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Easy Crispy Asparagus Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Tart

crispy asparagus goat cheese tart - featured image

A quick and elegant appetizer featuring flaky puff pastry topped with tangy goat cheese and fresh asparagus, perfect for brunch or entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
  • 1 bunch asparagus (about 1215 spears), trimmed and snapped at natural breaking points
  • 4 ounces goat cheese, softened
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Zest of 1 small lemon
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for brushing
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  2. Snap off the woody ends of the asparagus at their natural breaking point (about 1-2 inches from the bottom). Rinse and pat dry. Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
  3. In a small bowl, combine softened goat cheese, minced garlic, lemon zest, chopped thyme (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  4. On a lightly floured surface, gently roll the thawed puff pastry sheet into a rectangle roughly 12×10 inches. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
  5. Lightly score a 1-inch border around the edges of the puff pastry without cutting all the way through.
  6. Evenly spread the goat cheese mixture inside the scored border, leaving the edges clean.
  7. Arrange the asparagus spears neatly on top of the cheese, all facing the same direction. Brush asparagus lightly with remaining olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed, and the asparagus is tender-crisp. Tent edges with foil if they brown too quickly.
  9. Let the tart rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Thaw puff pastry in the fridge overnight for best handling. Score the pastry edges to allow puffing and prevent sogginess. Brush edges with olive oil or egg wash for a golden finish. Roast asparagus lightly before assembling for tender-crisp texture. Avoid overloading cheese to keep pastry crisp. Leftovers reheat best in toaster or regular oven, not microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: asparagus tart, goat cheese tart, puff pastry appetizer, easy appetizer, spring recipe, vegetarian tart