Asparagus. Basil. Cream cheese. I call this the ABC tart! Not really, because I just thought of it. But I should, because it’s totally fitting – this asparagus cream cheese tart is definitely as easy as ABC, 123.
You mix together a simple cream cheese base, and spread it on a golden-brown puff pastry crust. Then you top it with lightly blanched asparagus and touch of salt. And then you bake it for a few minutes. And that’s it! Unless you want to add bacon, in which case, crumble some cooked bacon on top, and then that’s it.
Either way, it’s heaven on a tart crust. Super duper easy heaven on a tart crust.
I love this tart for Easter, because not only does it work for any meal from breakfast to brunch to lunch to snack to supper, but the simple preparation helps free you up for family fun time. Like hiding plastic Easter eggs – and finding one or two from last year while you’re at it. Or picking strands of green plastic grass out of the dog’s hair. Or … well, you know what I’m getting at.
Our family actually keeps Easter pretty exciting. My parents devise a grand adult Easter egg hunt, and each year tops the last. This year’s competition includes an egg roll event and archery. Archery! I’m not even kidding! I so totally can’t wait. We’re dorks.
I’m thinking this asparagus tart will be my contribution to the family meal, because then I can spend my time practicing for the big event instead of slaving in the kitchen. And if I told you that I have been seriously considering practicing egg rolling in our driveway in preparation for the big day, I would not be lying.
Howdy, neighbors. Don’t mind me.
Anyway, a little more about the tart. The crust is made from store-bought puff pastry – easy! The tangy-creamy base, compliments of cream cheese (I go for Neufchâtel to save a bit on fat/calories), amps up the flavor along with a little onion, garlic, and basil stirred in for good measure. And then those glorious, plump, verdant stalks of asparagus, all in a row.
I love steamed/blanched asparagus for this tart, but grilled or roasted will work, too. Your preference! Luckily I’ve provided all the info you need to know in my asparagus guide with three ways to cook asparagus. So be sure to check that out!
Simple, easy, good springtime fare. ABC, 123.
Asparagus, Basil, & Cream Cheese Tart with Optional Bacon
Ingredients
- 1 frozen puff pastry sheet (thawed)
- 4 ounces Neufchatel cheese (light cream cheese, room temperature/softened)
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion
- 1 medium garlic clove (finely minced)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (about 15 medium-sized leaves)
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt (plus a little more for sprinkling on top, if desired)
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 pound asparagus (ends trimmed)
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
If adding bacon:
- 2-3 slices of bacon (cooked, cooled, and crumbled)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place thawed pastry on a lightly floured rolling space and, using a rolling iron, roll into a 10-inch by 14-inch rectangle.
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and carefully transfer the puff pastry to the baking sheet. Bake until golden brown, about 12 minutes. Remove from oven and let sit until cool, at least 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, add the cream cheese, onion, garlic, basil, salt, and pepper to a small bowl. Mix together with a fork. Set aside.
- Bring a large bot of water to a boil. Prepare a large bowl with cold water and ice. Add asparagus to the boiling water and cook for one minute. With tongs, lift the asparagus out of the boiling water and dunk in the ice water to help stop the cooking.
- Make a pile of 3 – 4 paper towels and move asparagus to the paper towels. Gently blot until dry. Add asparagus to a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss to coat.
- Spoon cream cheese onto cooled puff pastry crust. Spread to within 1/2 inch of the edge. Arrange asparagus on top of cream cheese layer. Sprinkle with a pinch or two of coarse salt, if desired.
- Return tart to oven and bake for about 10 minutes, until cream cheese is warm and asparagus is tender.
- If adding bacon, sprinkle it on after baking, or cut into squares and top individual squares if desired.
I’m so glad you’re here! I’m a vegetarian home cook, certified plant-based pro, and mom. I’m married to an enthusiastic carnivore, and my mission is to achieve peace in the kitchen – one tasty recipe at a time. These days, with a name like mine, I also try not to ask to speak to the manager.
This looks sooooo delicious. Love it!
Thank you, Jo!
Looks yummy! Hint: Try rolling out the puff pastry on the parchment paper and then transfer both to your baking sheet.
This is so smart! I’m a little embarrassed I’ve never thought to do it. 🙂 Brilliant; thanks!
Oh dear, this looks soooo yummy!!! I love all of the flavours. Great way to use asparagus this season 🙂 Have a great Easter weekend!
Thanks for those recipes LOVE <3 sparagus, Basil, & Cream Cheese
This sounds so delicious. Also, I’m obsessed with your “one dish two ways” options… Like you, I’m a vegetarian and my husband’s a meat-eater, so I’m constantly searching for meals that will be satisfying for both of us!
Another multivore family! Yay! I’m so glad you can use those recipes. For some reason I find it hard to come up with One Dish Two Ways recipes in the summer – we just change up our eating so much this time of year! But I’ve got lots more up my sleeve this fall. 🙂