Easy Puff Pastry Asparagus Tart

Creating this Asparagus Tart with Puff Pastry

It was a cold spring, delaying the arrival of fresh asparagus at the farmers market.

Each week, I checked eagerly, only to return empty-handed—until, finally, the bright green stalks appeared, ready to be whisked away in my basket. I paired them with a brick of Gruyère cheese from another vendor, and just like that, I had the makings of a beautiful late-spring meal.

For weeks, I had been eyeing asparagus tarts, inspired by their crisp, golden layers and elegant simplicity. I knew I had to make my own.

And when I did, it became more than just a meal—it was a shared experience. My neighbors, who always welcome me to drop off extras from my kitchen, returned the favor, turning a simple tart into an impromptu gathering.

Spring always feels like a fresh start. After months of hibernation, we emerge eager to reconnect. This might mean open-door evenings, casual happy hours, or simply sharing good food with friends.

This tart may look sophisticated, but it couldn’t be easier to make.

With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, this asparagus tart comes together beautifully. Serve it as an appetizer, light meal, or brunch dish—it’s a perfect way to showcase fresh asparagus at its peak. However you enjoy it, one thing is certain: good food is always better when shared.

This recipe for Asparagus Tart was shared by Shaina of Food for My Family on June 13, 2011. It has been updated for clarity, to include additional information, and new photos.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

Tools Needed for This Recipe

You’ll need a few kitchen tools to prepare this puff pastry asparagus tart. Here’s what I recommend having on hand before getting started:

• Cookie Sheet or Baking Pan: For baking the puff pastry tart.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Rolling Pin: To roll puff pastry into the required size.
• Small Mixing Bowl: For preparing the cheese filling.
• Knife and Cutting Board: To trim the asparagus spears.
• Spatula or Spoon: For spreading the filling evenly onto the pastry.
• Small Whisk or Fork: For mixing the egg yolks, sour cream, and Dijon mustard filling.

What’s in This Asparagus Puff Pastry Tart?

This simple yet flavorful tart comes together with just a handful of ingredients! Before you start, take a moment to check your pantry and fridge to make sure you have everything on hand.

For exact measurements and full instructions, scroll to the FREE printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

• Puff Pastry – A flaky, buttery base that bakes up golden and crisp. Store-bought puff pastry makes this recipe quick and effortless!
• Fresh Asparagus – Look for thin, bright green spears for the best texture and flavor.
• Crème Fraîche or Sour Cream – Adds a creamy, tangy richness to balance the savory elements.
• Egg Yolk – Helps create a smooth, luscious filling.
• Dijon Mustard – A touch of Dijon enhances the depth of flavor without overpowering the tart.
• Gruyère Cheese – A nutty, melty cheese that pairs beautifully with asparagus. Freshly grated is best!
• Salt & Black Pepper – Simple seasonings that bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.

Tips for Making the Best Asparagus Tart

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about how to make this recipe? Here are the answers to a few commonly asked questions. Feel free to leave any other questions in the comments on this post and I’ll respond with answers.

Do I need to pre-cook the asparagus before baking the tart?

No, you do not need to pre-cook the asparagus. The tart bakes in two stages:

1. Pre-bake the puff pastry – This ensures the base is crisp and sturdy before adding the toppings.
2. Assemble & Bake Again – The asparagus cooks directly on the tart in the final baking stage, becoming tender while maintaining a slight bite.

This method keeps the asparagus from becoming overcooked or mushy while allowing it to fully develop its flavor.

Can I use phyllo dough instead of puff pastry?

I don’t recommend using phyllo dough as a substitute for puff pastry in this recipe.

Phyllo is much more delicate and won’t hold up well to the weight of the cheese and asparagus. It also lacks the same flaky, buttery structure that makes puff pastry ideal for this tart.

Can I Make this Asparagus Tart Ahead of Time?

This asparagus puff pastry tart is best served fresh, but you can prep a few components in advance to save time!

• Grate the cheese ahead – Use a food processor or box grater, then store in a sealed bag in the fridge. Did you know you can also freeze cheese for later?
• Prep the asparagus – Snap off the woody ends, wash, and dry the spears. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to use.
• Mix the filling in advance – Combine the crème fraîche (or sour cream), egg yolk, Dijon, and some Gruyère, then refrigerate in an airtight container until assembling.

Katie’s Tip: Since puff pastry is delicate, it’s best to assemble and bake the tart just before serving for the flakiest results!

How long does asparagus tart stay fresh?

If you have leftovers after making this asparagus puff pastry tart, store them properly to keep the pastry as crisp as possible.

Storage – Transfer leftover tart slices to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Can I freeze asparagus tart for later?

I don’t recommend freezing this tart. Puff pastry is best enjoyed fresh, and freezing can cause it to lose its crispness and become soggy when reheated.

If you need to make it ahead, I recommend prepping the filling and asparagus separately and assembling just before baking.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover asparagus tart?

To keep the flaky, crispy texture of the puff pastry, follow these reheating tips:

• Oven or Toaster Oven – Warm leftovers at 350°F for 5–10 minutes until heated through. This helps restore the crisp pastry.
• Avoid the Microwave – Microwaving will make the pastry soft and soggy, so it’s best to use dry heat.

Katie’s Tip: If you want to refresh the tart even more, place it on a baking sheet and heat it directly on the oven rack for extra crispiness!

What to Serve with Asparagus Tart

This asparagus tart with puff pastry is light yet flavorful, making it a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Serve it as an appetizer, part of a brunch spread, or even as a light meal—it’s versatile enough for any occasion. These pairings will complement the tart’s flaky crust, creamy cheese filling, and tender asparagus.

Fresh & Vibrant Salads – A bright, crisp salad balances the richness of the asparagus puff pastry tart. Try my Italian Mixed Greens Salad, which features arugula, radicchio, and baby kale tossed with a lemon Dijon vinaigrette and crispy prosciutto. The acidity and crunch pair beautifully with the creamy Gruyère and buttery pastry.

Grilled Steak – The mild, nutty flavors in this puff pastry asparagus tart make it a great side for beef. Marinated Flank Steak is juicy and flavorful, adding a hearty contrast to the tart’s delicate layers.

Roasted or Grilled Chicken – A simple chicken dish makes an easy protein pairing for this asparagus tart with puff pastry. Try Easy Smoked Chicken, Rosemary Roasted Chicken, or Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken for a balance of savory flavors.

Brunch-Friendly Pairings – This asparagus puff pastry Gruyère cheese tart is a perfect addition to a spring brunch. Serve it with a poached or soft-boiled egg, a side of crispy baked bacon, or a refreshing Tropical Fruit Salad drizzled with honey-lime dressing and toasted coconut.

Savory Pork Dishes – The delicate flakiness of this asparagus tart with puff pastry contrasts well with the richness of pork. Try it with Sheet Pan Pork Tenderloin and honey-balsamic roasted vegetables for a satisfying meal.

Looking for more meal ideas? Head over to my Dinner Ideas collection for more delicious pairings!

More Asparagus Recipes

If you love this asparagus puff pastry tart, here are a few more delicious ways to enjoy asparagus!

• Asparagus Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pizzas – Flaky puff pastry topped with asparagus, prosciutto, sun-dried tomatoes, ricotta, and parmesan for a quick and flavorful appetizer.
• Traeger Grilled Asparagus – Smoky grilled asparagus with a crispy panko Parmesan topping and a squeeze of lemon juice. This easy side dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, Easter, or summer BBQs—and you can make it on any grill, even if you don’t have a Traeger!
• Salmon en Papillote with Asparagus – A one-pan parchment-baked salmon dish with tender asparagus, potatoes, and fresh herbs.
• Asparagus Risotto – A creamy spring-inspired risotto with leeks, asparagus, peas, mascarpone, lemon, and parmesan.
• Chicken Asparagus Stir Fry – A quick and healthy stir fry featuring asparagus, tender chicken, and a honey-ginger stir fry sauce, perfect for weeknights.

Looking for more recipes? Head over to my Ingredient Index to explore even more ways to cook with asparagus!