Pin it 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 a favorite at our spring brunches, impressing guests with both its taste and presentation.
Ingredients
- Vegetables: 24 medium asparagus spears, trimmed
- Pastry: 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- Dairy: 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Dairy: 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- Seasoning: 1 tbsp olive oil
- Seasoning: ½ tsp salt
- Seasoning: ¼ tsp black pepper
- Seasoning: ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- Toss the asparagus spears with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using).
- Step 3:
- Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut into 8 strips, each about 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide and 6 inches (15 cm) long.
- Step 4:
- Gather 3 asparagus spears together and wrap one pastry strip around the middle of each bundle, leaving the tips and ends exposed. Pinch the ends of the pastry strip together at the bottom to form a star-like shape.
- Step 5:
- Place the bundles on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the pastry with the beaten egg and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Step 6:
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.
- Step 7:
- Serve warm, garnished with additional Parmesan if desired.
Pin it This dish always brings a smile during family gatherings, especially when kids get excited about the star shapes.
Notes
Serve with a lemon aioli or hollandaise sauce for dipping to enhance the flavor.
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.
Pin it
This recipe combines simplicity with elegance for a perfect starter anytime.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of pastry is used for the bundles?
The bundles are made using thawed puff pastry, which provides a flaky and golden crust.
- → How should the asparagus be prepared before wrapping?
Trim the asparagus spears and toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and optionally garlic powder to enhance flavor.
- → Can other vegetables be used instead of asparagus?
Yes, thin green beans or baby carrots are great alternatives that can be wrapped in the pastry strips.
- → What is the purpose of the egg wash?
Brushing beaten egg over the pastry strips before baking gives a glossy, golden finish and helps hold the bundles together.
- → How long and at what temperature should the bundles be baked?
Bake the bundles at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 18 minutes until the pastry is crisp and golden brown.
- → Are there recommended accompaniments for serving?
These bundles are delicious served warm with lemon aioli or hollandaise sauce for dipping.