Hungry Healthy Happy

menu icon
go to homepage
  • About Us
  • Recipe Index
  • Meal Plans
  • Recipes To Your Inbox
  • Shop
search icon
Homepage link
  • About Us
  • Recipe Index
  • Meal Plans
  • Recipes To Your Inbox
  • Shop
×
Hungry Healthy Happy » Recipes » BBQ & Picnic

Easy Asparagus Tart

Feb 9, 2023 · Written by Dannii Martin · This post may contain affiliate links which earn us commissions if purchases are made · 9 Comments

98 shares
  • 58
  • 1
Jump to Recipe
A hand holding a portion of easy asparagus tart with a text title overlay.

Make the most of asparagus season with this Easy Asparagus Tart. A light and fresh spring lunch that is perfect for feeding a crowd. Crispy puff pastry layered with garlic and herb cream cheese, parmesan and perfectly roasted asparagus. It's cheesy, it's crispy, it is fresh - it really has everything! A delicious meat free meal with plenty of flavour.

A whole puff pastry tart filled with asparagus spears.

We love a fuss-free lunch, and it doesn't get much easier than this. Store bought puff pastry, some cheese and asparagus and you have yourself and light meal that you will want to eat over and over again.

Which is good, because it stores in the fridge for a couple of days too.

If you are looking for some other asparagus recipes, why not try our delicious Asparagus Salad, quick Air Fryer Asparagus, warming Asparagus Soup or our easy Feta and Asparagus Frittata?

Jump to:
  • Why You Will Love It
  • Ingredients and Substitutions
  • How to Make Asparagus Tart - Step by Step
  • Puff Pastry Tart
  • How to Adapt It
  • What to Serve it With
  • Storage
  • Extra Tips
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • More Asparagus Recipes
  • Recipe
  • Feedback

Why You Will Love It

  • A great way to use asparagus when it is in season
  • A light lunch
  • Perfect for feeding a crowd
  • Good for picnics and packed lunches

Ingredients and Substitutions

All the ingredients needed for this recipe with text overlay labels.

A full ingredients list, along with US Customary and Metric measurements, can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.

  • Puff pastry - We used ready rolled, store-bought puff pastry and we aren't ashamed to admit it. Whilst we try to make everything from scratch as much as possible, store bought pastry is one of our favourite time savers. We have made it ourselves before, and whilst it is satisfying, you really can't taste the difference. Buy an all butter one, rather than one made with shortening as it makes it nice and flakey and golden once cooked.
  • Asparagus - Follow all our tips below on how to pick and keep asparagus fresh, so that this recipe is the best it can possibly be. Make sure that all the asparagus is of even thickness, so that they are all cooked through at the same time.
  • Olive oil - This seasons the asparagus (along with salt and pepper) and helps to make it nice and crispy. Try to use the best quality you can (extra-virgin), as you will be able to taste the difference.
  • Cream cheese - Again, use the best quality that you can. We always use Philadelphia as it's nice and thick and creamy, and cooks well. Cheap cream cheese can tend to go a bit gritty once it is cooked. We also use a full fat cream cheese. For flavour and ease, we use a garlic and herb cream cheese, but you could buy plain and add crushed garlic and fresh herbs yourself.
  • Parmesan - You can never have too much cheese, right? Whilst you can skip this step, we add a sprinkling of parmesan on top of the cream cheese. It adds lots of flavour, and some crunch too. Be mindful that if you use parmesan it won't be vegetarian.
  • Egg - This is whisked to make an egg wash for the edges. It gives the tart the beautiful golden crust.

More ingredient substitutions and variations can be found in the recipe card.

How to Make Asparagus Tart - Step by Step

Prep: Remove the pastry from the fridge 10 minutes before using. Preheat your oven to 200°C/180°C(fan)/400°F/Gas 6.

A metal mixing bowl containing asparagus spears coated in oil.
  1. Step 1: Mix the asparagus and the olive oil together with some sea salt and black pepper and set aside.
A sheet of uncooked puff pastry with a boarder scored and fork prick marks.
  1. Step 2: Unroll the puff pastry and put it on to a rectangle baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use a sharp knife to score a 1-inch border around the pastry (this will make a nice crust) and then use a fork to prick the pastry inside the boarder (this prevents the base from puffing up when it is baking).
Cream cheese spread over the pastry.
  1. Step 3: Spread the cream cheese on the pastry (don't go over the boarder).
Grated Parmesan sprinkled over the cream cheese.
  1. Step 4: Sprinkle the parmesan cheese on top.
Asparagus arranged in a row on top of the cheese.
  1. Step 5: Arrange the asparagus on top of the cheese.
The border of the pastry brushed with egg.
  1. Step 6: Brush the edge with the whisked egg.
The cooked tart on a baking tray.
  1. Step 7: Put it into the oven for 25 minutes, until the pastry has puffed up and is golden brown and the asparagus is cooked through.

Puff Pastry Tart

We love puff pastry, as it has so many uses. We also keep a roll of store bought puff pastry in the fridge to use for pizza pinwheels, Cheese and Onion Pasties, Easy Sausage Rolls, Cranberry and Brie Bites, or Chocolate and Banana Pinwheels.

One of our favourite ways to use it is to make an easy puff pastry tart for a light lunch. We usually make our Tomato Puff Pastry Tart, but now we are in asparagus season and asparagus is abundant, cheap and full of flavour, we love using it to make a puff pastry tart.

How to Adapt It

Whilst the asparagus is the star of this puff pastry tart, you can add some extra vegetable for a bit of a nutrition boost. The key is to not weigh the pastry down too much, so don't go crazy with toppings.

But you could add a few slices of cherry tomatoes, or shiitake mushrooms. Some frozen peas work well too, and will give it even more of a green boost. Make sure they are quick cooking vegetables and not a root vegetable like carrot.

If you want to add lots of extra flavour, then you could either mix a tablespoon of pesto into the cream cheese, or add teaspoons of pesto on top of the asparagus before it goes into the oven - but I don't think that would look as presentable.

Why not try our Homemade Mixed Herb Pesto? Another option is a little Dijon mustard mixed into the cream cheese. You could add some lemon zest on top, or some herbs like dill, tarragon, mint or chives.

The tart cut into portions.

What to Serve it With

If we are keeping this as a light lunch, then we tend to keep it simple with a big green salad. The key to an epic green salad is to use a variety of greens, like romaine, spinach, kale and rocket.

You want leafy greens, but crunch too. Then you need the perfect dressing. Why not try our Lemon Vinaigrette, Honey and Mustard Dressing or Tomato and Basil Vinaigrette.

However, if we want it as a more filling meal, or we are serving it up to guests, then we add some sides to it. Here are some of our favourite side dishes that go perfectly with this easy asparagus tart:

  • Parmesan Truffle Fries
  • Oven Baked Onion Rings
  • Easy Roast Potatoes
  • Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli
  • Mustard Potato Salad
  • No Mayo Coleslaw
  • The BEST Air Fryer Chips
  • Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
  • Greek Potatoes
  • Garlic and Parsley Roasted Carrots
  • Mediterranean Potato Salad

Storage

Once cooled, slice the tart up and then the leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This makes them perfect for easy brunches or lunches, packed lunches or even taking on a picnic.

If you want to store it in the freezer, then the slices can be stacked with some baking paper between them and then put in a freezer bag. They will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.

To reheat the asparagus tart slices, make sure they are fully defrosted and then put them on a baking tray and cover with foil so they don't burn. Put them in a preheated oven at 180°C/350°F/Gas 4 for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Make sure the tart slices are piping hot throughout before serving. We don't recommend reheating them in the microwave, as they will go soggy.

Extra Tips

  • Make sure that you leave the ready rolled puff pastry out of the fridge for 10 minutes before unrolling, as this will prevent cracks. Don't leave it out any longer before you start working with it though, as it will become warm, soft and too stretchy.
  • If your puff pastry comes already rolled on some baking paper, then you can transfer it as it is on to the baking tray. Otherwise you will need to lay some baking paper on a baking tray and then put the puff pastry on top of that.
  • If you are using a frozen puff pastry, then make sure it has completely thawed overnight in the fridge before you start using it.
  • Make sure that all the asparagus is an even size, so that it cooks at the same rate. We like to use thin asparagus, rather than chunky ones, as they get nice and crispy by the time the pastry is golden. Otherwise the pastry might burn by the time the asparagus is perfectly cooked.
  • Every oven is different and some cook quicker or slower than others. Keep and eye on your tart in the oven, and take it out sooner if it is starting to burn, or leave it in a little longer if it isn't golden yet.
  • To stop the pastry going soggy, make sure that the oven it hot and to the correct temperature before it goes it. Make sure the cheese mixture isn't too sloppy too - that can happen if you use a cheap cream cheese.
  • Add some extra flavour by mixing some pesto or a little Dijon mustard into the cream cheese before spreading it on the pastry.
A hand holding a portion of tart over the rest of the tart below.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you choose asparagus?

Before you even get to storing asparagus and then cooking with it, you want to make sure that you pick the perfect asparagus. Fresh asparagus should be bright green with no signs of shrivelling. The tips might have a hint of purple to them, but you want them to be firm, and not limp.
Make sure the spears aren't wet and mushy - you are looking for them to be closed. Try to pick the thinner asparagus, as the thicker ones can be more woody and overripe.

Why does my puff pastry crack when it is unrolled?

If you pastry cracks when it is unrolled, chances are you didn't leave it out of the fridge for 10 minutes before rolling. Don't skip this stage.

Can you make an asparagus tart in advance?

Yes, you can make this in advance. You can either fully cook it and then store and reheat using the instructions below. Or, you could prepare the whole dish and then keep it in the fridge until it is ready to cook. It make need an extra few minutes in the oven if it goes in the oven straight from the fridge.

What other cheese can you use?

For the base we used a garlic and herb cream cheese (Philadelphia). You could use something like Boursin cheese too, or you could buy a plain cream cheese and then mix in some crushed garlic, or garlic powder with some fresh basil and parsley, or even dried. Mascarpone also works well for the base too.
We then sprinkled parmesan on top as it has such a strong flavour. However, you could swap it for a matura cheddar or gruyere cheese.

Can you make a vegan asparagus tart?

Whilst we haven't tried it ourselves, you have some option when it comes to veganising this recipe. Start with a vegan puff pastry and then use a vegan cream cheese. You can then skip the parmesan, or use a vegan alternative and leave the egg wash. It won't get as crispy, but it will still puff up.

More Asparagus Recipes

  • A bowl of asparagus soup topped with cream, croutons and Parmesan
    Asparagus Soup
  • Roasted Lemon Asparagus on a long serving plate with lemon slices.
    Roasted Lemon Asparagus
  • Feta and asparagus frittata in a round baking dish.
    Feta and Asparagus Frittata
  • Lemon asparagus and prosciutto pasta in a large round bowl.
    Lemon Asparagus and Prosciutto Pasta

If you’ve tried this easy asparagus tart, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - Use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.

Recipe

Easy Asparagus Tart cut into six portions.

Easy Asparagus Tart

By: Dannii Martin
Make the most of asparagus season with this Easy Asparagus Tart. Crispy puff pastry layered with garlic cream cheese, parmesan and roasted asparagus.
5 from 11 votes
Pin Print Save recipe Saved!
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: British
Prep: 5 minutes mins
Cook: 25 minutes mins
Total: 30 minutes mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 427kcal
Allergens:
An illustration of a carton of milk.
Dairy
An illustration of a cracked egg.
Eggs

Ingredients

  • 375 g (13.25 oz) Puff pastry - left out of the fridge for 10 minutes before unrolling
  • 300 g (10.5 oz) Asparagus spears - trimmed
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil
  • 1 pinch Sea salt and ground black pepper
  • 150 g (0.66 cups) Garlic and herb cream cheese
  • 40 g (0.5 cups) Parmesan
  • 1 Egg

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 200°C/180°C(fan)/400°F/Gas 6
  • Unroll 375 g Puff pastry and put it onto a baking tray lined with baking paper. Score a 1 inch edge round the pastry to make a boarder (this will make a nice crust) and then use a fork to prick the pastry inside the boarder (this prevents the base from puffing up when it is baking).
  • Mix 300 g Asparagus spears and 1 tablespoon Olive oil together with some 1 pinch Sea salt and ground black pepper and set aside.
  • Spread 150 g Garlic and herb cream cheese on the pastry (don't go over the boarder) and the sprinkle 40 g Parmesan on top.
  • Arrange the asparagus on top of the cheese and then brush the edge with the 1 Egg (whisked).
  • Put it in the oven for 25 minutes, until the pastry has puffed up and browned and the asparagus is cooked through.

Recipe Tips

  • Make sure that you leave the ready rolled puff pastry out of the fridge for 10 minutes before unrolling, as this will prevent cracks. Don't leave it out any longer before you start working with it though, as it will become warm, soft and too stretchy.
  • If your puff pastry comes already rolled on some baking paper, then you can transfer it as it is on to the baking tray. Otherwise you will need to lay some baking paper on a baking tray and then put the puff pastry on top of that.
  • If you are using a frozen puff pastry, then make sure it has completely thawed overnight in the fridge before you start using it.
  • Make sure that all the asparagus is an even size, so that it cooks at the same rate. We like to use thin asparagus, rather than chunky ones, as they get nice and crispy by the time the pastry is golden. Otherwise the pastry might burn by the time the asparagus is perfectly cooked.
  • Every oven is different and some cook quicker or slower than others. Keep and eye on your tart in the oven, and take it out sooner if it is starting to burn, or leave it in a little longer if it isn't golden yet.
  • To stop the pastry going soggy, make sure that the oven it hot and to the correct temperature before it goes it. Make sure the cheese mixture isn't too sloppy too - that can happen if you use a cheap cream cheese.
  • Add some extra flavour by mixing some pesto or a little Dijon mustard into the cream cheese before spreading it on the pastry.

Nutritional Information

Serving: 1portion | Calories: 427kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 47mg | Sodium: 390mg | Potassium: 155mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 708IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 131mg | Iron: 3mg

The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.

As all appliances vary, cooking times are a guide. Please note that by changing the serving size, the cooking time may also need to be altered.

You'll love these too...

  • Four four-compartment snack boxes containing various vegetables, fruits, crackers and dips.
    Easy Adult Lunchable Ideas
  • A bowl of high protein potato salad with a serving spoon in it.
    High Protein Potato Salad
  • A red bowl full of Greek yogurt coleslaw.
    Greek Yogurt Coleslaw
  • A large serving dish full of Summer pasta salad.
    Easy Summer Pasta Salad

Comments

  1. Mahy says

    May 05, 2021 at 7:20 pm

    5 stars
    Fabulous tart with my favorite ingredient! :-) I love using asparagus as much as I can, so this recipe is a winner for me!

    Reply
  2. Agnieszka says

    May 05, 2021 at 6:04 pm

    5 stars
    I love new ideas for asparagus because my husband is a huge fan of asparagus (I love it, too). This tart is such an awesome idea! Will definitely try it for dinner this week.

    Reply
  3. Carrie Robinson says

    May 05, 2021 at 5:35 pm

    5 stars
    This would make the perfect addition to a Mother's Day brunch menu! Looks delicious. :)

    Reply
  4. Katherine says

    May 05, 2021 at 5:02 pm

    5 stars
    Yum! What a tasty and easy way to enjoy seasonal asparagus!

    Reply
  5. Marlynn says

    May 05, 2021 at 4:48 pm

    5 stars
    I just bought some asparagus yesterday and this recipe was perfect for it! So rich and yummy and perfect for spring.

    Reply
  6. Dionne says

    May 05, 2021 at 1:31 pm

    5 stars
    I can never get enough of asparagus. This is a fantastic recipe to try!

    Reply
  7. Claudia Lamascolo says

    May 05, 2021 at 12:16 pm

    5 stars
    I need to run out and get asparagus I love it and this will be my new favorite recipe!

    Reply
  8. Shinta Simon says

    May 05, 2021 at 12:14 pm

    5 stars
    Thank you for this recipe! I found it super easy to follow and it was perfect for our weekend brunch. I am certainly making it again.

    Reply
  9. Kate says

    May 05, 2021 at 12:03 pm

    5 stars
    Gorgeous! I have some asparagus lurking in the fridge and was wondering what to do with it.... what a great quick and easy weeknight dinner with wow factor!

    Reply
5 from 11 votes (2 ratings without comment)

Made this recipe? Let me know! Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Dannii with a sunset behind her.

Welcome

My name is Dannii. Here you will find easy family recipes with a healthy twist.

Established in 2011, Hungry Healthy Happy has become one of the UK's most popular food blogs, with two successful recipe books published.

About me...

Salad Recipes

  • Roasted Vegetable Winter Salad in a white dish surrounded by crumbled feta.
    Roasted Vegetable Winter Salad
  • A plate of kale, watermelon and feta salad surrounded by watermelon slices.
    Kale, Watermelon and Feta Salad
  • A large bowl of chickpea tuna salad with a serving spoon in it.
    Chickpea Tuna Salad
  • Chopped Blue Cheese Salad in a large white bowl.
    Chopped Blue Cheese Salad
  • A bowl of watercress salad with a wooden fork and spoon in it.
    Watercress Salad
  • Little Gem Salad in a round white bowl.
    Little Gem Salad

Recipe Books

The Hungry Healthy Happy book cover.
The healthy slow cooker book cover.
the front cover of The Picky Plate eBook.

Popular Recipes

  • Leftover chicken pasta on a black plate.
    Leftover Chicken Pasta
  • Mediterranean Rice Salad in a large round serving dish.
    Mediterranean Rice Salad
  • Fourteen healthy flapjacks on a sheet of parchment paper.
    Healthy Flapjacks
  • A tortilla chip being dipped into some nacho cheese sauce.
    2 Minute Nacho Cheese Sauce
  • Sticky Ginger Beef in a bowl with rice and broccoli.
    10 Minute Sticky Ginger Beef Mince
  • Baked Egg Tortilla in a round baking dish.
    Baked Egg Tortilla (Tortilla Quiche)

Footer

Help & Information

  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Policy
  • Advertising
  • Blog

About us

  • About us
  • Newsletter Sign Up!
  • Press enquiries
  • FAQ

Follow us


Featured in

A selection of publications that Hungry Healthy Happy has been featured in

As an Amazon Associate we earn certain commissions from qualifying purchases. By using our site, you agree that we can collect and use your data. Our privacy statement has more details.

Copyright © 2011-2024 Hungry Healthy Happy • All Rights Reserved

  • 58
  • 1

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.