VERY EASY ASPARAGUS PUFF PASTRY TARTS

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 👆🏼💚

Jump to:

• HERE ARE SOME RECIPES TO TRY NEXT TIME
• Asparagus tart with puff pastry
• Cheese and asparagus puffs
• ❤️ Here's why you will love this recipe
• Can I make these vegan?
• 🥄 Ingredients needed and substitution
• How to make asparagus puff pastry tarts
• 📝 Tips and Tricks
• ❓ FAQS
• Make-ahead, Storage, and Reheating
• Reheating

HERE ARE SOME RECIPES TO TRY NEXT TIME

Asparagus tart with puff pastry

Asparagus is a delicious and nutritious vegetable that pairs beautifully with puff pastry's buttery, flaky texture.

When combined with various fillings like cream cheese, you create the most delicious yet simple bundles.

Whether you make them with cream cheese, brie, a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, tomatoes, or mushrooms, these savory canapes are sure to be a hit.

Cheese and asparagus puffs

Easy-to-prepare asparagus tarts can be customized to suit any dietary preference.

Perfect for appetizers, canapes, or even a simple snack, asparagus puff pastry parcels are a must-try for any home cook.

❤️ Here's why you will love this recipe

• Take these to your next picnic or BBQ!

• They make an incredible light lunch. Serve them with a side salad.

• They make great nibbles if you need to bring them to a buffet or potluck.

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 and substitution

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 asparagus, trimmed

4 oz cream cheese (or vegan cream cheese for a vegan option)

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1 teaspoon lemon juice

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon plant-based milk (or regular milk for brushing)

Herbs (like thyme or rosemary) for garnish (optional)

How to make asparagus puff pastry tarts

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.

📝 Tips and Tricks

Work with Cold Pastry: Keep the puff pastry cold until you're ready to use it. Warm pastry can become sticky and difficult to handle. If it gets too soft, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes.

Prevent Sogginess: Ensure your fillings are not too wet. If using mushrooms or tomatoes, sauté them first to remove excess moisture. This will prevent the pastry from becoming soggy.

Don’t Overfill: Use just a small amount of filling in each parcel. Overfilling can cause the pastry to tear or not puff up properly. A little cheese and a few veggies go a long way.

Bake on Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the parcels from sticking and to make cleanup easier.

Garnish for Extra Flavor: Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley on top of the parcels after baking. This adds a burst of fresh flavor and enhances the 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.

Make-ahead, Storage, and Reheating

Make-ahead

1. 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're ready to bake.
2. 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 them until solid, then transfer them to an airtight container or a zip-lock freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Storage

1. Refrigeration: If you have leftover baked parcels, allow them to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the baked parcels. After they have cooled 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

1. From the Refrigerator:
   • Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the refrigerated parcels on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are warmed through and the pastry is crisp.
   • Microwave: Although not recommended as it can make the pastry soggy, you can microwave the parcels for 1-2 minutes on a microwave-safe plate.
2. From the Freezer:
   • Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the frozen parcels on a baking sheet and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are heated through and the pastry is crisp. You do not need to thaw them before baking.
   • Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the frozen parcels in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 15-20 minutes, checking for doneness and crispness.

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 💚

Print