Asparagus Tart
This Asparagus Tart is just the kind of appetizer that makes any get-together feel special. With crisp, buttery puff pastry, creamy ricotta, tangy goat cheese, honey, and fresh asparagus, it's the perfect balance of savory and just a hint of sweet. It looks fancy, but it's surprisingly easy to make!
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Easy Asparagus Tart Recipe
There's something magical about puff pastry. You can take a few simple ingredients and end up with something that feels bakery-worthy. Take this pear tart for example.
But it works well with savory recipes too - this asparagus tart is flaky, creamy, fresh, and just a little bit tangy: everything I want in an appetizer!
Whether you're hosting a baby shower, putting together a brunch spread, or just want something a little elevated for lunch, this tart fits the bill. I've made it for tea parties, casual weekends, and even as a quick "let's pretend we're fancy" snack with my kids, and it always gets compliments.
I love using ricotta for a light base and crumbling goat cheese on top for an extra pop of flavor. And the asparagus spears add that touch of green that makes the whole dish feel bright and seasonal!
Why You'll Love this Recipe
This savory asparagus tart is so good because:
- It's so simple to make. Just thaw, cut, layer, and bake!
- It looks impressive without the effort. Puff pastry makes everything feel elegant.
- Perfect for spring and summer gatherings. Think bridal showers, Easter, or tea parties!
- Flexible and customizable. You can swap out cheeses, change the shape, or add herbs to suit your style.
Ingredients
Here's your ingredient list for this asparagus tart recipe - everything should be easy to find!
- Puff pastry: Provides a buttery, flaky base that feels elegant with minimal effort.
- Olive oil: Brushed onto the pastry for a golden, crisp finish.
- Honey: Adds a subtle sweetness that complements the tangy cheese and savory asparagus.
- Salt and black pepper: Enhances all the other flavors in the tart without overpowering them.
- Asparagus: Fresh stalks trimmed and cut into thirds, perfect for topping each tart square with something vibrant and green.
- Ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, it balances the bold flavors of the tart and adds a smooth layer of texture to each bite.
- Goat cheese or feta: Adds tangy, salty richness. Crumble it on top for bursts of flavor in every bite.
- Lemon zest: Brightens the tart and gives it a fresh, citrusy finish.
Substitutions and Variations
Make this recipe your own with these creative substitutions:
Cheese: Try feta, goat cheese or grated Parmesan for a saltier bite. Or you can use something a little more melty like mozzarella, gruyere or fontina.
Shape: You can cut the puff pastry into rectangles or leave the sheet whole and slice after baking.
Herbs: Sprinkle with fresh thyme, chives, or even everything bagel seasoning before baking for more flavor.
Extra veggies: Thinly sliced shallots, peas, or cherry tomatoes would also be lovely on top!
How to Make An Asparagus Tart
Let your puff pastry thaw until it's soft and easy to work with. Room temperature is perfect. While that's happening, go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Once the pastry is ready, use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice it into 9 even squares. Then trim the woody ends off your asparagus and cut each stalk into thirds so they fit nicely on the tart.
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper. Brush that mixture over each square of pastry, leaving a little border around the edges. Add a spoonful of ricotta and gently spread it out, then place a few pieces of asparagus on top. Sprinkle with goat cheese and finish by zesting a lemon right over everything.
Pop them in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the pastry is golden and puffed. You can serve them warm or reheat them later. They're wonderful either way!
Madison's Pro Tips:
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Don't overload the pastry. A light hand with toppings ensures the pastry still rises nicely.
- Keep ingredients dry. Pat asparagus dry before layering to avoid sogginess.
- Zest after baking if you want the lemon flavor to stay extra fresh and vibrant.
FAQ
Yes! Bake the asparagus tart fully and store in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Definitely. Just layer as directed, bake whole, and slice into portions after. A pizza cutter works well for this.
While it's best warm, it still tastes great at room temp, especially for brunch or shower spreads.
How to Serve
This asparagus tart pairs beautifully with appetizers and desserts, like:
- Savory tarts: We love this Queen of Hearts tomato tart as part of a tea party or bridal shower spread.
- Salads: Fresh fruit salad is a delicious accompaniment.
- Cookies: These Earl Grey shortbread cookies are one of our favorite sweet treats!
I'd love to hear about your experience making this recipe! Please leave a comment and rating below!
Asparagus Tart
Ingredients
- 1 frozen puff pastry thawed & cut into 9 squares
- 2 tbs olive oil
- 1 tbs honey
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ pepper
- 9 asparagus stalks
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup crumbled goat or feta cheese
- zest from one lemon
Instructions
- Thaw puff pastry to room temperature.
- Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°F. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut into 9 square pieces
- Cut off bottom ¼ in of asparagus stalk. Then cut stalk in thirds. Set aside.
- Combine honey, olive oil, salt and pepper in small bowl.
- Use basting brush to brush olive oil mixture onto puff pastry, leaving only a slight edge of pastry without oil.
- Place one spoonful of ricotta on each square and spread ricotta to the slight edge of pastry.
- Place 3 pieces of asparagus onto tart.
- Sprinkle goat cheese on top.
- Zest lemon onto each square.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until squares are golden brown and puffing up.
- Serve immediately or reheat later.
Notes
- To make ahead of time, bake the asparagus tart fully and store in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
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These are PERFECT for a shower! Also everyone knows that tea parties are only an excuse for pretty plates and cute snacks. I'm for sure on board.
That's totally true! These old dishes are a family heirloom actually. They're so dainty!
This would totally be perfect for the mad hatter's tea party table! We'd be all over this! yum!
Thanks Angie! I would love to have a little tea party with these!
That puff pastry looks so good. I am jealous because there is nothing gluten free like it :-0
Have you tried this recipe?! http://www.bobsredmill.com/recipes/how-to-make/puff-pastry-gluten-free/
I'm such a sucker for puff pastry but throw some asparagus on there and I doubt I'd share a bite with anyone else!
It's totally okay not to share 😉
What a fun appetizer! I am so excited for this movie!
Thanks Des! I can't wait to see it either. I've heard great things!
Wow this looks great! I could snack on these all day long!
Thanks Meg! I hope you like it 🙂
We love asparagus at our house, so this definitely looks like a new favorite! Great recipe!
Thanks Sheena! I hope you like it 🙂
This makes one gorgeous appetizer!! Love it!
Thank you! I almost felt bad eating it because it was so pretty 😉
wow its looking so nice and I am sure its tasty too. I will try definitely. Love asparagus xx
Thanks Eva! It's so yummy!
It's so funny that we both did puff pastry tarts for this collaboration! Yours sounds sooooo good! I love anything with ricotta. I bet it goes so good with the crispy puff pastry and the asparagus. Yum!
Haha I know! I love that yours has tomato hearts- so creative! I think it would be too delicious to eat both of these at the same time.