A flaky puff pastry tart layered with creamy burrata, salty prosciutto, and fresh asparagus. This elegant appetizer or light lunch option is easy to make but impressive enough for guests.

FULL RECIPE

Ingredients

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 6 slices prosciutto
• 8 oz burrata cheese
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
• Lemon zest, for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the puff pastry on the prepared sheet into a rectangle and score a 1/2-inch border around the edges with a knife (do not cut through).
3. Prick the inner rectangle all over with a fork to prevent puffing.
4. Brush the pastry edges with the beaten egg.
5. Bake the pastry for 15–18 minutes or until golden and puffed. Let it cool slightly.
6. While pastry bakes, toss asparagus with olive oil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
7. Once slightly cooled, gently press down the center of the tart if puffed too much.
8. Tear the burrata and spread it over the center of the tart.
9. Arrange asparagus and prosciutto slices over the burrata.
10. Return tart to the oven for 5–7 minutes, until asparagus is just tender.
11. Remove from oven and garnish with fresh basil and lemon zest if using.
12. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 320 per serving
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg

The Origins of Asparagus Tart with Prosciutto and Burrata

Asparagus tarts have long been a staple in French and Mediterranean cuisine, where vegetables are often the star of the dish. The addition of prosciutto and burrata elevates the tart, adding a balance of creamy richness and savory saltiness. Burrata, an Italian cheese made from mozzarella and cream, pairs perfectly with the freshness of asparagus, while prosciutto contributes a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth saltiness. Combining these ingredients in a tart creates a dish that’s not only delicious but also visually appealing.

Why Choose Asparagus for This Tart?

Asparagus is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that brings a fresh, earthy flavor to any dish. When roasted or baked, asparagus softens and develops a nutty, slightly sweet flavor. It’s also rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a healthy choice for a variety of recipes. In this tart, asparagus not only enhances the flavor but also adds a vibrant green color that contrasts beautifully with the creamy burrata.

The Role of Prosciutto in the Tart

Prosciutto, a dry-cured ham, adds a luxurious touch to this dish. It is sliced thinly and has a delicate yet salty flavor that complements the creaminess of the burrata. The prosciutto’s texture provides a contrast to the softness of the cheese and asparagus, making each bite an exciting combination of flavors. Its salty depth enhances the other ingredients, while its thin slices allow it to be a subtle accompaniment rather than overpowering the other elements of the tart.

Burrata: The Creamy, Velvety Star of the Dish

Burrata is a unique cheese that combines mozzarella’s familiar stretchiness with the rich, creamy interior. The cheese has a soft, luscious texture that oozes when cut open, making it a perfect fit for this tart. Burrata’s mild flavor balances the sharper saltiness of the prosciutto and the earthy taste of the asparagus, creating a harmonious dish that’s both decadent and refreshing.

Puff Pastry: The Perfect Base

Puff pastry is light, flaky, and golden-brown when baked, providing a perfect foundation for this tart. It crisps up beautifully, offering a slight crunch that contrasts with the tender filling. The layers of puff pastry also give the tart a rich, buttery flavor, which complements the savory ingredients on top. Additionally, puff pastry is easy to work with, making it an accessible option for even novice bakers.

The Importance of Fresh Asparagus

Fresh asparagus is key to this recipe. Asparagus spears should be firm and crisp with tightly closed tips. When selecting asparagus, opt for thick, vibrant green stalks that are free from blemishes. Fresh asparagus has a tender texture and a natural sweetness that is enhanced when cooked, making it an ideal vegetable to incorporate into this tart. The asparagus should be roasted until just tender, as overcooking can cause it to lose its flavor and become mushy.

The Art of Baking the Puff Pastry

Baking the puff pastry perfectly is crucial to achieving the right texture for this tart. It should be golden and flaky with a slight puff around the edges. By brushing the pastry with an egg wash before baking, you ensure it has a beautiful sheen and a crisp, golden finish. The puff pastry serves as both the vessel for the filling and a contrasting texture to the creamy burrata and tender asparagus.

Combining Hot and Cold Ingredients

One of the unique aspects of this dish is the balance between hot and cold ingredients. The puff pastry is baked until golden, and the asparagus is roasted to tender perfection, while the burrata is added after the tart is removed from the oven. The cheese remains cool and creamy, creating a delightful contrast with the warm vegetables and crispy pastry. This contrast in temperature adds an extra layer of interest to the dish, making each bite an enjoyable experience.

Why This Tart is Ideal for Entertaining

This asparagus tart with prosciutto and burrata is a showstopper, making it an excellent choice for entertaining. It looks impressive but requires minimal effort to prepare. The combination of textures and flavors is sure to impress guests, and it can be served as an appetizer or a light main course. Its elegant presentation also makes it a fitting dish for brunch, dinner parties, or special occasions.

Customization Ideas for the Tart

While the base recipe is delicious on its own, there are several ways to customize this tart to suit your preferences. For example, you could swap out the prosciutto for bacon or pancetta for a smokier flavor. If you’re a fan of herbs, adding a sprinkle of thyme or rosemary before baking would enhance the flavors of the asparagus and cheese. For those who prefer a vegetarian version, you can omit the prosciutto entirely or substitute it with sautéed mushrooms for an earthy depth.

Pairing Wine with the Tart

When it comes to pairing wine with this asparagus tart, you’ll want something light and refreshing that won’t overwhelm the delicate flavors. A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with the tart. If you prefer red wine, go for something light like Pinot Noir, which won’t overpower the subtle flavors of the dish. A glass of dry rosé would also complement the richness of the burrata and the saltiness of the prosciutto.

The Benefits of Burrata Over Other Cheeses

Burrata’s creamy texture and mild flavor make it an excellent choice for this tart, especially when compared to other cheeses like ricotta or cream cheese. Unlike ricotta, which can sometimes be a bit grainy, burrata offers a smooth, velvety texture that perfectly balances the other ingredients. The creaminess of burrata is more subtle than the tang of goat cheese, making it ideal for pairing with the freshness of asparagus and the saltiness of prosciutto.

Making the Tart Ahead of Time

This tart can be made ahead of time, which is especially convenient when hosting a gathering. You can prepare the puff pastry crust and roast the asparagus earlier in the day. When you’re ready to serve, simply assemble the tart, add the burrata and prosciutto, and bake for a few minutes to heat everything through. The tart can also be enjoyed at room temperature, so you don’t have to worry about serving it immediately after baking.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, place the tart in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. Be cautious not to overheat the burrata, as it can lose its creamy texture if cooked for too long. While the pastry will lose some of its crispiness after being stored, it will still taste delicious.

The Health Benefits of Asparagus

Asparagus is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. It is a good source of fiber, vitamins A, C, E, and K, and folate. Asparagus is also rich in antioxidants, which help fight free radicals in the body and protect cells from damage. Incorporating asparagus into your meals can support digestive health, reduce inflammation, and even improve heart health.

Vegetarian-Friendly Variations

For a vegetarian-friendly variation of this tart, consider using plant-based prosciutto or omitting the meat entirely. You can replace the prosciutto with a variety of options, such as roasted tomatoes, sautéed spinach, or grilled mushrooms. These substitutes will still provide depth of flavor and texture while keeping the dish vegetarian-friendly.

Why Puff Pastry is the Best Choice

Puff pastry is the ideal choice for this tart due to its light and flaky texture. Unlike traditional pie crusts, puff pastry is made by layering dough and butter, which results in a pastry that puffs up as it bakes, creating a delicate, crisp base for the filling. The buttery flavor of puff pastry complements the other ingredients, providing a perfect balance of taste and texture.

Using Seasonal Ingredients

This asparagus tart is perfect for celebrating the spring season when asparagus is at its peak. Seasonal ingredients not only taste better but are also more affordable. If you make this tart in the spring or early summer, you’ll get the freshest, most flavorful asparagus, making the dish even more enjoyable. Using seasonal produce also helps support local farmers and promotes sustainable eating practices.

Impressing Your Guests with Simplicity

One of the greatest things about this tart is how simple it is to prepare, yet it has a refined, restaurant-quality look and taste. It requires only a few ingredients, but the combination of flavors is complex and satisfying. The tart is an excellent way to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen, making it ideal for casual gatherings or special occasions.

Conclusion

The Asparagus Tart with Prosciutto and Burrata is a versatile and flavorful dish that combines fresh, seasonal ingredients with creamy cheese and crispy pastry. Whether served as an appetizer or light main course, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make yet looks and tastes impressive. This recipe offers endless opportunities for customization, making it a great choice for anyone looking to experiment with different flavors. Perfect for spring and summer gatherings, it’s a dish that will have your guests coming back for more.