Can I use frozen asparagus for this recipe?

I wouldn't recommend it. Frozen asparagus tends to release too much moisture during baking, resulting in soggy pastry. Fresh asparagus maintains its texture and flavor much better for this particular recipe.

My puff pastry got sticky and difficult to work with. What happened?

Puff pastry gets sticky when it becomes too warm. If this happens, place it back in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to firm up, then continue working with it. Always keep unused portions chilled while working with one section.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely! There are several brands of gluten-free puff pastry available now. The texture might be slightly different, but they'll still be delicious. Just make sure to check that your chosen brand handles similarly to regular puff pastry.

How do I know when the asparagus is perfectly cooked?

The perfect asparagus should be tender but still have a slight bite to it. If you're concerned about doneness, you can blanch thicker asparagus spears for 1 minute in boiling water before assembling the bundles. Remember that thinner spears cook faster than thick ones!

Cheesy Asparagus Puff Pastry Bundles Recipe

Name: Cheesy Asparagus Puff Pastry Bundles Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 1 bunch asparagus, woody ends trimmed off; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed; 8 oz Gruyere cheese, grated; 12 slices prosciutto; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 egg, beaten; Kosher salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Description

Delight your taste buds with these crispy, cheesy asparagus puff pastry bundles! Wrapped in flaky puff pastry and infused with the savory flavors of Gruyere cheese and prosciutto, this recipe is perfect as an appetizer or light snack. With an elegant presentation and easily customizable ingredients, these bundles will steal the show at your next gathering.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Puff Pastry Bundles

1 bunch asparagus, woody ends trimmed off
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed
8 oz Gruyere cheese, grated
12 slices prosciutto
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 egg, beaten

Seasoning

Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures the puff pastry cooks evenly and prevents sticking.
Prepare the Puff Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets to make them slightly larger. Cut each sheet into 6 equal squares to create 12 squares in total.
Season the Asparagus
Toss the trimmed asparagus spears in olive oil, dried thyme, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Coat them evenly to enhance their flavor and set aside.
Assemble the Bundles
On each puff pastry square, place a slice of prosciutto (folded in half if necessary), 3-4 spears of seasoned asparagus, and approximately 2 tablespoons of Gruyere cheese. Layer carefully for balanced flavors in each bundle.
Wrap the Bundles
Bring two opposite corners of the puff pastry square together over the asparagus, folding and pinching to seal tightly. Repeat for all squares.
Brush with Egg Wash
Brush the top and edges of each puff pastry bundle with beaten egg. Sprinkle with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper for an extra touch of flavor.
Bake Until Golden
Place the assembled bundles on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden and puffed. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Thawing Puff Pastry: Make sure the puff pastry is properly thawed but still cold. If it gets too soft, refrigerate it briefly.
Cheese Alternative: Gruyere cheese adds a nutty flavor, but you can use mozzarella, cheddar, or even Parmesan as substitutes.
Serving Suggestion: Pair these bundles with a light green salad or a dipping sauce, like garlic aioli or mustard, for a complete appetizer spread.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 bundles
Calories: 320
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 580mg
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 50mg