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Springtime Elegance: Asparagus Tart with A Twist Recipe

Springtime Elegance: Asparagus Tart with A Twist Recipe

5 from 29 reviews

A sophisticated and vibrant asparagus tart featuring a flaky crust layered with creamy cheese, bright citrus zest, and tender asparagus spears, finished with a drizzle of honey for a perfect balance of savory and sweet. Ideal for spring gatherings or elegant brunches.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade), chilled

Filling

  • 200 g softened cream cheese or ricotta
  • 1 tablespoon citrus zest (lemon or orange)
  • 1 cup grated cheese (cheddar, Gruyère, or Parmesan)

Topping

  • 12 stalks asparagus spears, trimmed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for brushing and tossing
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • 2 teaspoons honey for finishing

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crust: Roll out the chilled pie crust on a lightly floured surface until it is approximately 1/8 inch thick. Fit the rolled crust into a tart pan, ensuring it is evenly spread. Dock the base with a fork to prevent air bubbles during baking.
  2. Spread cheese mixture: Evenly spread the softened cream cheese over the crust as a base layer. Then sprinkle the grated cheese of your choice along with the citrus zest over the cream cheese to infuse brightness and enhance flavor.
  3. Prepare asparagus: Trim the asparagus stalks so they fit neatly on the tart. Toss them gently with olive oil, salt, and pepper to coat evenly and season.
  4. Arrange asparagus: Place the asparagus spears in a circular pattern over the cheese layer, starting from the outer edge and moving inward. This creates an attractive presentation.
  5. Brush crust edges: Lightly brush the exposed edges of the tart crust with olive oil to encourage even browning during baking.
  6. Bake the tart: Transfer the tart to a preheated oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 40 minutes, or until the crust is golden and flaky and the cheese filling is bubbling.
  7. Finish with honey: Once baked, remove the tart from the oven and let it cool slightly. Drizzle the tart with honey to add a subtle sweetness that complements the savory ingredients.
  8. Serve: Slice the tart and serve warm or at room temperature. Optionally, garnish with additional citrus zest for extra flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • Use either cream cheese or ricotta depending on desired texture; ricotta will yield a lighter, fluffier filling.
  • Grated cheese choices like Gruyère or Parmesan offer a nuttier flavor, while cheddar provides a sharper taste.
  • For a gluten-free option, substitute the pie crust with a gluten-free pastry crust.
  • Honey adds a nice contrast but can be omitted for a fully savory tart.
  • Asparagus should be fresh and trimmed to ensure even cooking and an attractive arrangement.
  • Letting the tart cool slightly before slicing helps the filling set for cleaner slices.

Nutrition

Keywords: Asparagus tart, spring tart, savory tart, cream cheese tart, vegetable tart, brunch recipe, easy pie crust recipe