Description
This Asparagus Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Tart is a delightful and elegant appetizer or light meal that features a flaky puff pastry base topped with a creamy goat cheese mixture and fresh asparagus. Enhanced with fresh herbs and finished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a drizzle of honey, it combines savory and slightly sweet flavors with a beautiful presentation. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for brunch, lunch, or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Cheese Mixture
- 4 oz Goat cheese (113 grams, soft block)
- 3 tbsp Heavy cream
- 1 tsp Fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp Fresh chives, finely chopped
Pastry and Topping
- 1 Sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- ½ lb Asparagus spears, bottoms trimmed (about 225 grams)
- 1 Egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp Sesame seeds (black, white, or a combination)
Garnish
- Flaky salt
- Chopped chives
- Chive flowers (optional)
- Honey (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Cheese Mixture: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a small bowl, combine 4 oz goat cheese, 3 tbsp heavy cream, 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, and 1 tsp finely chopped fresh chives. Mix until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Unroll one sheet of puff pastry onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet or sheet pan. Using a sharp knife, carefully score a border about ½ to 1 inch from the edge around the pastry sheet without cutting all the way through. Then, use a fork to gently prick the inside area of the pastry to prevent it from puffing excessively while baking.
- Spread Cheese Mixture: Evenly spread the prepared goat cheese mixture within the scored border on the puff pastry.
- Arrange Asparagus: Lay approximately ½ lb trimmed asparagus spears tightly in a single layer over the cheese mixture.
- Egg Wash and Sesame Seeds: Brush the edges of the pastry border with the beaten egg to help it achieve a golden color. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds over the egg-washed edges.
- Bake: Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown, puffed, and cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve: Allow the tart to cool slightly after baking. Then, garnish with flaky salt, chopped chives, chive flowers if using, and drizzle honey over the top before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh thyme with dried thyme if fresh is unavailable, but reduce the quantity slightly.
- Make sure the puff pastry is fully thawed before baking to ensure puffiness and even cooking.
- For a nuttier flavor, use a mix of black and white sesame seeds for the topping.
- The tart is best served warm but can also be enjoyed at room temperature.
- Chive flowers are optional but add a beautiful, fresh garnish if available.
- To save time, prepare the cheese mixture ahead and refrigerate until ready to assemble.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
