Description
This Asparagus and Goat Cheese Tart with Puff Pastry is a stunning, bakery-style dish that is surprisingly easy to make. With its buttery, flaky crust, tangy goat cheese, and fresh spring asparagus, it’s the perfect elegant centerpiece for brunches, lunches, or a light dinner in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed but chilled
- 1 pound fresh asparagus, woody ends trimmed
- 4 oz (115g) goat cheese (chèvre), crumbled
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or chives, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pastry: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Unfold the puff pastry onto the paper.
- Create a Border: Lightly score a 1-inch border around the edge of the pastry with a knife (do not cut all the way through). Use a fork to poke holes (dock) all over the center area inside the border.
- Season the Asparagus: Toss the trimmed asparagus spears with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl until evenly coated.
- Layer the Ingredients: Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese inside the scored border. Arrange the asparagus spears over the cheese (alternating tips and ends looks beautiful). Top with crumbled goat cheese.
- Apply Egg Wash: Whisk the egg and water together. Brush the 1-inch outer border of the pastry with the egg wash for a golden finish.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and deep golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with lemon zest and fresh herbs. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Ensure your puff pastry is cold when it goes into the oven to get the best rise. Snap the asparagus spears manually; they will naturally break at the point where they stop being woody. For a touch of sweetness, drizzle a little honey over the tart just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer/Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6th of tart)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 45mg