Four ingredients: puff pastry, raclette, asparagus, and bacon, done in thirty minutes. Raclette melts into something rich and slightly funky that no other cheese quite replicates on pastry, so don’t substitute cheddar and expect the same result. This is a good appetizer. It’s also a reasonable lunch.
How to Make Raclette, Asparagus, and Bacon Tart
Thaw the pastry fully
Half-frozen puff pastry cracks when you try to roll it and won’t puff evenly. Let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes. It should be pliable but still cold to the touch.
Egg wash on the edges only
Brush the border strips and edges, not the center where the filling sits. Egg wash on the filling area makes it greasy rather than golden. The border puffs up around the filling and holds everything in place. 
Raclette, Asparagus, and Bacon Tart
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
Flaky puff pastry holds creamy raclette, crisp asparagus, and salty bacon.
A sophisticated appetizer thats surprisingly quick to assemble.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry
- 4 slices raclette
- 4 spears asparagus spears, cooked or grilled
- 0.5 cups (118 ml) chopped sweet onion
- 0.5 cups (118 ml) diced, cooked ham or bacon
- egg wash
Instructions
- Thaw and roll out puff pastry to 1/4 inch thickness.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Cut out 4 squares from the puff pastry. Cut out small strips from the scraps.
- Use egg wash to stick the small strips to the top of the squares.
- Place a piece of raclette in the middle of each tart square.
- Sprinkle asparagus, onions, and ham over the tarts.
- Brush the edges of the tarts with egg wash.
- Bake until the pastry has risen and is golden brown.
Notes
- Blind bake the pastry for 10 minutes before adding the filling to prevent a soggy bottom.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and add roasted red peppers instead.
- Leftover tarts can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in a 350°F oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Oven-Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tart
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 10
- Cholesterol: 50
Frequently Asked Questions
What cheese can I use if I can’t find raclette?
Gruyere or fontina are the best substitutes. Both melt well and have a similar richness. Avoid anything that does not melt smoothly, like aged cheddar.
Should I thaw the puff pastry completely before using it?
Yes, thaw it in the refrigerator for a few hours or on the counter for about 20 minutes until pliable. If it cracks when you unfold it, it needs more time.
Can I make these tarts ahead of time?
You can assemble them and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before baking. Do not freeze assembled tarts, as the toppings release moisture and make the pastry soggy.
