for a cozy meal. Roasted veggies or a simple charcuterie board also complement them perfectly when entertaining.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I’ve presented these on a rustic wooden board garnished with fresh herbs and little ramekins of balsamic glaze for dipping. Miniature versions of the tarts also work wonderfully for finger foods—just cut your rectangles smaller and adjust baking time slightly. They’re a real showstopper when arranged in a circle or layered on tiered serving trays.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These tarts hold up beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I usually store them in an airtight container or cover the baking sheet tightly with foil. This recipe makes a good amount, so you’ll have plenty of tasty leftovers.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these after baking, and the key is to cool them completely first, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. They reheat well from frozen in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, just keep an eye to avoid burning. It’s perfect for planning ahead!
Reheating
To get the best texture back, I prefer reheating leftovers in the oven rather than the microwave. Cover lightly with foil and bake at 300°F (149°C) for 8–10 minutes to warm through without drying out or getting soggy. If you’re in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave works, but the pastry won’t be as crisp.
FAQs
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Can I use pre-sliced mushrooms for this recipe?
Absolutely! Pre-sliced mushrooms save prep time and work really well. Just make sure they’re fresh and not too moist, as excess water can make the filling soggy. If you notice moisture, give them a quick pat dry before cooking.
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Is it better to use homemade or store-bought puff pastry?
Both work great, but homemade rough puff pastry offers flakier layers and a richer texture that’s hard to beat. That said, store-bought puff pastry is a fantastic shortcut that still yields delicious, flaky tarts—perfect when you’re short on time.
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Can I make these tarts vegan?
Yes! Swap out the butter for olive oil or vegan butter, use vegan puff pastry, and replace Gorgonzola with a plant-based cheese alternative or cashew cream. Adjust seasonings to taste, and you’ll have a delicious vegan version.
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How do I prevent the puff pastry from getting soggy?
Brush the pastry edges with egg wash and crimp them to seal. Also, make sure your mushroom mixture is cooled and not too wet before spooning it on the pastry. Baking at a high temperature ensures a crisp, puffed crust.
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Can these tarts be made ahead for a party?
Definitely! You can prepare the mushroom mixture and puff pastry ahead of time, assemble the tarts, then refrigerate for a few hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting cold.
Final Thoughts
This Mushroom and Gorgonzola Puff Pastry Tarts Recipe truly holds a special place in my kitchen. It’s one of those recipes that’s wonderfully straightforward, yet always impresses guests and family alike. The combination of savory mushrooms, creamy cheese, and crisp pastry is just timeless. Next time you want to treat yourself or delight a crowd, I hope you give this recipe a whirl—you’ll be so glad you did, trust me!
PrintMushroom and Gorgonzola Puff Pastry Tarts Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 10 tarts
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and savory Mushroom Puff Pastry Tarts featuring flaky puff pastry topped with a flavorful mixture of sautéed mushrooms, shallots, fresh herbs, and creamy gorgonzola cheese. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or light meal, these tarts are easy to prepare using either homemade or store-bought puff pastry and bake to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry
- 1 lb. homemade rough puff pastry or store-bought frozen & thawed puff pastry (2 sheets)
- Egg wash: 1 egg beaten with 1 Tablespoon water or milk
Mushroom Topping
- 3 Tablespoons (43g) unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup (about 90g) sliced shallots (about 2–3 shallots)
- 1 lb. (16 ounces/454g) sliced mushrooms
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 cup (120g) crumbled gorgonzola cheese
Optional Garnishes
- Flaky sea salt
- Fresh herbs
- Additional gorgonzola cheese
- Balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Prepare Pastry: Prepare homemade rough puff pastry dough through the second refrigeration step, or thaw store-bought frozen puff pastry sheets. Keep dough refrigerated until ready to roll out in step 4.
- Sauté Shallots and Mushrooms: Over medium heat in a large skillet, melt butter and cook sliced shallots, stirring often, until they begin to soften, about 3 minutes. Add mushrooms, minced garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Stir and cook until mushrooms are soft and their moisture has evaporated, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in balsamic vinegar. Set aside to cool slightly while rolling out the dough.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set aside.
- Roll and Cut Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll pastry dough into a 10×17 inch rectangle about 1/8-inch thick. If using store-bought sheets, layer one sheet over the other and gently roll to adhere, then roll to the desired size. Cut the dough down the middle lengthwise into two 5×17 inch rectangles, then cut crosswise into 10 rectangles approximately 3.5×5 inches each.
- Assemble Tarts: Brush each pastry rectangle with the egg wash and crimp edges using a fork. Place the rectangles on the prepared baking sheets, five per sheet. Sprinkle about 1.5 Tablespoons of crumbled gorgonzola cheese on each tart. Spoon about a scant 1/4 cup of the mushroom mixture on top of the cheese, lightly pressing the topping with the back of a spoon so it adheres.
- Bake: Bake the tarts in the preheated oven for 20 to 22 minutes or until the puff pastry is puffed and golden brown all over.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and optionally garnish with flaky sea salt, more fresh herbs, extra cheese, and/or a drizzle of balsamic glaze. These tarts are best served warm or at room temperature.
- Store and Reheat: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or covered with foil in a 300°F (149°C) oven for 8 to 10 minutes.
Notes
- These savory mushroom tarts make a perfect appetizer, snack, or light meal.
- You can use either homemade rough puff pastry or store-bought puff pastry sheets.
- Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary add a fragrant depth of flavor.
- Gorgonzola cheese adds creamy tanginess balancing the earthiness of mushrooms.
- Optional garnishes like flaky sea salt and balsamic glaze elevate the presentation and flavor profile.
- Make sure to sauté mushrooms thoroughly to avoid excess moisture that can make the pastry soggy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tart
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg