Asparagus and Citrus Tart Recipe

Introduction

This Asparagus and Citrus Tart is a fresh and flavorful dish perfect for spring or summer. Combining tangy citrus zest with creamy cheese and tender asparagus, it’s an elegant yet simple tart that’s sure to impress your guests or brighten up a casual meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade, chilled)
• 200 g softened cream cheese (or ricotta)
• 1 tablespoon citrus zest (lemon or orange)
• 1 cup grated cheese (cheddar, Gruyère, or Parmesan)
• 12 stalks asparagus spears (trimmed)
• 2 teaspoons honey (for finishing)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
• Salt and pepper to taste (for seasoning)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Roll out the chilled pie crust on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Fit it into a tart pan and dock the base with a fork to prevent bubbling during baking.
2. Step 2: Spread the softened cream cheese evenly over the crust. Sprinkle with grated cheese and citrus zest to add bright flavor.
3. Step 3: Trim the asparagus stalks to fit the tart size. Toss them gently with olive oil, salt, and pepper to season.
4. Step 4: Arrange the asparagus spears in a circular pattern over the cheese mixture, starting from the outer edge and moving inward for an appealing design.
5. Step 5: Lightly brush the exposed crust edges with olive oil to help them brown nicely in the oven.
6. Step 6: Bake the tart in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 40 minutes, until the crust is golden and flaky and the cheese filling is bubbling.
7. Step 7: Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool slightly. Drizzle with honey for a subtle sweetness that balances the savory flavors.
8. Step 8: Slice and serve the tart warm or at room temperature. Garnish with extra citrus zest if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a different flavor, try using ricotta instead of cream cheese for a lighter filling.
• Substitute asparagus with thinly sliced zucchini or fresh green beans for variety.
• Add fresh herbs like thyme or tarragon to the cheese mixture for an herby twist.
• Use a mix of cheeses such as Gruyère and Parmesan for a deeper, nuttier flavor.
• If you prefer a sweeter finish, increase the honey drizzle slightly or add a sprinkle of toasted nuts on top.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or enjoy cold. To maintain the crust’s crispness, avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen pie crust for this tart?

Yes, frozen pie crust works well as long as it is fully thawed and chilled before rolling out. This helps maintain the pastry’s texture during baking.

How do I know when the tart is fully cooked?

The tart is ready when the crust turns golden brown and flaky, and the cheese filling is bubbling. The asparagus should be tender but still crisp.

Asparagus and Citrus Tart Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 57 reviews

• Author: Matteo
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful asparagus and citrus tart featuring a flaky pie crust layered with creamy cheese, bright citrus zest, and tender asparagus spears. This elegant yet easy-to-make tart is perfect for spring or summer gatherings, offering a beautiful presentation and a balanced blend of savory and sweet flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 asparagus)
• to taste salt and pepper (for seasoning asparagus)

Finishing

• 2 teaspoons honey (for drizzling)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the crust: Roll out the chilled pie crust on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Fit it into a tart pan and dock the base with a fork to prevent bubbling during baking.
2. Assemble the filling: Spread the softened cream cheese evenly over the crust. Sprinkle with grated cheese and citrus zest to brighten the flavor and add a savory dimension.
3. Prepare asparagus: Trim asparagus stalks to fit the tart size. Toss gently with olive oil, salt, and pepper to season and enhance their natural flavor.
4. Arrange asparagus: Neatly place the asparagus spears in a circular pattern over the cheese mixture, starting from the outer edge working inward, creating an attractive visual presentation.
5. Brush crust edges: Lightly brush the exposed edges of the crust with olive oil to encourage browning and a golden finish while baking.
6. Bake the tart: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the tart for approximately 40 minutes, or until the crust is golden and flaky and the cheese filling is bubbling.
7. Finish with honey: Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool slightly. Drizzle honey gently over the asparagus to add a subtle sweetness that complements the savory toppings.
8. Serve: Slice the tart and serve warm or at room temperature. Optionally, garnish with extra citrus zest for enhanced aroma and flavor.

Notes

• You can substitute cream cheese with ricotta for a milder, less tangy flavor.
• Choosing a cheese like Gruyère adds a nuttier taste, while cheddar offers a sharper bite.
• For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free pie crust.
• Make sure to dock the crust base thoroughly to prevent bubbling during baking.
• Allow the tart to cool slightly before drizzling honey to avoid it running off immediately.
• This tart can be served as a light lunch, appetizer, or side dish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Tart
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Keywords: asparagus tart, citrus tart, cream cheese tart, appetizer, spring recipe, savory tart, vegetarian tart