Definitely impressive, these Cheesy Asparagus Tarts are made with common ingredients and are super simple to prepare! Cheesy, flaky, and ready in less than 30 minutes!
This recipe was originally published on February 11, 2021. It was updated with new recipe information on May 24, 2023.
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Table of contents
- This easy asparagus tart recipe is...
- Recipe ingredients
- Ingredient substitutions
- A tip on storing asparagus:
- What is an asparagus tart?
- How do you work with puff pastry?
- How to make cheesy asparagus tarts ...
- Pro-tips to make these tarts perfect every time:
- How do you trim asparagus spears?
- Where and how do you serve this recipe?
- How long do recipe leftovers last?
- Tools needed to make this recipe:
- Other spring recipes you'll love:
Looking to impress your family or dinner party guests with the perfect cheese and asparagus tart recipe? Look no further than these Cheesy Asparagus Tarts!
Despite their elegant appearance, these puff pastry tarts are actually incredibly easy to make using common ingredients like cream cheese, provolone, puff pastry, etc. They're perfect for a relaxed but special evening in or for an impressive appetizer to share with friends.
With their flaky crust, roasted asparagus, and light dijon-accented cheese filling, these tarts are a versatile delight. Whether you're craving a snack, appetizer, light dinner, or a dish for brunch, these tarts will satisfy your taste buds.
One bite of these tarts and you may find yourself feverishly stocking up on asparagus. So go ahead and give this recipe a try to create a flavorful and visually appealing dish that will leave everyone impressed!
Why You'll Love This Cheesy Asparagus Tarts
- Easy to make. With simple ingredients and a quick assembly process, this tart is a breeze to whip up, a go-to savory tart recipe, even on busy weeknights.
- Flavor: This asparagus puff pastry tart is all about flavor! The roasted asparagus pairs perfectly with the creamy and cheesy filling, creating a taste that is simply irresistible.
- Versatile dish. You can serve this asparagus tart as an appetizer, light dinner, or even a brunch option, making it a great addition to any meal.
- Budget-Friendly: This tart is a great way to use up leftover ingredients and pantry staples. Asparagus is a seasonal vegetable often available at a lower price point during the spring months, making this puff pastry asparagus tart a budget-friendly option for feeding a crowd.
- Family-Friendly: This cheesy asparagus tart is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Kids will love the crispy puff pastry crust and the mild, cheesy flavor, while adults will appreciate the sophisticated presentation and the rich, satisfying taste.
- Great for asparagus season. If you find yourself with an abundance of asparagus during its peak season, this tart is a delicious and creative way to use it up.
Ingredients
- Asparagus: Look for firm and fresh asparagus with a rich green color. Asparagus is usually in season from March to May in the Northern Hemisphere, but you can make this tart any time you find fresh asparagus that meets these recommendations.
- Puff pastry: You can find this in the freezer aisle of most major grocery stores. Make sure to let the pastry defrost at room temperature for a few hours or in the refrigerator overnight before making the tarts.
- Dijon mustard: This ingredient adds a tangy kick to the creamy cheese filling.
- Light cream cheese: Provides creaminess and richness to the filling without adding too much heaviness to the meal.
- Sliced provolone cheese: Adds a delicious cheesy flavor to the filling.
- Lemon juice: Fresh or bottled is fine. Lemon juice adds a bright acidity to the filling.
- Olive oil: Used to roast the asparagus and gives it a delicious flavor.
Ingredient substitutions
Don't be afraid to get creative with your ingredients and experiment with different flavor combinations. Here are some substitutions you can try:
- Vegetables: While asparagus is the star of this pastry, you can also use other roasted vegetables such as broccoli or zucchini to switch things up.
- Cheese: Provolone cheese is a great mild option for this asparagus tart recipe, but feel free to try sliced gruyere, muenster, fontina, or even gouda cheese for different flavor profiles.
- Cream cheese: If you don't have light cream cheese on hand, full-fat cream cheese can be used as a substitute, but keep in mind that the nutrition information may differ.
How to Make Cheesy Asparagus Tarts
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) and prepare a large-rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Trim your asparagus spears by snapping off the woody ends (see my notes below for more tips on trimming asparagus).
Step 2: On the prepared baking sheet, toss the asparagus with oil and salt, then roast them in the oven for about 5 minutes, or until they turn bright green. Remove the sheet from the oven and let the asparagus cool at room temperature until they're cool to the touch.
Step 3: As the asparagus roasts, line another large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Step 4: Unfold your puff pastry sheet on a clean surface and cut it into 6 rectangles, each approximately 4x6 inches. Transfer the pastry rectangles to the prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: Lightly score a ½-inch frame around the edges of each pastry rectangle using a sharp knife, being careful not to cut through the pastry.
Step 6: In a small bowl, mix softened cream cheese and Dijon mustard until smooth.
Step 7: Spread 2 teaspoons of the cream cheese mixture onto the inside of each pastry rectangle.
Step 8: Cut the slices of provolone cheese in half and place one half on the center of each pastry rectangle on top of the cream cheese.
Step 9: Divide the cooled asparagus spears between the puff pastry rectangles.
Step 10: Bake the tarts at 425°F for 10-12 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 11: Once out of the oven, sprinkle or squeeze some lemon juice on top of the tarts.
Step 12: Let the tarts cool until they're comfortable to handle, then serve and enjoy your delicious puff pastry asparagus tart!
Recipe Pro-Tips
- Line the baking sheet with parchment paper: Using parchment paper or a silicone baking mat prevents the tarts from sticking to the pan, making for an easy and seamless baking process.
- Pre-roast the asparagus: Without pre-roasting, the veggies will turn out raw and won't complement the other ingredients.
- Cut the puff pastry with straight up and down cuts: Using the straight up and down cut technique, similar to that of a chef's knife, helps the pastry to lift and creates a layered texture. Saw-type cuts result in the pastry layers sticking together and not lifting properly.
- Lightly trace a rectangular border on the pastry pieces: This trick allows the crust to lift well, creating impressive and flaky layers where there is no filling.
How do you trim asparagus spears?
Trimming asparagus is super simple. Gently but firmly bend the base of each spear and locate the spot where it naturally snaps. Press down more firmly at that spot, and the woody stem will snap right off. Repeat the process with the rest of the asparagus.
Serving Suggestions
This savory puff pastry dish is a versatile addition to your meal game, perfect for any occasion, whether it's a special weeknight dinner, a fancy dinner party, a casual happy hour, a cozy brunch, a traditional Sunday dinner, or a festive holiday gathering like Easter or Mother's Day.
Storage Directions
You may leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. However, it's best to consume this recipe fresh, and I don't recommend freezing leftovers.
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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)
More Spring Recipes
- Healthy Deviled Eggs
- Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Peas
- Carrot Soufflé
- Scalloped Sweet Potatoes
- Pesto Gnocchi
- Avocado Blueberry Salad
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