Create a visually stunning savory tart centerpiece for brunch using puff pastry, fresh asparagus, and salty Gruyère cheese.
Author:leogrant
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:25 min
Total Time:40 min
Yield:6 servings 1x
Category:Brunch
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 large egg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Unfold the puff pastry sheet onto the prepared baking sheet. Score a 1-inch border around the edges of the pastry with a knife, being careful not to cut all the way through. Prick the center area lightly with a fork.
In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, salt, and pepper.
Brush the scored border of the pastry lightly with some of the cream mixture.
Spread the shredded Gruyère cheese evenly over the center of the pastry, inside the scored border.
Arrange the trimmed asparagus spears over the cheese in a decorative pattern.
Pour the remaining cream mixture evenly over the asparagus and cheese.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove the tart from the oven and sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves. Let it cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
For a crispier crust, you can blind-bake the pastry base for 10 minutes before adding the filling.
If you do not have Gruyère, Swiss cheese or sharp white cheddar works as a substitute in this cheesy appetizer.
Trim the woody ends off the asparagus spears for the best texture.