Very easy asparagus puff pastry tarts make a quick and delicious savory light lunch or dinner. They feature spring asparagus with flaky puff pastry and cream cheese filling. These parcels can be made in advance, making them a convenient option for any host, whether it's Mother's Day, brunch, or a spring party.
Introducing asparagus in puff pastry 👆🏼💚
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💸 WHY THIS RECIPE IS BUDGET-FRIENDLY?
- You only need a few ingredients – Puff pastry, cream cheese, and a handful of asparagus. That’s it! Just 3 main items, all affordable—especially if you grab them on special.
- Asparagus stretches far – One bunch of asparagus goes a long way when chopped or halved. You don’t need loads to make each parcel feel gourmet. Serve with a simple side salad and you have a delious lunch or dinner.
- No meat, no problem – These are meat-free, so you're skipping the priciest part of most meals. Cream cheese gives that creamy, rich filling without needing anything fancy.
HERE ARE SOME RECIPES TO TRY NEXT TIME
PUFF PASTRY APPETIZER RECIPES
Whether you make them with cream cheese, brie, a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, tomatoes, or mushrooms, these savory snacks are sure to be a hit.
🌱 CAN I MAKE THESE VEGAN?
You sure can! Here's how:
- Check the Puff Pastry: Ensure the puff pastry is vegan. Many store-bought varieties are, but always check the ingredients list to be sure.
- Use High-Quality Vegan Cheese: Opt for high-quality vegan cream cheese
- Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to get creative with additional vegan-friendly fillings like caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Avoid Eggs: Use dairy-free milk to brush the pastry. This will assist with browning and making the pastry golden brown.
🥄 INGREDIENTS NEEDED
Note: Please scroll to the full printable recipe card at the bottom for ingredient quantities and the method.
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
1 bunch of asparagus, trimmed
4 oz cream cheese
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon milk
Herbs (like thyme or rosemary) for garnish (optional)
👩🏼🍳 STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the puff pastry:
Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface.
Cut the sheet into six equal squares.
Score the edges of each square about ½ inch from the edge, being careful not to cut all the way through. This will create a border that puffs up around the filling.
Make the filling:
In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese with the lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Fill the pastry squares:
Spoon 1 to 1 ½ tablespoons of the cream cheese filling into the center of each square.
Spread the filling to the edges of the scored border, leaving the border itself clear.
Prepare the asparagus:
Brush a little olive oil over the asparagus and sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
Assemble the parcels:
Place 2-3 asparagus spears across each filled pastry square.
If using mushrooms or cherry tomatoes, add a spoonful on top of the asparagus.
Finish the pastry:
Brush the edges of the pastry squares with plant-based milk (or regular milk) to give them a nice golden finish when baked.
Bake:
Place the prepared pastry squares on the lined baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
Serve:
Allow the parcels to cool slightly before serving.
Garnish with fresh herbs for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
❓ FAQS
Can I use a different type of cheese?
- Absolutely! You can experiment with various cheeses. Try goat cheese, feta, or even a vegan cheese alternative. Sprinkle over extra Parmesan cheese if you like.
Can I add other vegetables or ingredients?
- Definitely! You can add ingredients like caramelized or pickled onions, roasted red peppers, spinach, or even a bit of garlic for extra flavor. Just be mindful not to overload the parcels to ensure they bake properly.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know what you think by leaving a ★★★★★ star rating & comment below. It genuinely helps me & I really appreciate your support! Nikki 💚
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VERY EASY ASPARAGUS PUFF PASTRY PARCELS
- Total Time: 10 min Prep Time + 20 min Bake Time = 30 min Total Time
- Yield: 6 tarts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Very easy asparagus puff pastry tarts make a quick and delicious savory light lunch or dinner. They feature spring asparagus with flaky puff pastry and cream cheese filling. These parcels can be made in advance, making them a convenient option for any host, whether it's Mother's Day, brunch, or a spring party.
Ingredients
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
4 oz cream cheese
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon lemon juice
salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 tablespoons milk of choice
herbs (like thyme or rosemary) for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the puff pastry:
Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface.
Cut the sheet into six equal squares.
Score the edges of each square about ½ inch from the edge, being careful not to cut all the way through. This will create a border that puffs up around the filling.
Make the filling:
In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese with the lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Fill the pastry squares:
Spoon 1 to 1 ½ tablespoons of the cream cheese filling into the center of each square.
Spread the filling to the edges of the scored border, leaving the border itself clear.
Prepare the asparagus:
Brush a little olive oil over the asparagus and sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
Assemble the parcels:
Place 2-3 asparagus spears across each filled pastry square.
If using mushrooms or cherry tomatoes, add a spoonful on top of the asparagus.
Finish the pastry:
Brush the edges of the pastry squares with plant-based milk (or regular milk) to give them a nice golden finish when baked.
Bake:
Place the prepared pastry squares on the lined baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
Serve:
Allow the parcels to cool slightly before serving.
Garnish with fresh herbs for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
Notes
MAKE-AHEAD:
ASSEMBLE IN ADVANCE: You can prepare the asparagus puff pastry parcels up to a day in advance. Assemble the parcels as per the recipe instructions, but do not bake them yet. Instead, place the assembled parcels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cover them with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake.
FREEZING FOR LATER: If you want to make the parcels well in advance, you can freeze them. Assemble the parcels and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to an airtight container or zip-lock bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
STORAGE:
REFRIGERATION: If you have any leftover baked parcels, allow them to cool completely before storing them. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
FREEZING: For more extended storage, freeze the baked parcels. After cooling completely, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or zip-lock freezer bag. Baked parcels can be frozen for up to 2 months.
REHEATING:
FROM THE REFRIGERATOR:
OVEN: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175 C). Place the parcels on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes or until they are warmed and crisp.
MICROWAVE: Although this is not recommended as it can make the pastry soggy, you can microwaveit for 1-2 minutes on a microwave-safe plate.
Nikki says
Let me know if you have any questions. Nikki x