Three Cheese Asparagus And Bacon Tart Recipe

I love this asparagus tart recipe because it combines flaky puff pastry with a fresh, zesty ricotta spread and the savory crunch of bacon—it’s like a gourmet feast that feels fancy but is super easy to pull off. Plus, the colorful presentation of alternating asparagus spears makes it totally Insta-worthy and perfect for impressing friends at brunch!

This Three Cheese Asparagus and Bacon Tart is a dish I adore crafting. It melds the rich flavors of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan with the nearly crunchy, fresh flavor of asparagus.

It has a delightful base of puff pastry, and the depth of flavor from the bacon and a hint of lemon zest make this a perfect centerpiece for a brunch or any type of gathering where you want to serve something a little fancy and a lot delicious.

Ingredients

Asparagus Spears:
They are abundant in vitamins A, C, and K; they furnish fiber and present a not-so-pronounced earthy flavor.

Puff Pastry:
Yields a buttery, flaky texture.

Supplies carbohydrates but is high in fat.

Bacon:
Contributes umami and smoky flavors; very high in protein and fat.

Ricotta Cheese:
Smooth and silky texture with protein; soft and subtly sweet.

Mozzarella Cheese:
A gentle taste; melts exquisitely with a nice calcium content.

Parmesan Cheese:
A crisp, nutty flavor; a fantastic protein source; calcium-rich.

Lemon Juice & Zest:
Makes the tart brighter; adds the vitamin C and a refreshingly aromatic essence.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
• 10-12 asparagus spears, trimmed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped

Instructions

1. Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking tray by lining it with parchment paper.

2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet to eliminate any seams. Move it to the baking sheet you’ve prepped and set aside.

3. Take a very sharp knife and score a border around the edge of the pastry. Make the border about 1 inch wide. Be careful not to cut all the way through; you want the crust to remain intact so that it can hold the filling later.

4. In a shallow bowl, combine the ricotta, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Spread this mix evenly across the center of the puff pastry, leaving the border untouched.

5. Place the asparagus spears over the layer of ricotta, making sure to alternate the direction of the tips so that they are all facing different ways, which gives the asparagus a more attractive appearance as it sits on top of the ricotta.

6. Evenly distribute the mozzarella cheese and crumbled bacon over the asparagus.

7. To promote a golden-brown finish, apply the beaten egg to the edges of the puff pastry.

8. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Bake the tart for 20-25 minutes. When done, the pastry should be puffed and golden brown.

9. Take the tart from the oven and sprinkle it with fresh chives and grated Parmesan cheese.

10. Let the tart cool a little before cutting and serving. Serve it warm.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking tray
3. Parchment paper
4. Rolling pin
5. Sharp knife
6. Shallow bowl
7. Pastry brush
8. Measuring spoons
9. Grater (for lemon zest and Parmesan cheese)
10. Cutting board
11. Knife (for chives and trimming asparagus)

FAQ

• Can I use frozen asparagus?Certainly! Frozen asparagus can be used, but it requires a little extra prep. Be sure to thaw them completely and then dry them off well; you don’t want excess moisture making your tart soggy.
• How do I store leftovers?Store any leftover tart in the refrigerator. Wrap it in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, and it can last for up to 2 days.
• Can I substitute another cheese for mozzarella?You can absolutely substitute cheddar or Gruyere, but keep in mind that this may alter the flavor profile somewhat.
• Is there a vegetarian option? Yes, simply omit the bacon to make the tart vegetarian-friendly. You could add sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms as a substitute for added flavor.
• What can I use instead of puff pastry?Filó dough is a lighter alternative, or for a domestic touch, you can prepare a simple pie crust.
• Can I make it ahead of time?Although it is optimal to savor the tart straight from the oven, you can also make it in advance and chill it for a short while.
• What is the best way to serve the tart?Warm the tart and serve it with a sprinkle of freshly chopped chives as:

  – an appetizer; or
  – alongside a fresh salad, for
  – a light meal.

Substitutions and Variations

1 sheet of phyllo dough or pie crust can be used instead of puff pastry.
Asparagus spears can be substituted with green beans or broccolini.
You can substitute turkey bacon or pancetta for the bacon.
Cottage cheese or mascarpone can be substituted for ricotta cheese.
Substituting mozzarella cheese with Gruyère cheese is acceptable.
Lemon juice and zest can be replaced with lime juice and zest.

Pro Tips

1. Asparagus Preparation For a more tender result, you can blanch the asparagus in boiling water for about 2-3 minutes, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath before adding them to the tart. This step ensures they remain vibrant green and soften slightly.

2. Pastry Crispiness To avoid a soggy bottom, place the baking tray in the oven while it preheats to create a hotter surface. This will give the puff pastry a head start in cooking and help achieve a crisper base.

3. Flavor Boost For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding roasted garlic or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the ricotta mixture.

4. Cheese Customization If you want to add a rich, complex flavor, substitute some of the mozzarella with Gruyère or fontina cheese. Additionally, using freshly grated Parmesan can enhance the overall taste.

5. Garnish Enhancement Drizzle a little balsamic glaze over the finished tart just before serving for a touch of sweetness and acidity that complements the savory ingredients beautifully.