Why This Mushroom Tart is Perfect for Entertaining
This elegant tart combines the rich, dark complexity of Sticky Balsamic Caramelised Onion with earthy mushrooms and creamy goat cheese to create a show-stopping dish that's surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for brunch gatherings, dinner parties, or any time you want to impress your guests with gourmet flavors.
Serves 6-8 | Prep: 20 minutes | Cook: 45 minutes
Ingredients You'll Need
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
- 3-4 tablespoons Sticky Balsamic Caramelised Onion
- 8 oz (225g) mixed mushrooms (portobello, shiitake, cremini), sliced
- 4 oz (115g) goat cheese, crumbled
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 oz (60g) gruyere cheese, grated
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Prep the base: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out puff pastry in a 9-inch (23cm) tart pan, trim edges, and prick with a fork.
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Blind bake: Line with parchment and pie weights, bake 12 minutes. Remove weights and bake 5 more minutes until lightly golden.
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Sauté mushrooms: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and garlic, cook until golden and moisture evaporates (8-10 minutes). Season with salt and pepper.
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Create custard: Whisk eggs, cream, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
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Assemble: Drizzle Sticky Balsamic Caramelised Onion evenly over the pastry base. Layer with sautéed mushrooms, then crumbled goat cheese and fresh herbs.
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Add custard: Pour egg mixture over filling, sprinkle with gruyere cheese.
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Bake: Reduce oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake 25-30 minutes until custard is set and golden.
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Rest and serve: Cool for 10 minutes before slicing and drizzle Sticky Balsamic Caramelised Onion over the top prior to serving.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Make sure your puff pastry is properly thawed but still cold when rolling
- Don't skip the blind baking step - it prevents a soggy bottom
- Cook mushrooms until all moisture evaporates for the best texture
- Let the tart rest before cutting to ensure clean slices
Serving Suggestions & Wine Pairings
This versatile tart pairs beautifully with:
- Fresh arugula/rocket salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
- Light red wines such as Pinot Noir
- Sparkling wine for brunch occasions
Serve warm or at room temperature - it's delicious either way!
Nutritional Benefits of This Gourmet Tart
The Power of Sticky Balsamic Caramelised Onion
The star of this recipe,
Sticky Balsamic Caramelised Onion, brings more than just incredible flavor. This premium balsamic provides:
- Rich antioxidants from the balsamic vinegar base
- Complex umami flavors that enhance the overall taste profile
- Natural sweetness that balances the earthy mushrooms perfectly
- Artisanal quality that elevates any dish from ordinary to extraordinary
The mushrooms add protein, B vitamins, and selenium, while the goat cheese provides calcium and probiotics. This isn't just delicious - it's a nutritious choice for your entertaining menu!