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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Brush crust edges: Lightly brush the exposed edges of the crust with olive oil to encourage browning and a golden finish while baking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
