The Ultimate Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Puff Pastry Tart: A Perfect Spring & Easter Appetizer

Welcome the freshness of spring and the joy of Easter with an exquisite appetizer that’s both elegant and incredibly simple to make: the Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Puff Pastry Tart. Featuring tender asparagus spears wrapped in savory bacon, nestled on a bed of creamy Parmesan ricotta cheese filling, all baked atop a golden, flaky puff pastry crust, this tart is designed to impress your guests for brunch or dinner.

As the unpredictable weather of early spring plays its tricks – offering glimpses of warmth one day and chilling breezes the next – our kitchens remain a constant beacon of seasonal joy. For many, the arrival of April brings with it the anticipation of Easter, a time for renewal, family gatherings, and, of course, delicious food. Regardless of whether we’re sporting short sleeves or bundled in winter coats, embracing spring in the kitchen is a delightful way to shake off the remnants of winter.

While traditional holiday centerpieces like ham and lamb are timeless, Easter is also an ideal occasion to introduce fresh, vibrant side dishes or appetizers. And when we think of spring vegetables, asparagus invariably comes to mind. With its peak season in April, asparagus is practically synonymous with Easter celebrations, making it the perfect star ingredient for a festive dish.

And what could possibly elevate fresh, crisp asparagus to an even more irresistible level? Wrapping it in crispy bacon, of course! That’s precisely the inspiration behind this spectacular Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Puff Pastry Tart. It’s a delicate, yet satisfying, appetizer that combines the rich flavor of bacon, the freshness of asparagus, and a luxurious Parmesan ricotta cheese filling, all cradled in a buttery, flaky puff pastry. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes, promising to be a standout on your holiday table.

The Star of Spring: Fresh Asparagus

Growing up, my mom often served canned asparagus, which was a nostalgic favorite of mine. However, as an adult, I’ve come to appreciate the vibrant taste and superior texture of fresh asparagus. To ensure you’re getting the best, look for spears that are brightly colored green with compact, tightly closed tips. The stalks should be firm, not limp, and free from any signs of wilting or sliminess.

Proper storage is key to maintaining freshness. If you’re not planning to cook your asparagus immediately, a simple trick will keep it crisp for days. Treat it like a bouquet of flowers: trim about an inch off the woody ends, then stand the spears upright in a jar or glass with about an inch of water. Loosely cover the tops with a plastic bag and refrigerate. This method keeps the asparagus hydrated, preserving its vibrant color and tender bite until you’re ready to use it in your puff pastry tart or any other dish.

Crafting Perfection: The Puff Pastry Tart Journey

Developing this Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Puff Pastry Tart was an exciting culinary experiment, requiring careful consideration of several variables to achieve that perfect balance of textures and flavors.

The main questions that guided my recipe testing included:

• Should raw bacon be wrapped around the asparagus, or should it be pre-cooked?
• If pre-cooked, how much – partially or fully – before assembly?
• Is parboiling the asparagus necessary to ensure it’s tender?
• Should the puff pastry be pre-baked before adding the toppings to prevent a soggy crust?

After three rounds of rigorous testing, I finally cracked the code to culinary perfection. Here’s what I discovered:

1. **Asparagus Don’t Need Parboiling:** There’s no need to parboil the asparagus. It cooks beautifully to a tender-crisp consistency alongside the bacon in the oven. This saves you an extra step and ensures the asparagus retains its vibrant color and slight snap.
2. **Pre-Cook the Bacon:** This was a crucial discovery. You absolutely want to fully cook the bacon-wrapped asparagus on a separate baking sheet *before* adding it to the tart. If you use raw or partially cooked bacon directly on the tart, it will render an excessive amount of grease onto your delicate ricotta filling and puff pastry, making the tart soggy and heavy. Cooking it separately ensures crispy bacon and a clean, flavorful tart.
3. **Par-Bake the Puff Pastry:** To achieve that coveted golden, flaky base that stands up to the creamy filling, it’s essential to pre-bake the puff pastry. This step prevents a “soggy bottom” and helps the pastry puff up beautifully. The good news is, you can bake the puff pastry and the bacon-wrapped asparagus simultaneously on separate trays, streamlining your cooking process.

These refined techniques ensure every component of the tart is cooked to perfection, resulting in a harmonious and utterly delicious appetizer that will be the talk of your gathering.

The Irresistible Filling and Savory Topping

For the luscious filling, a simple yet incredibly flavorful combination of full-fat ricotta and grated Parmesan cheese creates a creamy, tangy base that perfectly complements the rich bacon and earthy asparagus. Fresh lemon juice adds a bright, zesty note, cutting through the richness and elevating the overall flavor profile. A hint of minced garlic and a touch of black pepper round out this exquisite mixture, providing depth and warmth.

When it comes to the bacon, quality makes a difference. For this recipe, I proudly used Hatfield Quality Meats Bacon. As a PA-based company, Hatfield has a long-standing tradition of producing high-quality pork products that are perfect for family tables. Their commitment to keeping things delicious, simple, and stress-free in the kitchen is especially valuable during busy holiday preparations, like Easter dinner. Hatfield’s focus on quality ingredients allows you to concentrate on what truly matters: spending precious time with your loved ones. And let’s be honest, nothing brings family together quite like the irresistible aroma and taste of perfectly cooked bacon, right?

The combination of their flavorful bacon, the fresh asparagus, and the creamy, cheesy filling within a crisp puff pastry base makes this tart a true masterpiece. It’s a dish that celebrates the joy of sharing good food and creating lasting memories.

Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Puff Pastry Tart

Prep Time:
30 minutes

Cook Time:
25 minutes

Total Time:
55 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed according to package directions
• 4 Hatfield Quality Meats Applewood Bacon Slices
• 8 fresh medium asparagus spears, woody ends trimmed
• 1 cup full-fat ricotta
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Lemon zest and Parmesan flakes, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400F (200C). Line one baking sheet with parchment paper. Line a second baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
2. Unfold the puff pastry and place on the parchment-lined sheet. Score* the pastry 1/2 inch from the edge then prick all over the center with a fork.
3. Cut each bacon slice in half lengthwise, creating 8 narrow strips. Wrap each strip tightly around each asparagus stalk. Place seam side down onto the wire rack on the second baking sheet.
4. Bake both trays at the same time for 15 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden brown and bacon is cooked to your desired crispness. If the bacon isn’t quite done, remove the puff pastry tray and continue baking the bacon for another 5 minutes or until fully cooked.
5. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, mix together the ricotta, Parmesan, lemon juice, minced garlic, and black pepper until well combined.
6. Once the puff pastry and bacon are cooked, evenly spread the ricotta mixture over the pre-baked puff pastry**, staying within the scored border. Carefully arrange the bacon-wrapped asparagus spears on top of the ricotta mixture. Bake for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the filling to warm through.
7. Right before serving, garnish with fresh lemon zest and delicate Parmesan flakes for an extra burst of flavor and a beautiful presentation.

Notes

*Scoring the dough means to make shallow cuts that do not go all the way through the pastry. This technique helps the edges rise beautifully while allowing some steam to escape during baking, contributing to a flakier crust.

**If your puff pastry puffs up significantly in the center, you can gently push the top down with the back of a spoon or fork after it’s baked, especially if it cracks a little, the cheese mixture will beautifully cover it up.

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A Versatile Appetizer for Any Occasion

This Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Puff Pastry Tart isn’t just for Easter; it’s a remarkably versatile dish that shines at any spring gathering. Serve it as an elegant appetizer for a dinner party, a delightful addition to a brunch spread, or even as a light lunch alongside a fresh salad. Its vibrant colors and sophisticated flavors make it a showstopper, yet its preparation is surprisingly straightforward.

Beyond its visual appeal and delicious taste, this tart offers convenience. Many components can be prepped in advance, making entertaining stress-free. You can wash and trim the asparagus, mix the ricotta filling, and even partially cook the bacon ahead of time. When your guests arrive, simply assemble and bake, allowing you more time to enjoy their company.

Pair this savory tart with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, to complement the fresh asparagus and creamy cheese. For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling lemonade or an herbal iced tea would be a refreshing choice.

Embrace the Flavors of Spring

As spring unfurls its beauty, let your kitchen be a place of celebration and creativity. This Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Puff Pastry Tart is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to embrace the season’s bounty and share joy with those you love. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or new to baking, the clear instructions and helpful tips will guide you to a delicious and impressive result.

So, don’t let the fickle spring weather dampen your spirits. Gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and create this unforgettable tart. It’s guaranteed to bring smiles and warm memories to your table, making your spring and Easter celebrations truly special.

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Hatfield. I’m grateful for the opportunity to partner with companies that align with my values of quality and family. Thank you for supporting me and the brands that help keep this website running, allowing me to share delicious recipes with you.