Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Elegant and Flavorful: The combination of Gruyere cheese, asparagus, and puff pastry creates a dish that is both indulgent and light.
- Perfect for Spring: Asparagus is in season, making this the ideal time to prepare this fresh and colorful tart.
- Easy to Make: Despite its sophisticated appearance, this tart is incredibly simple to prepare, especially with store-bought puff pastry.
- Versatile: Can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a light main course for a brunch or dinner gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 to 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, defrosted
- 1 to 2 tablespoons honey Dijon mustard with balsamic vinegar or plain Dijon mustard
- 2 to 3 cups freshly grated Gruyere cheese (or any white cheese you prefer)
- 1 1/2 pounds medium asparagus, trimmed
- Fresh or frozen peas (defrosted)
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Additional Toppings:
- Fresh lemon zest
- Balsamic glaze (for serving)
- Fresh pea shoots
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the defrosted puff pastry to your desired shape, square or rectangular, on a lightly floured surface. Place it on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. If using two sheets of pastry, slightly overlap them and press together.
- Lightly score the edges of the pastry about 1 inch in and pierce the center with a fork to prevent it from puffing up too much. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden.
- Remove the pastry from the oven and let it cool slightly. Spread a layer of honey Dijon mustard (or Dijon mustard) on top, followed by a generous sprinkle of Gruyere cheese.
- Trim the asparagus to fit the tart shell and arrange it on top of the cheese, alternating the tips and ends. Add peas if desired and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Return the tart to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, until the asparagus is tender.
- After baking, remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with lemon zest and drizzle with balsamic glaze. Top with fresh pea shoots before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6 to 8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Use different cheeses like goat cheese or feta for a tangy twist.
- Add more vegetables, such as spinach or bell peppers, for extra color and nutrition.
- Try adding a poached egg on top for a more hearty meal.
Storage/Reheating
- Store leftover tart in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to maintain the pastry’s crispiness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute Gruyere with cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or goat cheese depending on your preference.
Can I make this tart ahead of time?
You can prepare the tart up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.
Can I freeze this tart?
Yes, you can freeze the tart before baking. Wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I substitute for Dijon mustard?
You can use yellow mustard or honey mustard as an alternative, but the flavor will differ slightly.
Can I use other vegetables?
Yes, feel free to add roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach to complement the asparagus.
How do I prevent the puff pastry from getting soggy?
Be sure to prick the center of the pastry with a fork before baking and let it cool slightly before adding the toppings.
Can I make a larger tart?
Yes, simply use two sheets of puff pastry and overlap them slightly. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
How do I serve this tart?
It’s perfect for brunch, a light lunch, or as a side dish for dinner. Pair it with a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Can I use frozen asparagus?
Fresh asparagus is ideal, but you can use frozen asparagus if fresh is not available. Just be sure to thaw and pat it dry before using.
Can I make this tart gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free puff pastry to make this recipe gluten-free.
Conclusion
The Asparagus Gruyere Tart is a simple yet impressive dish that celebrates fresh, spring ingredients. With its delicate puff pastry, savory cheese, and tender asparagus, it’s the perfect addition to any brunch or gathering. Try this recipe for a delicious and beautiful way to showcase seasonal flavors!
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Asparagus Gruyere Tart
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
The Asparagus Gruyere Tart is an elegant and flavorful dish, perfect for spring or Easter celebrations. Featuring flaky puff pastry, rich Gruyere cheese, fresh asparagus, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, this tart is a simple yet impressive option for brunch, lunch, or dinner. Its light, savory flavor and beautiful presentation will delight your guests.
Ingredients
- 1 to 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, defrosted
- 1 to 2 tablespoons honey Dijon mustard with balsamic vinegar or plain Dijon mustard
- 2 to 3 cups freshly grated Gruyere cheese (or any white cheese you prefer)
- 1 1/2 pounds medium asparagus, trimmed
- Fresh or frozen peas (defrosted)
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Additional Toppings:
- Fresh lemon zest
- Balsamic glaze (for serving)
- Fresh pea shoots
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the defrosted puff pastry to your desired shape (square or rectangular) on a lightly floured surface. Place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. If using two sheets of pastry, overlap them slightly and press the edges together.
- Lightly score the edges of the pastry about 1 inch in and pierce the center with a fork to prevent puffing. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden.
- Remove the pastry from the oven and let it cool slightly. Spread a layer of honey Dijon mustard (or plain Dijon mustard) on top, followed by a generous sprinkle of grated Gruyere cheese.
- Trim the asparagus to fit the tart shell and arrange it on top of the cheese, alternating tips and ends. Add peas if desired and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Return the tart to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, until the asparagus is tender.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with lemon zest, drizzle with balsamic glaze, and top with fresh pea shoots before serving.
Notes
- You can use goat cheese or feta for a tangy twist.
- Add spinach, roasted bell peppers, or other vegetables for extra color and nutrition.
- For a heartier version, add a poached egg on top.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
