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 (or vegan cream cheese for a vegan option)
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon lemon juice
salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oik
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 350F (175C). 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 pasty soggy, you can microwave for 1-2 minutes on a microwave-safe plate.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20