Butternut Squash and Mushroom Puff Pastry Tart
The Butternut Squash and Mushroom Puff Pastry Tart is a savory and visually stunning dish that combines tender roasted butternut squash, earthy mushrooms, and flaky golden puff pastry. Perfect for cozy dinners, holiday gatherings, or brunch, this easy-to-make tart showcases seasonal ingredients with delightful flavors and textures, suitable for vegetarians and easily adapted for vegan or gluten-free diets.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian (can be made Vegan and Gluten-Free with substitutions)
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 3 cups)
- 8 oz fresh cremini or button mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
- 2 shallots or small onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1–2 teaspoons fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Pastry and Dairy
- 1 sheet store-bought puff pastry, thawed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (for roasting and sautéing)
- Optional: 1/2 cup goat cheese or feta cheese, crumbled
- Prepare the Vegetables: Peel and dice the butternut squash into small, uniform cubes. Toss the squash with olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs. Roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 25 minutes or until tender and caramelized.
- Sauté the Mushrooms and Shallots: While the squash roasts, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms, shallots, and garlic, sautéing until soft, fragrant, and lightly browned. Season with salt, pepper, and additional thyme.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry Base: Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Score a border about one inch inside the edges without cutting all the way through to create a raised crust when baked.
- Assemble the Tart: Evenly spread the roasted butternut squash within the pastry border. Layer the sautéed mushrooms and shallots on top. Dot with crumbled goat cheese or feta if using.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake the tart in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 20-25 minutes, until the pastry is golden brown and puffed. Watch the edges to prevent over-browning.
- Garnish and Serve: Allow the tart to cool slightly before slicing. Garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of balsamic glaze if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Roast squash in a single layer to ensure caramelization and avoid steaming.
- Keep puff pastry chilled and work quickly to maintain flakiness and rise.
- Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for brighter flavors.
- Pre-cooking mushrooms prevents excess moisture and sogginess.
- Score the puff pastry carefully to create a defined, attractive crust border.
- To make vegan, use vegan puff pastry and substitute cheese with plant-based alternatives.
- Freeze unbaked tart wrapped tightly; bake from frozen adding extra cooking time.
- Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) to retain crispness; avoid microwaving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of tart)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: butternut squash tart, mushroom tart, puff pastry tart, vegetarian tart, fall recipe, savory tart, easy tart recipe