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Asparagus Tart Recipe Easy Spring Appetizer with Puff Pastry

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This easy asparagus tart features crisp puff pastry, creamy herbed cheese, and fresh asparagus for a stunning spring appetizer or brunch dish. It comes together quickly and is endlessly adaptable for gatherings or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (about 89 oz), thawed
  • All-purpose flour, for dusting
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tbsp water
  • 1 bunch fresh asparagus (about 1 lb), trimmed
  • 1/2 cup soft herbed cheese (such as Boursin, garlic & herb cream cheese, or goat cheese)
  • 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese (or mozzarella for milder flavor)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp lemon zest (optional)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of kosher salt, to taste
  • Fresh chives or parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional garnish)
  • Lemon wedges (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Lightly dust countertop with flour. Unfold thawed puff pastry and roll into a rectangle about 10″x14″.
  3. Transfer pastry to lined baking sheet. Score a 1-inch border around the edge (do not cut through). Prick center with a fork.
  4. Beat egg with 1 tbsp water. Brush border with egg wash. Bake for 10 minutes, until lightly puffed and starting to color.
  5. While pastry bakes, rinse and trim asparagus. Snap off woody ends. Slice thick spears in half lengthwise if needed.
  6. In a small bowl, mix herbed cheese, half the Parmesan, and lemon zest (if using).
  7. After first bake, gently press down any puffed center. Spread cheese mixture inside border. Sprinkle with shredded Gruyère and remaining Parmesan.
  8. Arrange asparagus spears in a single layer over cheese. Brush with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
  9. Return to oven and bake 18–22 minutes, until pastry is golden, cheese is melted, and asparagus is tender.
  10. Cool for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh herbs, red pepper flakes, and a squeeze of lemon if desired.
  11. Slice into squares or strips. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Keep puff pastry cold for best results. Pre-bake the pastry to avoid a soggy bottom. You can swap cheeses or add other spring vegetables. Serve fresh for maximum crispness; leftovers reheat well in the oven. For gluten-free or vegan adaptations, use specialty puff pastry and plant-based cheeses.

Nutrition

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