Asparagus Tart Recipe: How to Make Asparagus Puff Pastry Tart
Written by MasterClass
Last updated: May 10, 2022 • 3 min read
This easy asparagus tart is the perfect way to celebrate the delicate flavor of asparagus when it makes its appearance in the early days of spring. A buttery puff pastry base gets layered with fresh asparagus, soft cheese, and herbs, then baked and served warm. This easy tart bakes up quickly and takes just a few minutes of prep time.
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What Is an Asparagus Tart?
Asparagus tart is a springtime dish with a flaky pastry base layered with soft cheese, lemon zest, and green herbs, then topped with quickly blanched asparagus. You can use a soft cheese like chèvre, farmer’s cheese, or ricotta to make a creamy, herb-laced filling. Unlike an asparagus quiche, which uses eggs to make a custard-like base, this easy tart is cheesy and light. Slice the tart into small squares for the perfect appetizer for a dinner party, or serve a slice alongside a spring green salad for a leisurely brunch.
Blanching asparagus (and other spring vegetables like peas and fava beans) preserves their bright green color and verdant snap. Their grassy green flavors pair well with bold goat cheese or Gruyère cheese.
3 Tips for Making an Asparagus Tart
Soft cheese, cooked asparagus, and premade puff pastry make an impressive tart that’s simpler to prepare than it looks. Here’s what else to know about this easy recipe:
- 1. Use puff pastry. Whether store-bought or homemade, puff pastry dough is a light and fluffy base for an asparagus tart. You can shape it into different free-form styles, and the buttery layers bake up quickly. Learn how to make it from scratch with this easy puff pastry recipe. If you want to use a pâte brisée or pie crust instead, try this recipe for a free-form galette; just omit the sugar and spread a creamy cheese into the center of the dough before layering it with asparagus.
- 2. Parcook the asparagus. Cook the asparagus for a few minutes before baking it to ensure that the moisture stays locked in rather than becoming stringy or dry. You can grill, blanch, roast, or smoke the asparagus before assembling the tart.
- 3. Use an egg wash. An egg wash makes puff pastry extra golden and shiny. Make a quick egg wash by blending the egg yolk with a tablespoon of water to brush the exposed pastry. Instead of discarding the egg white, whip it into the cheese filling for added structure.
Cheesy Asparagus Tart Recipe
makes
prep time
5 mintotal time
30 mincook time
25 minIngredients
Note: Total time does not include 4 minutes of inactive time.
- 1
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 2
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk the soft cheese, egg white, and mustard into a uniform mixture.
- 3
Stir in the Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, mint, and thyme.
- 4
Season the cheese mixture with the lemon zest, salt, and pepper, and set it aside.
- 5
Lightly flour a clean work surface.
- 6
Transfer the puff pastry to the floured surface and use a rolling pin to gently roll out any creases in the puff pastry sheet.
- 7
Transfer the puff pastry to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- 8
Spread the cheese mixture in an even layer onto the puff pastry, leaving a 1-inch border.
- 9
Toss the blanched asparagus with olive oil to coat.
- 10
Arrange the asparagus in an even layer across the top of the cheese filling, leaving a bit of space between the asparagus spears.
- 11
Fold the border over to seal the edges of the cheese filling.
- 12
In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolk with 1 tablespoon of water to make an egg wash.
- 13
Brush the egg wash over any exposed edges of the puff pastry.
- 14
Bake the assembled tart until the pastry is puffed and golden brown, about 20–25 minutes.
- 15
Let the tart cool slightly, about 3–4 minutes, before slicing with a sharp knife. Serve warm.
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