🥧 Mediterranean Asparagus Gruyère Tart

This Asparagus Gruyère Tart is elegant yet surprisingly simple — perfect for brunch, light lunch, or a beautiful Mediterranean-style dinner. Crisp golden pastry, creamy cheese filling, and tender asparagus spears come together in a dish that feels gourmet but is totally beginner-friendly.

Inspired by Southern European flavors, this tart pairs seasonal vegetables with quality cheese and olive oil for a fresh, wholesome result.

🌿 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Perfect for spring & summer
✅ Impressive but easy
✅ Great for brunch gatherings
✅ Vegetarian-friendly
✅ Can be served warm or at room temperature

🧀 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)

For the Crust:

1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
1 tablespoon olive oil

(For a healthier Mediterranean option, use whole wheat pastry or homemade olive oil crust.)

For the Filling:

1 bunch fresh asparagus (trimmed)
1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
½ cup ricotta cheese
1 egg
2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
1 small garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
Salt & black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)

Optional: lemon zest for brightness

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2️⃣ Prepare the Pastry

Roll out puff pastry slightly and place on baking sheet. Score a 1-inch border around the edges (don’t cut through). Prick the center with a fork to prevent puffing.

3️⃣ Make the Cheese Filling

In a bowl, mix Gruyère, ricotta, egg, yogurt, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper until smooth.

4️⃣ Assemble

Spread cheese mixture evenly inside the scored border. Arrange trimmed asparagus spears neatly on top. Brush asparagus lightly with olive oil and sprinkle a little salt.

5️⃣ Bake

Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and crisp.

6️⃣ Finish & Serve

Optional: sprinkle lemon zest and fresh thyme before serving.

Serve warm or at room temperature.

🥗 Serving Ideas (Mediterranean Style)

With arugula salad & lemon vinaigrette
Alongside tomato-cucumber salad
With a bowl of lentil soup
As part of a brunch spread

🌱 Nutritional Benefits

Asparagus is rich in fiber and folate
Olive oil provides heart-healthy fats
Gruyère adds protein and calcium
Fresh herbs offer antioxidants

❓ Q & A

❓ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Bake earlier in the day and reheat lightly before serving.

❓ Can I make it crustless?

Yes, pour filling into a greased baking dish and bake as a frittata-style tart.

❓ Can I use another cheese?

Yes! Try mozzarella, goat cheese, feta, or Parmesan.

❓ How do I store leftovers?

Refrigerate up to 3 days in airtight container.

❓ Can I freeze it?

Yes, but best enjoyed fresh. Freeze baked tart up to 1 month.

❓ How do I keep pastry crisp?

Avoid overloading with filling and bake on the lower oven rack for crisp bottom.