Mediterranean Mini Mushroom & Gruyère Pot Pies with Thyme
These Mediterranean mini mushroom and Gruyère pot pies with thyme are cozy, elegant, and deeply satisfying. They take the comfort of a classic pot pie and give it a refined Mediterranean feel with olive oil, earthy mushrooms, aromatic thyme, and nutty Gruyère cheese. Baked in individual portions, they feel special without being complicated. The filling is rich but balanced, the pastry is golden and crisp, and the herbs keep everything fresh. They work beautifully for a dinner party starter, a vegetarian main, or a make-ahead meal that feels indulgent without being heavy.
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 4 mini pot pies
Ingredients
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
12 ounces mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button)
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup vegetable broth
½ cup milk or light cream
¾ cup grated Gruyère cheese
For topping:
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
1 egg, beaten
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease four small ramekins.
Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat until melted.
Add onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add mushrooms and thyme, cooking 8 to 10 minutes until mushrooms release moisture and begin to brown.
Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir well, cooking for 1 minute.
Slowly pour in vegetable broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Add milk and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
Remove from heat and stir in Gruyère until melted and smooth.
Divide filling among ramekins, top with puff pastry, brush with egg wash, cut small vents, and bake 25 minutes until golden.
Tips
Use a mix of mushrooms for deeper flavor.
Cook mushrooms long enough to evaporate excess moisture.
Fresh thyme gives the best aroma, but dried works in smaller amounts.
Grate cheese finely so it melts evenly.
Let filling cool slightly before adding pastry to avoid sogginess.
Cut vents in the pastry to release steam.
Place ramekins on a baking tray to catch drips.
Brush pastry edges well for even browning.
Rest pies for 5 minutes before serving.
Season gradually and taste as you go.
Variations
Add leeks instead of onion for a softer flavor.
Use puff pastry rounds for a cleaner presentation.
Replace Gruyère with fontina or Emmental.
Add spinach or kale to the filling for extra greens.
Use white wine to deglaze mushrooms before adding broth.
Add a pinch of nutmeg for warmth.
Top with phyllo dough for a lighter crust.
Add roasted garlic for sweetness.
Include lentils for added protein.
Make one large pie instead of individual portions.
Q&A
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
Can I freeze them?
Freeze unbaked pies and bake directly from frozen.
What mushrooms work best?
Cremini, button, or shiitake all work well.
Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes, as written.
Can I make it vegan?
Use plant milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free cheese.
How do I keep the crust crisp?
Avoid overfilling and bake at high heat.
What can I serve with them?
A green salad or roasted vegetables pair nicely.
Can I skip puff pastry?
Yes, mashed potatoes can be used as a topping.
Why is my filling too thin?
Simmer longer before adding cheese.
How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate up to 3 days and reheat gently.
Nutrition
(Approximate per serving)
Calories: 420
Protein: 14 g
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Fat: 26 g
Fiber: 3 g
Calcium: 25 percent daily value
Conclusion
Mediterranean mini mushroom and Gruyère pot pies with thyme bring together comfort and elegance in a way that feels both familiar and fresh. The earthy mushrooms, creamy cheese, and flaky pastry create a satisfying balance, while the herbs and olive oil keep the flavors clean and refined. Whether served for a special occasion or a cozy night in, these pot pies deliver warmth, texture, and depth in every bite. They are the kind of dish that feels thoughtfully made and always worth the effort.