Springtime Elegance: Asparagus Tart with A Twist Recipe
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.
- Author: lina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Brunch, Light Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired, Contemporary
- Diet: Vegetarian
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Brush crust edges: Lightly brush the exposed edges of the tart crust with olive oil to encourage even browning during baking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of tart)
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: Asparagus tart, spring tart, savory tart, cream cheese tart, vegetable tart, brunch recipe, easy pie crust recipe