Romantic Mushroom and Leek Tart

Name: Romantic Mushroom and Leek Tart
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: Serving for 4
Ingredients: 1 sheet of puff pastry; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium leek, sliced; 200g mushrooms, sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3 large eggs; 200ml heavy cream; 100g grated cheese (such as Gruyère); Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh thyme leaves for garnish

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely adore making this Romantic Mushroom and Leek Tart for special occasions or cozy nights in. The combination of earthy mushrooms and sweet leeks creates an irresistible filling that’s beautifully encased in a flaky, golden crust. As an added bonus, it’s surprisingly simple to prepare, making it perfect for those of us who want to impress without spending all day in the kitchen. Trust me, whether it's a date night or a celebration, this dish never fails to win hearts.

Created by

Amelia Grant

Last updated on 2026-01-14T00:52:17.544Z

When I first made this tart, I was looking for something that would feel both luxurious and comforting. The richness of the mushrooms paired with the aromatic leeks transformed an ordinary evening into something special. I remember my partner's awe when they took the first bite – it was an unforgettable moment!

After perfecting this recipe over a few attempts, I found that using a mix of fresh and dried mushrooms significantly enhances the flavor. Also, letting the tart rest before slicing allows the filling to set beautifully, ensuring each piece holds its shape. It’s truly a labor of love!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        The earthy richness of mushrooms combined with sweet leeks creates a heavenly flavor profile.
The delicate, flaky crust is the perfect contrast to the creamy filling.
It’s an impressive dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare at home.

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The foundation of this Romantic Mushroom and Leek Tart lies in the ingredients, particularly the mushrooms and leeks. The unique quality of mushrooms brings a rich, umami flavor that complements the sweetness of sautéed leeks. I recommend using a mix of wild mushrooms like shiitake or cremini for a deeper flavor profile. These options not only provide varying textures but enhance the overall earthiness of the dish.

The choice of cheese plays a crucial role as well. Gruyère is a fantastic option due to its nutty flavor and excellent melting properties. If you're looking for a lighter version, a combination of ricotta and parmesan can work wonders, adding creaminess while maintaining a lower fat content. Always taste your filling for seasoning, as the cheese can significantly influence the overall flavor.

Techniques for Perfect Pastry

For this tart, using a puff pastry is key to achieving that ideal flaky texture. Make sure to roll the pastry out to about 3mm thickness for the best results. While working with puff pastry, keep it cold; this ensures that the layers remain distinct during baking. If the pastry becomes too warm, it can lose its rise and become dense. Refrigerate it briefly if you notice it getting too soft.

When placing the pastry in the tart pan, ensure there are no air bubbles underneath, as this can lead to uneven baking. Press it gently into the edges and trim any excess. Once the filling is poured in, I recommend using a fork to pierce the pastry base several times, allowing steam to escape during baking. This prevents a soggy bottom, ensuring a crisp, golden result.

Ingredients

For the Tart

1 sheet of puff pastry
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium leek, sliced
200g mushrooms, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 large eggs
200ml heavy cream
100g grated cheese (such as Gruyère)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh thyme leaves for garnish

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). This ensures your pastry cooks evenly and becomes perfectly golden.

Prepare the Filling

In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté the sliced leeks over medium heat until they begin to soften. Add the mushrooms and garlic, cooking until the mushrooms are browned and any excess moisture has evaporated. Season with salt and pepper, then set aside to cool.

Make the Custard

In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, and grated cheese. Combine this with the cooled mushroom and leek mixture.

Assemble the Tart

Roll out the puff pastry and fit it into a tart pan. Pour the filling over the pastry, spreading it evenly.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the pastry is golden brown.

Serve

Let the tart cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme and enjoy with a salad or side of your choice.

Pro Tips

For added depth of flavor, consider using a blend of wild mushrooms. Serving the tart with a drizzle of balsamic glaze elevates the dish, making it even more delightful.

Make-Ahead Tips

This tart can be prepared ahead of time, making it a great option for busy occasions. After assembling the tart but before baking, cover it tightly with cling film and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before popping it into the oven to ensure even cooking.

If you have leftover tart, it can be refrigerated for up to three days. Simply reheat it in a 180°C (350°F) oven for about 10-15 minutes to restore its crispiness. To freeze, wrap slices tightly in foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

To enhance the dining experience, serve the tart alongside a fresh, vibrant salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. The tanginess of the dressing will perfectly complement the rich flavors of the tart. Consider arugula or mixed greens, tossed with cherry tomatoes and shaved cheese for added texture.

For a more substantial meal, pair the tart with roasted vegetables or a creamy potato puree. If you're looking to impress, add a dollop of crème fraîche or a drizzle of balsamic reduction on the side. It's a way to elevate the presentation and add an extra layer of flavor that will have everyone raving.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the tart ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the tart a day in advance. Simply bake it and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a lactose-free cream if you prefer a lighter version.

→ Is puff pastry the only option?

While puff pastry works beautifully, you could also use a shortcrust pastry for a different texture.

→ Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Spinach, kale, or even sun-dried tomatoes would make excellent additions to the filling.