Asparagus Ricotta Tart (Printable View)

Flaky puff pastry topped with creamy ricotta, asparagus and lemon for a light, elegant spring dish.

# What You Need:

→ Pastry

01 - 1 sheet (approx. 250 g) ready-rolled puff pastry, thawed if frozen

→ Ricotta Filling

02 - 1 cup (250 g) ricotta cheese
03 - 1/4 cup (60 g) crème fraîche or sour cream
04 - 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
05 - 1 large egg
06 - Zest of 1 lemon
07 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
08 - 1 small garlic clove, finely grated
09 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Topping

11 - 12–15 thin asparagus spears, woody ends trimmed
12 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
13 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
14 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional, for garnish)

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Unroll the puff pastry onto the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, score a 1/2-inch border around the edge without cutting through the pastry. Prick the center all over with a fork.
03 - In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, crème fraîche, Parmesan, egg, lemon zest and juice, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.
04 - Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the pastry, staying within the scored border.
05 - Arrange the asparagus spears on top of the ricotta filling. If necessary, trim to fit or cut spears in half lengthwise for even coverage.
06 - Drizzle the asparagus with olive oil and season with additional black pepper.
07 - Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the pastry is golden and puffed, and the asparagus is just tender.
08 - Cool for 5 minutes, then garnish with chopped chives or parsley if desired. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • This tart makes even an ordinary Tuesday feel like an impromptu garden party—especially when you share it fresh from the oven.
  • The combo of creamy ricotta and zippy lemon keeps the flavors light and bright; it’s always the first thing to disappear at any brunch table.
02 -
  • I learned (after one ill-fated tart) to never rush the thawing of puff pastry—it’ll crack and never quite puff right again.
  • Lemon zest makes a huge difference; don’t skip it and use a fine grater for the brightest flavor without bitterness.
03 -
  • Always bake the tart in the lower third of the oven for extra crisp pastry bottoms.
  • Brushing the pastry border with a little beaten egg (if you have spare) gives a show-stopping golden shine.
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