Save to Pinterest Crispy, golden pastry stars wrapped around tender asparagus spears, these elegant bundles make a delightful appetizer perfect for festive gatherings or springtime meals.
This recipe quickly became my go-to appetizer for celebrations because it is both visually appealing and delicious.
Ingredients
- 24 medium asparagus spears: trimmed
- 1 sheet puff pastry: thawed
- 1 egg: beaten (for egg wash)
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese:
- 1 tbsp olive oil:
- ½ tsp salt:
- ¼ tsp black pepper:
- ½ tsp garlic powder: optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
- Set oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare asparagus:
- Toss asparagus spears with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder if using.
- Prepare pastry strips:
- Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface. Cut into 8 strips about 1 inch wide and 6 inches long.
- Form bundles:
- Gather 3 asparagus spears and wrap one pastry strip around middle of each, leaving tips and ends exposed. Pinch pastry ends together at bottom to form star shape.
- Arrange and brush:
- Place bundles on baking sheet. Brush pastry with beaten egg and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake:
- Bake for 15–18 minutes until pastry is golden brown and crisp.
- Serve:
- Serve warm, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan.
Save to Pinterest This dish always brings smiles at our family gatherings especially when the pastry is perfectly crisp.
Required Tools
Baking sheet, parchment paper, pastry brush, knife or pastry cutter, small bowl
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), egg, and dairy (milk, Parmesan cheese). Check puff pastry packaging for additional allergens or potential cross-contamination.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 160, Total Fat 9 g, Carbohydrates 15 g, Protein 5 g
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Enjoy this elegant appetizer fresh from the oven for the best texture and flavor.
Questions & Answers
- → How do I prepare the asparagus for wrapping?
Trim the asparagus spears and toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder for added flavor before wrapping.
- → What type of pastry works best for these bundles?
Puff pastry provides a light, flaky texture that crisps beautifully around the asparagus when baked.
- → Can I use a different cheese instead of Parmesan?
Yes, grated hard cheeses like Asiago or aged Pecorino can be used as alternatives to Parmesan for topping.
- → What are good dipping sauces to serve with these bundles?
Lemon aioli or hollandaise sauce complement the flavors well and add a creamy contrast to the crisp pastry.
- → How long should the bundles be baked?
Bake the bundles at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes until the pastry is golden and crisp.
- → Can I substitute asparagus with other vegetables?
Thin green beans or baby carrots make excellent alternatives for a similar texture and look.