Asparagus and Prosciutto Tart

Name: Asparagus and Prosciutto Tart
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed; 1 bunch of fresh asparagus, trimmed; 6 slices of prosciutto; 1 cup of ricotta cheese; 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg, beaten; Salt and pepper to taste; Olive oil for drizzling; Fresh herbs (optional) for garnish

Highlighted under: Sweet Moments Studio

I’m thrilled to share my recipe for Asparagus and Prosciutto Tart, a delightful dish that has quickly become a favorite in our household. The crisp, flaky pastry pairs beautifully with the tender asparagus and savory prosciutto, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s surprisingly simple to prepare, taking only 30 minutes from start to finish. Whether for a brunch gathering or a light dinner, this tart is sure to impress. I know you’ll love it as much as we do!

Created by

Elodie Brooks

Last updated on 2026-01-10T02:04:15.296Z

When I first made this Asparagus and Prosciutto Tart, I knew I had stumbled upon something special. The combination of crisp pastry, fresh asparagus, and the saltiness of prosciutto creates an irresistible taste that I’ve found works well for any occasion. I recommend using fresh asparagus for the best flavor, as the tenderness and color of the veggie make the tart truly pop!

One thing that really stood out during the cooking process was how versatile this tart can be. You can easily swap out ingredients depending on what you have on hand, like adding cheese or different herbs. I’ve even made it vegetarian by omitting the prosciutto and adding mushrooms, which turned out fantastic!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Deliciously flaky pastry that melts in your mouth
Fresh asparagus gives a vibrant color and flavor
Perfect blend of savory notes from the prosciutto

      

Perfecting the Puff Pastry

Puff pastry is the star of this dish, providing a flaky, buttery base that contrasts beautifully with the soft asparagus and prosciutto. When working with puff pastry, make sure it’s adequately thawed and kept cold until you’re ready to bake. This ensures that the layers remain distinct and puff up nicely in the oven. I recommend rolling it out to about ¼ inch thickness, which allows for a crisp yet tender bite once baked.

To achieve the best texture, avoid overworking the dough. If you notice it becoming too warm, pop it back in the refrigerator for a few minutes before proceeding. After placing it on the parchment-lined baking sheet, press the edges down to form a slight border, which will hold the filling and keep your tart looking neat and professional.

Selecting the Best Asparagus

Choosing fresh asparagus is crucial for this tart. Look for bright green spears with tight heads. The thickness of the asparagus can change the cooking time; thicker spears may need a minute or two longer in the oven. You can also give them a quick blanching for 2-3 minutes in boiling water before arranging them on the tart, which enhances their bright color and tenderizes them slightly for better texture.

If you're looking for a substitute, thinly sliced zucchini or bell peppers could serve as excellent alternatives. However, ensure that they are cut into similar sizes to maintain even cooking throughout the tart.

Garnishing and Serving Suggestions

After baking, garnishing with fresh herbs can elevate the flavor profile of your Asparagus and Prosciutto Tart. Options like basil, chives, or thyme add an aromatic touch. Additionally, you can drizzle a finer quality olive oil over the top or even sprinkle some chili flakes for a hint of heat, enhancing the overall dish experience.

This tart serves beautifully warm or at room temperature, making it versatile for both brunches and light dinners. You can pair it with a light salad or some roasted vegetables to round out the meal. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days; reheat in the oven to retain that crispy texture.

Ingredients

Ingredients for the Tart

1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
1 bunch of fresh asparagus, trimmed
6 slices of prosciutto
1 cup of ricotta cheese
1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg, beaten
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for drizzling
Fresh herbs (optional) for garnish

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Prepare the Pastry

Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Add the Cheese Mixture

In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Spread this mixture evenly across the puff pastry.

Layer the Asparagus and Prosciutto

Arrange the asparagus spears over the cheese mixture and layer the prosciutto on top.

Brush and Bake

Brush the edges of the pastry with beaten egg and drizzle some olive oil over the tart. Bake for about 20 minutes until golden brown.

Serve

Let it cool slightly, then slice and garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, try adding lemon zest to the cheese mixture or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a bit of heat.

Ingredient Roles

Ricotta cheese serves as a creamy counterpoint to the savory prosciutto and the crispiness of the pastry, and its mild flavor allows the other ingredients to shine through. If you’re seeking a lighter option, you can substitute part of the ricotta with a lower-fat cottage cheese, but be mindful that this may slightly alter the texture of your filling.

The role of Parmesan cheese in this recipe is not just for flavor but also for the slight nutty undertones and the extra cheesy richness that binds the filling together. Grating your own cheese from a block ensures a fresher taste and better melting properties.

Make-Ahead Tips

To save time, you can prepare the cheese mixture a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the tart. Keep in mind that if you let it sit, the flavors will meld even more, enhancing the overall taste.

The assembled tart, ready to go into the oven, can also be frozen for up to a month. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then bake it straight from the freezer; it may need an extra five minutes or so in the oven to ensure the pastry is fully cooked and golden brown.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your puff pastry does not puff up as expected, it could be due to the dough being overworked or too much moisture in the cheese mixture. Ensuring the dough is cold and the fillings are not overly watery will help keep the crust flaky and airy. You can also use a fork to prick small holes in the pastry before adding the filling to prevent bubble formation.

Another common issue is toppings slipping off the tart. To avoid this, ensure that you press the asparagus and prosciutto slightly into the cheese mixture for better adhesion. If a piece falls off during slicing, simply position it back on the tart before serving, keeping presentation intact.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this tart ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the tart and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

→ What can I substitute for prosciutto?

You can use bacon or omit it entirely for a vegetarian option. Sautéed mushrooms or spinach make great alternatives.

→ Can I use frozen asparagus?

Fresh asparagus is preferred for the best texture and flavor, but you can use frozen in a pinch. Just ensure to thaw and drain them well.

→ What should I serve with this tart?

This tart pairs wonderfully with a light salad or a glass of white wine for a complete meal.