Green Asparagus Puff Pastry Tart (Print View)
A crisp, golden pastry tart featuring creamy cheese and vibrant asparagus, ideal for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner.
# What You'll Need:
→ Puff Pastry
01 - 1 sheet (approximately 8.8 ounces) ready-rolled puff pastry
→ Vegetables
02 - Approximately 10.6 ounces green asparagus, woody ends trimmed
03 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
→ Cheese & Dairy
04 - Approximately 3.5 ounces crème fraîche or sour cream
05 - Approximately 2.1 ounces grated Gruyère or Parmesan cheese
06 - 1 large egg yolk (for brushing)
→ Seasonings
07 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
08 - 1 clove garlic, minced
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
11 - Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
# Step-by-Step Directions:
01 - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a standard baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
02 - Gently unroll the sheet of puff pastry onto the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, carefully score a 0.5-inch (1 cm) border around the perimeter of the pastry, ensuring not to cut all the way through the dough.
03 - In a small mixing bowl, combine the crème fraîche or sour cream with the grated Gruyère or Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined. Spread this creamy mixture evenly over the puff pastry, making sure to stay within the scored border.
04 - Artfully arrange the trimmed green asparagus spears and thinly sliced red onion (if using) over the cheese layer. Drizzle the entire surface with olive oil and, if desired, sprinkle with lemon zest for an added brightness.
05 - Lightly brush the scored border of the puff pastry with the beaten egg yolk. This step will help achieve a beautiful golden-brown and flaky crust during baking.
06 - Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 22 to 25 minutes. The tart is ready when the puff pastry is dramatically puffed and golden, and the asparagus is tender-crisp.
07 - Allow the tart to cool slightly on the baking sheet for a few minutes before carefully slicing it into individual squares. Serve this delightful tart warm or at room temperature.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- It looks incredibly sophisticated, but it's secretly one of the easiest things you can whip up.
- It's wonderfully versatile, equally at home at a relaxed brunch or as an elegant appetizer for dinner guests.
02 -
- That scored border is crucial for the puff; if you cut through, it won't rise and create that lovely frame for your filling.
- The thickness of your asparagus spears can affect baking time, so thinner ones might be done a minute or two faster.
03 -
- Keep your puff pastry chilled right up until you're ready to unroll it; a warm pastry can become sticky and hard to work with.
- Don't overcrowd the tart with too much filling; a lighter hand ensures the pastry can puff up properly and the flavors remain balanced.