Crispy Puff Pastry Asparagus Tarts with Gruyere
These crispy puff pastry asparagus tarts with nutty Gruyere cheese and fresh asparagus are easy to make and perfect for appetizers, potlucks, or gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed (preferably all-butter)
- 1 bunch fresh asparagus (about 1 pound), trimmed and blanched
- 1 cup grated Gruyere cheese
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Wash and trim the tough ends off the asparagus (about 1-2 inches). Blanch them in boiling salted water for 2 minutes until bright green and just tender. Immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking. Drain and pat dry.
- In a bowl, toss the asparagus with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and lemon zest if using.
- Lightly flour your surface and roll out each puff pastry sheet to smooth any folds (about 12×12 inches). Cut each sheet into 4 equal squares (8 squares total). Place the squares on the lined baking sheet.
- Sprinkle about 2 tablespoons (15g) of grated Gruyere evenly on each pastry square, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Lay 3-4 asparagus spears diagonally over the cheese on each tart.
- Brush the edges of each pastry square with the beaten egg to create a shiny, golden crust.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the puff pastry is puffed, golden, and crisp, and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Do not skip blanching the asparagus to keep it tender but crisp. Use cold puff pastry until just before baking to ensure flaky layers. Brush egg wash only on the edges to avoid soggy centers. Tent with foil if edges brown too quickly. For gluten-free, use gluten-free puff pastry. For vegan, use dairy-free puff pastry and cheese alternatives, and skip or substitute egg wash.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tart
- Calories: 210
- Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 1.5
- Protein: 7
Keywords: puff pastry, asparagus, Gruyere, appetizer, easy recipe, crispy tarts, homemade, party food, vegetarian