Spring-Loaded Asparagus & Goat Cheese Tart
A delicate, flaky tart with tender asparagus and creamy goat cheese, perfect for brunch or light dinner. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 50 minutes layers sheets phyllo dough, asparagus, goat cheese into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 sheets phyllo dough
- 12 oz asparagus
- 4 oz goat cheese
- 1 shallot
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp fresh chives
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Trim asparagus spears to 2-inch lengths and snap off woody ends.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 finely minced shallot and cook for 3 minutes until translucent, then add asparagus and cook for 4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, mix 4 oz crumbled goat cheese, 1/4 cup heavy cream, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, and 1/4 tsp salt until smooth.
- Step 4: Brush 1 sheet of phyllo dough with melted butter, layer another sheet on top, and repeat until 8 sheets are stacked. Cut into a 9-inch circle.
- Step 5: Spread the goat cheese mixture evenly over the phyllo base, leaving a 1-inch border. Arrange asparagus spears in a single layer over the filling.
- Step 6: Fold the edges of the phyllo up and over the filling, then brush the top with remaining 1 tbsp olive oil.
- Step 7: Bake for 25 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spring-Loaded Asparagus & Goat Cheese Tart take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (25 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Spring-Loaded Asparagus & Goat Cheese Tart?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spring-Loaded Asparagus & Goat Cheese Tart?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Spring-Loaded Asparagus & Goat Cheese Tart for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Spring-Loaded Asparagus & Goat Cheese Tart vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This has become our go-to vegetarian dish. We make it weekly.
- ★★★★★
Simple and delicious.
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.