Description
At its heart, the Puff Pastry Asparagus and Gruyère Tart is a savory open-faced pastry designed to showcase the beauty of seasonal produce. It belongs to the tradition of rustic French tarts known for their thin, crisp bases and concentrated flavors. Unlike a quiche, which is defined by a deep, egg-heavy custard, this tart uses a very thin layer of cream and mustard to bind the ingredients. This allows the primary flavors—the asparagus and the cheese—to remain the undisputed stars of the show.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 1 bunch fresh asparagus (trimmed)
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
- ½ cup crème fraîche or sour cream
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme or chives, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Pastry Base:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll puff pastry slightly to fit a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Score a 1-inch border around the edges with a knife (don’t cut all the way through).
- Brush edges with egg wash.
- Make the Filling:
- In a bowl, mix crème fraîche and Dijon mustard.
- Spread evenly inside the scored border of the pastry.
- Add Cheese & Asparagus:
- Sprinkle Gruyère cheese over the filling.
- Arrange asparagus spears neatly on top (all in one direction or alternating for design).
- Drizzle lightly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until pastry is golden and puffed, and asparagus is tender.
- Finish & Serve:
- Garnish with fresh thyme or chives.
- Slice into squares or rectangles and serve warm.
Notes
This elegant Puff Pastry Asparagus & Gruyère Tart is a stunning springtime appetizer or light main—flaky, cheesy, and bursting with fresh asparagus flavor! Serve warm or at room temperature, cut into squares or wedges. For extra flair, garnish with lemon zest, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, fresh herbs like thyme or chives, or shaved Parmesan. Pair with a crisp green salad, prosciutto-wrapped melon, or soup for a complete meal. It’s perfect for brunch, picnics, or Easter gatherings—pair with chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc!
- Prep Time: 15minutes
- Cook Time: 25minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1piece
- Calories: 280kcal
Keywords: Savory asparagus and cheese tart, Asparagus gruyere puff pastry squares, Spring vegetable pastry tart, Cheesy asparagus galette, Gruyere and asparagus brunch tart