Effortlessly impress your guests with this rich, savory, and flaky appetizer.
While I’m preparing to host a potluck party, it takes me a few minutes to consider what I’d like to make. I want a dish that’s easy, but also something that will make my guests go back for seconds and ask for the recipe. Homemade pizzas are easy, but they’re too heavy when paired with other dishes that people bring. So, I go to the store and buy some puff pastry so that I can craft a light and airy asparagus tart.
This finger food turns the common craving for pizza on its head by introducing a buttery and flaky pastry instead of a dense crust. Even the picky eaters in my family end up doing a double take—the asparagus tart looks that lovely. Each tasty bite has a heavenly blend of cheese, garlic, and greens, with a hint of tangy Dijon mustard. I also like to keep some slices of lemon handy, in case anyone wants to squeeze fresh lemon juice onto their pieces for extra tanginess.
Overall, this decadent little dish is a great way to introduce your loved ones to the beauty of asparagus. After all, it tends to be an overlooked veggie. But the tasty tart brings out the best of it for everyone to enjoy.
What exactly is a tart?
At first glance, it might seem strange. How could a tart be savory? Isn’t it supposed to be sweet? Well, actually, there are many savory variations out there, like this one. In fact, the word tart comes from the French word tarte, referring to a flat open-topped pastry, which in turn comes from Latin torta panis, meaning “round loaf of bread.” In this recipe, we’re using a puff pastry, which becomes light and flaky when baked, due to the carefully crafted layers of butter and dough. Since this pastry has its own mild and neutral flavor, it makes an excellent base for all kinds of different flavors—savory, sweet, or even spicy.
How do I store leftovers?
Make sure your leftover asparagus tart is at room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate it for up to 3 days and then reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes. You can also heat up your portion in the microwave for about 30 seconds, but keep in mind that this will soften the texture a great deal.
Similar recipes to try
As one of the stars of a party, asparagus tart pairs beautifully with other delicate appetizers like Spinach Puffs or a Mushroom Tart. But if you want to experience the awesomeness of asparagus in a completely different way, then try Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus or Keto Chicken And Asparagus With White Cheddar Sauce.
Asparagus Tart
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry thawed
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1 shallot minced
- 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1 pound thin fresh asparagus trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Lightly flour a work surface and roll out the puff pastry into an 11×14-inch rectangle. Transfer the pastry to the prepared baking sheet.
- Using a fork, prick the pastry all over to keep it flat. Brush the surface evenly with Dijon mustard, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Sprinkle the minced garlic, minced shallot, and shredded Gruyère cheese inside the border, then arrange the asparagus spears neatly on top.
- Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the pastry is golden and puffed. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
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