Easy Cheesy Asparagus Tart with Gruyere (Ready in Minutes!)

Whip up this simple yet sophisticated gruyere and asparagus tart in minutes! Perfect for brunch, lunch, or a light and satisfying dinner.

Spring is here, and what better way to celebrate than with this light, flavorful, and incredibly easy Cheesy Asparagus Tart with Gruyere? Inspired by my first homegrown asparagus harvest, this recipe comes together in a flash thanks to puff pastry and delivers a delightful combination of fresh asparagus and nutty Gruyere. Perfect for a quick lunch, tasty brunch, or light dinner – you’ll love how fast it is (mostly baking time!).

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Easy Cheesy Asparagus & Gruyere Tart in Puff Pastry

Yields: 6-8 servings Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 25-30 minutes

Forget complicated pastry making! We’re embracing the convenience of store-bought puff pastry to create a tart that looks and tastes like it took hours. The combination of tender-crisp asparagus and the rich, slightly savory Gruyere nestled in flaky, golden pastry is simply irresistible. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked!

Here’s how to make this tasty tart.

Asparagus Tart Ingredients

• 1 sheet (about 14 ounces) frozen puff pastry, thawed according to package directions
• 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small shallot or 1/4 small onion, finely minced (optional)
• 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten (for egg wash)
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Pinch of salt (if needed, depending on the saltiness of your cheese)

Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Fork
• Small bowl

Cheesy Asparagus Tart Directions

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare Asparagus: Snap off the tough ends of the asparagus spears. In a bowl, toss the asparagus with olive oil, minced shallot (if using), and minced garlic (if using). Season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
3. Unfold Puff Pastry: Gently unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet on the prepared baking sheet. If it’s a large rectangle, you can leave it as is. If it’s folded, gently unfold it.
4. Create a Border (Optional): If desired, create a slight border around the edge of the puff pastry (about 1 inch) by scoring a line with a knife, being careful not to cut all the way through. This will help the edges puff up nicely. You can also gently crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative look.
5. Layer with Cheese: Sprinkle about 3/4 of the shredded Gruyere cheese evenly over the base of the puff pastry, staying within your scored border (if you made one). If using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it over the Gruyere.
6. Arrange Asparagus: Arrange the oiled asparagus spears in a single layer over the cheese, ensuring they are relatively even.
7. Add Remaining Gruyere: Sprinkle the remaining Gruyere cheese over the asparagus.
8. Egg Wash: Brush the edges of the puff pastry (the border area) with the lightly beaten egg wash. This will help them turn golden brown and crispy.
9. Bake: Carefully transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed up, and the asparagus is tender-crisp. The cheese should be melted and bubbly.
10. Cool Slightly & Serve: Let the tart cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before slicing and serving. It’s delicious warm or at room temperature.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile asparagus and Gruyere tart can be enjoyed in so many ways! Here are a few ideas.

• Wine Pairing: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Rosé would complement the flavors of the asparagus and Gruyere beautifully.
• For Brunch: Serve alongside a fresh fruit salad, some crispy bacon or sausage, and a dollop of plain yogurt or crème fraîche. A mimosa or a glass of sparkling cider would be a lovely accompaniment.
• For Lunch: Enjoy a slice or two with a light green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette. The tart provides a satisfying and flavorful main course.
• For a Light Dinner: Pair it with a cup of creamy tomato soup or a chilled cucumber soup for a complete and balanced meal.
• As an Appetizer: Cut the cooled tart into smaller squares or rectangles for an elegant and crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next gathering.
• Elevate the Flavor: A drizzle of high-quality balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of fresh microgreens just before serving can add a touch of sophistication.

Prep Ahead Directions

Want to get a head start on this delicious tart? Here are a few things you can do in advance:

• Prepare the Asparagus: You can trim and toss the asparagus with olive oil, shallot, garlic, salt, and pepper for up to a few hours before assembling the tart. Store it covered in the refrigerator.
• Grate the Cheese: Shred your Gruyere and grate the Parmesan (if using) ahead of time and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
• Thaw the Puff Pastry: Make sure your puff pastry is thawed according to package directions. This is best done in the refrigerator overnight.

Important Note: While you can prep some components, it’s best to assemble and bake the tart just before serving for the flakiest pastry. Assembled unbaked tarts can become soggy if left for too long.

Asparagus Tart Tips & Variations

• Different Cheese: Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Fontina, Emmental, or a sharp cheddar.
• Herbs: Add some fresh herbs like thyme, chives, or parsley, either tossed with the asparagus or sprinkled over the tart before baking.
• Lemon Zest: A little lemon zest grated over the cheese before adding the asparagus can add a bright, fresh note.  
• Ricotta Base: For a creamier base, spread a thin layer of ricotta cheese mixed with a little lemon zest and herbs over the puff pastry before adding the Gruyere and asparagus.
• Individual Tarts: Cut the puff pastry into smaller squares or rectangles before adding the toppings to make individual tarts. Adjust baking time accordingly.

Storage Tips

• Leftovers: Store leftover baked asparagus tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, you can gently warm the slices in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the pastry is slightly crisp again. You can also microwave individual slices, but the pastry may lose some of its crispness.
• Freezing: Freezing a fully baked tart is not highly recommended as the texture of the puff pastry can change and become less flaky upon thawing. However, if you must freeze it, allow it to cool completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as mentioned above.

Final Thoughts About This Melty Gruyere and Asparagus Tart Recipe

This easy cheesy asparagus tart with gruyere is a delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The simplicity of the preparation makes it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings, while the sophisticated flavors will impress your guests.

Have you tried making tarts with puff pastry before? What are your favorite fillings? Let’s chat more about it in the comments below.

Need some dessert tart ideas? Check out this post from Martha Stewart.

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Enjoy your day! xo