Definitely impressive, these Cheesy Asparagus Tarts are made with common ingredients and are super simple to prepare!

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Wow your family or your dinner party with these Cheesy Asparagus Tarts. While they look stunning, they're simple to make and require only common ingredients like cream cheese, provolone, and puff pastry. They're approachable enough for a Friday night but also fancy enough for a holiday meal.

It's the time of year when I find myself with armloads of asparagus in my kitchen.

Seemingly unable to walk by a display of fresh asparagus in the supermarket without snagging a bunch or two, I find that I almost always have more than I can make us of.

Almost. Because I'm no quitter. And because, after 34+ years of life on this planet, I still have yet to see an asparagus stalk I say no to.

When I have that much asparagus on hand even I run out of ideas of what to do with it. So, this year, I'm pre-emptively creating a recipe list of ways to make the best of all my loot.

This asparagus tart is exhibit A on that list. With a flaky crust, asparagus that is roasted just right, and a light dijon accented cheese filling, these tarts are a snack/appetizer/light dinner/brunch dish that I can't see getting sick of anytime soon.

These tarts are similarly delicious for a relaxed but special evening in as well as an impressive appetizer for a happy hour with friends.

One bite of one of these tarts and you may consider feverishly stocking up on asparagus, too.

This easy asparagus tart recipe is...

• Flaky
• Buttery
• Cheesy
• Deceptively simple to make
• Impressive
• A great recipe to highlight fresh asparagus
• Made with common ingredients
• Perfect for dinner parties, holidays, & Easter dinner
• But, also easy enough for a weeknight treat

If you're looking for a way to use up fresh asparagus, this tart recipe is for you!

Recipe ingredients

• Olive oil
• Asparagus
• Puff pastry - find puff pastry in the freezer aisle of major grocery stores. Let the pastry defrost at room temperature for a few hours or in the refrigerator overnight before making the tarts
• Dijon mustard
• Light cream cheese
• Sliced provolone cheese
• Lemon juice - fresh or bottled is fine

Ingredient substitutions

• Vegetables - though asparagus is the obvious start of this pastry show, you may also want to experiment with other roasted veggies. Broccoli and zucchini would be delicious!
• Cheese - provolone is one of my favorite mild cheeses. Sliced gruyere, muenster, fontina, or even gouda cheese would be so tasty on this tart.
• Cream cheese - full-fat cream cheese can substitute for light cream cheese, though the recipe nutrition facts will be different.

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A tip on storing asparagus:

Keep your fresh asparagus the longest in the fridge by storing it uncovered with the stem side down in a cup of cold water.

What is an asparagus tart?

Asparagus tarts are a puff pastry-based savory tarts that features fresh roasted asparagus. They often also have layers of cheese and other seasonings. Some are made in one large tart and others, like this recipe, are individually sized tarts.

How do you work with puff pastry?

Thankfully, most brands of puff pastry are very easy to work with. All you need to do is thaw the pastry for a few hours at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator. Then, unfold the pastry and then cut the pastry into rectangular pieces. There is no need to flour the surface or roll out the pastry.

This recipe is the easiest using premade puff pastry. I used Pepperidge Farm's brand and it was fantastic. Other brands are great too, I just recommend one that is in a rectangular shape so you don't have to roll it out.

If you're feeling ambitious you can always make your own puff pastry (also known as "rough puff") with this recipe.

How to make cheesy asparagus tarts ...

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Trim your asparagus (see my notes below for tips).
2. Toss the asparagus with oil and salt on a large rimmed baking sheet. Roast the asparagus for 5 minutes, or until bright green. When done, let it cool at room temperature until cool to the touch.
3. While the asparagus roasts: line another large baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. Gently unfold the puff pastry on a clean countertop or surface. Cut into 6 approximately 4 x 6-inch rectangles. Move the puff pastry rectangles to the large baking sheet.
5. Using a sharp knife, very lightly draw a ½-inch frame around the edges of each tart, being careful not to cut through the pastry.
6. In a small bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese and dijon mustard until smooth.
7. Spread 2 teaspoons of the cream cheese mixture on the inside rectangle of each pastry.
8. Cut the slices of provolone cheese in half. Place 1 half on the center of each puff pastry, on top of the cream cheese.
9. Divide the cooled asparagus spears between the puff pastry rectangles. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Remove the tarts from the oven and squeeze or sprinkle with lemon juice. Let the tarts cool until comfortable to the touch and serve!

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Pro-tips to make these tarts perfect every time:

1. Preheat the oven - this helps the asparagus to roast quickly and for the tarts to cook evenly.
2. Line the baking sheet with parchment paper - these tarts will stick to the pan if it isn't lined. Therefore, I recommend parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
3. Pre-roast the asparagus - otherwise, the veggies will be raw.
4. Cut the puff pastry with straight up and down cuts, not saw cuts - the straight up and down cut (like you would make with a chef knife) helps the pastry to still lift nicely. If you cut it with a back and forth saw-type cut, the pastry layers will stick together and not lift as well.
5. Lightly trace a rectangular border on the pastry pieces - this helps for the crust to lift well where the filling is not, creating the impressive flaky layers

How do you trim asparagus spears?

Here's my super simple way to trim asparagus: lightly but firmly bend the base of the asparagus spear. You'll notice that spear will naturally give in one area of it. More firmly press down against where the area gives and the woody steam will snap right off. Complete with the rest of the asparagus.

Where and how do you serve this recipe?

This recipe is incredibly versatile, making it perfect to serve a variety of ways. It is great served at ...

• Special weeknight dinners
• Dinner parties
• Happy hour
• Brunch
• Sunday dinners
• Easter
• Mother's Day

And any other time you're craving a savory cheesy treat!

How long do recipe leftovers last?

Tools needed to make this recipe:

• Chef knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Large Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Silicone spatula or large spoon
• Citrus juicer (optional)

Other spring recipes you'll love:

• Ricotta Grits with Roasted Asparagus
• Healthy Deviled Eggs
• Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Peas
• Carrot Soufflé
• Spiced Sweet Potato Fritters

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