Oh my goodness, this Cheesy Asparagus Puff Pastry with Herb Honey is the perfect balance of savory and sweet, crispy and creamyโitโs a showstopper! Picture this: flaky, buttery puff pastry wrapped around fresh asparagus spears and gooey melted cheese, then drizzled with a delicate herb-infused honey that takes it to a whole new level. Itโs elegant, itโs delicious, and itโs guaranteed to impress anyone who takes a bite. Trust me, youโre going to want this in your recipe rotation!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Why Youโll Love Cheesy Asparagus Puff Pastry with Herb Honey
This dish is one of those recipes that feels extra special, but itโs so easy to make! Hereโs why youโll fall in love with it:
Flaky and Buttery: The puff pastry is light and crisp, creating a perfect contrast with the cheesy asparagus inside. Itโs the kind of texture that makes every bite feel like a little celebration.
Savory Meets Sweet: The combination of melted cheese and tender asparagus with the touch of honey and herbs is simply magical. Itโs a perfect harmony of flavors that makes your taste buds dance.
Impressive and Elegant: Whether youโre serving this at a dinner party, a special occasion, or a weekend brunch, this dish will definitely steal the spotlight. Itโs fancy without being complicated.
Quick and Easy: Despite looking like itโs straight out of a gourmet kitchen, this dish comes together in no time. The puff pastry does most of the work, leaving you with just a few simple steps.
Versatile: This dish is perfect as a side, an appetizer, or even a light main course. You can serve it as a starter at a party or pair it with a salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Letโs talk about what goes into making this irresistible dish:
Puff Pastry: The base of this dish. Youโll want to use a buttery, flaky puff pastry that will bake to a golden, crispy perfection.
Asparagus: Fresh asparagus is the star of this recipe, bringing a lovely crunch and flavor that pairs beautifully with the cheese and the herb honey.
Cheese: A mix of your favorite melty cheeses, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or Gruyรจre, gives the pastry that gooey, indulgent richness.
Herb Honey: The secret ingredient that really makes this dish shine. A combination of honey and fresh herbs (think thyme or rosemary) adds a touch of sweetness and an aromatic finish.
Olive Oil: For drizzling over the asparagus before baking. It helps bring out the natural flavor of the asparagus and gives it a nice, roasted finish.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings to bring all the flavors together and enhance the savory-sweet balance.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Letโs get baking! Follow these simple steps to make this delectable dish:
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC). You want it nice and hot so the puff pastry bakes perfectly crispy.
Prepare the Asparagus: Trim the tough ends off the asparagus and place them on a baking sheet. Drizzle with a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for about 8-10 minutes, just until theyโre tender but still crisp.
Roll Out the Puff Pastry: While the asparagus is roasting, roll out your puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. You want it to be large enough to wrap around the asparagus, so make sure to roll it out to about a ยผ-inch thickness.
Assemble the Pastry: Once your asparagus is roasted, lay it in the center of the puff pastry. Sprinkle your chosen cheese(s) evenly over the asparagus, and fold the pastry over to enclose the asparagus and cheese in a neat little package. You can fold the edges over or leave them openโeither way, itโs going to be delicious.
Bake the Pastry: Place the pastry on a baking sheet and bake it in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and puffed up.
Make the Herb Honey: While the pastry is baking, combine honey with a few fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or your favorite herb) in a small bowl. Microwave for about 20 seconds or heat gently on the stove to infuse the honey with the herbs.
Drizzle and Serve: Once your pastry is out of the oven and cooled slightly, drizzle the herb honey over the top. Slice into portions and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 320
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
How to Serve Cheesy Asparagus Puff Pastry with Herb Honey
This dish is so versatileโit pairs beautifully with so many sides and mains. Here are a few ideas to complement it:
Salads: A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette is the perfect accompaniment. The fresh, tangy flavor will balance the richness of the pastry.
Grilled Meats: Serve this pastry alongside grilled chicken, steak, or even salmon. The puff pastry adds a luxurious touch to your main course.
Roasted Vegetables: Complement the asparagus with roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or any of your favorite veggies to round out the meal.
Soup: A light, creamy soup like tomato bisque or butternut squash soup pairs wonderfully with this pastry for a comforting, well-rounded meal.
Additional Tips
Here are some tips to make sure your Cheesy Asparagus Puff Pastry turns out perfectly:
Use Fresh Asparagus: Fresh asparagus gives the dish a bright, crisp flavor that frozen or canned asparagus just canโt match.
Make it Ahead: You can prepare the pastry ahead of time by assembling it and refrigerating it until youโre ready to bake. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if itโs cold from the fridge.
Herb Options: If youโre not a fan of rosemary or thyme, try using basil, tarragon, or oregano in the honey for a unique twist.
Customize the Cheese: Feel free to use whatever cheese you love! Gruyรจre, feta, goat cheese, or a mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella are all fantastic choices.
Golden Finish: For an extra golden, crispy finish, you can brush the puff pastry with a little egg wash before baking (just beat an egg with a splash of water and brush it over the pastry).
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen puff pastry?
A1: Yes! Frozen puff pastry works greatโjust be sure to thaw it according to the package instructions before using it.
Q2: Can I use a different vegetable instead of asparagus?
A2: Absolutely! Try using thin slices of zucchini, roasted bell peppers, or even spinach for a different twist.
Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A3: You can prepare the pastry ahead of time and refrigerate it until youโre ready to bake. Just make sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if itโs chilled.
Q4: Can I skip the herb honey?
A4: The herb honey adds a wonderful sweet and aromatic touch, but if you prefer a more savory version, you can absolutely leave it off.
Q5: Whatโs the best way to store leftovers?
A5: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) for a few minutes to get the pastry crispy again.
Q6: Can I freeze this dish?
A6: Yes! You can freeze the assembled pastry before baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When youโre ready to bake, let it thaw and bake as usual.
Q7: Can I make this without cheese?
A7: Yes, you can! You could substitute the cheese with a vegan cheese or simply skip it altogether for a lighter version.
Q8: How do I know when the puff pastry is done?
A8: The puff pastry is done when itโs golden brown and crispy on the outside. If itโs still soft in the middle, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
Q9: Can I use store-bought herb honey?
A9: Yes! If you donโt have time to make the herb honey, you can use store-bought herb-infused honey or add fresh herbs to regular honey.
Q10: Can I add other herbs to the pastry?
A10: Definitely! Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or chives are great additions inside the pastry. Just sprinkle them over the cheese before folding the puff pastry.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Asparagus Puff Pastry with Herb Honey is the perfect combination of comfort, elegance, and flavor. Itโs sure to impress at any gathering, whether youโre hosting a party or enjoying a quiet evening at home. So go ahead, treat yourself and your guests to this deliciously decadent dishโyou wonโt regret it!
PrintCheesy Asparagus Puff Pastry with Herb Honey
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 puff pastries
- Category: Snacks
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Asparagus Puff Pastry with Herb Honey recipe combines simplicity and sophistication! A buttery, golden crust wraps around creamy mozzarella and fresh asparagus, topped with a luscious herby honey drizzle. Itโs the perfect snack or appetizer to share with loved ones. Dairy-free option available.
Ingredients
For the Puff Pastry:
-
1 (14 oz.) package premium puff pastry sheets
-
1 bunch organic asparagus (ends trimmed)
-
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
-
1 teaspoon sea salt
-
1 teaspoon black pepper
-
8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese (sliced lengthwise)
-
1 large egg (beaten, for egg wash)
For the Herb Honey Sauce:
ย
-
1/4 cup raw honey
-
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
-
1 teaspoon garlic powder
-
1 teaspoon dried oregano
-
1 teaspoon dried parsley
-
1 teaspoon dried basil
Instructions
Make the Puff Pastry:
-
Preheat the oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
In a bowl, toss the asparagus with olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper until fully coated.
-
Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a floured surface and cut into 8 squares.
-
Place a slice of mozzarella on each square, then top with about 4-5 asparagus pieces.
-
Fold two sides of each pastry square over the asparagus to enclose them. Optionally, brush the ends with a little egg wash to ensure they seal tightly.
-
Place the prepared pastries onto the baking sheet, brush the tops with the beaten egg, and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Make the Herb Honey Sauce:
-
In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the honey, butter, garlic powder, oregano, parsley, and basil. Stir until combined, and the sauce starts to boil.
-
Remove from heat.
Serve:
ย
-
Once the puff pastries are baked, remove from the oven and drizzle the herb honey sauce over the top. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 puff pastry
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 35mg