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 1/2 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 1/2 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.
📝 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.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish, Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American