Best 15 Baked Asparagus Leek And Goat Cheese Bites Recipes

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In the realm of culinary delights, baked asparagus leek and goat cheese bites emerge as a delectable treat that tantalizes the taste buds. These bite-sized morsels, crafted with fresh asparagus, tender leeks, and creamy goat cheese, offer a symphony of flavors and textures that delight the senses.

Let's cook with our recipes!

ROASTED ASPARAGUS WITH LEMON AND GOAT CHEESE



Roasted Asparagus with Lemon and Goat Cheese image

After you try this recipe, it will be difficult to make asparagus any other way. You'll see how roasting the asparagus brings out exquisite flavors that are enhanced by just the right amount of goat cheese and lemon.

Provided by Swanson®

Categories     Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips     Swanson®

Time 30m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 pounds fresh asparagus, trimmed
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ cup Swanson® Vegetable Broth
3 ounces soft goat cheese, crumbled
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

Steps:

  • Set the oven to 425 degrees F. Spray a roasting pan with vegetable cooking spray.
  • Stir the asparagus and oil in the pan. Season the asparagus as desired. Add the broth.
  • Roast the asparagus for 20 minutes or until tender, stirring once during cooking. Top with the cheese, lemon juice and lemon zest.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 103.8 calories, Carbohydrate 6.8 g, Cholesterol 11.2 mg, Fat 6.7 g, Fiber 3.1 g, Protein 6.4 g, SaturatedFat 3.3 g, Sodium 154.5 mg, Sugar 3.4 g

ROASTED ASPARAGUS WITH HERB GOAT CHEESE



Roasted Asparagus with Herb Goat Cheese image

Roasting veggies always needs revamping every now and then, and I like to experiment by pairing them with different dressings or cheeses. I happened to love goat cheese and had extra on hand. I paired it with asparagus, and they lived happily ever after.

Provided by Raquel Teixeira

Categories     Side Dish     Vegetables     Asparagus     Baked

Time 20m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 4

1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed
1 tablespoon olive oil
salt and ground black pepper to taste
¼ cup herbed goat cheese, crumbled

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
  • Arrange asparagus, side-by-side, on a baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil over asparagus; season with salt and pepper. Crumble goat cheese over asparagus.
  • Roast in the preheated oven until cheese is slightly melted and asparagus are tender yet firm to the bite, about 10 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 104.1 calories, Carbohydrate 4.8 g, Cholesterol 11.2 mg, Fat 7.7 g, Fiber 2.3 g, Protein 5.6 g, SaturatedFat 3.4 g, Sodium 75.3 mg, Sugar 2.4 g

BAKED ASPARAGUS AND GOAT CHEESE



Baked Asparagus and Goat Cheese image

Goat cheese is a great match for a lot of foods, and here it is used in this asparagus bake. It is so delicious, of course, I could be a little predjudiced on this matter, I love goat cheese on nearly everything!!

Provided by Chef mariajane

Categories     Cheese

Time 10m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 1/2 lbs asparagus spears, trimmed (jumbo or extra-large)
2 tablespoons butter, melted, divided
salt
2 ounces white goat cheese, crumbled (about 1/2 cup)
1/2 cup fresh white breadcrumbs

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400°F Coat asparagus with 1 tablespoons melted butter, then salt lightly.
  • Arrange in an oven-to-table shallow baking dish large enough to hold asparagus in a single layer.
  • Evenly distribute goat cheese over asparagus, then sprinkle with breadcrumbs. Drizzle remaining 1 tablespoons melted butter over breadcrumbs. Bake asparagus until tender-crisp and breadcrumbs lightly browned, about 10 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 103.3, Fat 7, SaturatedFat 4.5, Cholesterol 17.6, Sodium 117.4, Carbohydrate 6.8, Fiber 2.4, Sugar 1.9, Protein 5.1

ASPARAGUS WITH GOAT CHEESE AND HAZELNUTS



Asparagus with Goat Cheese and Hazelnuts image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Categories     side-dish

Time 20m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
Kosher salt
1 pound asparagus, trimmed
1 cup mizuna lettuce or watercress
1/2 cup toasted peeled hazelnuts, chopped
2 ounces goat cheese crumbles

Steps:

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the oil, mustard, vinegar and 1/4 teaspoon salt until smooth and emulsified.
  • Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Sprinkle generously with salt. Add the asparagus to the water and, depending on the size of the asparagus, blanch for 3 to 5 minutes. It should still have some bite left to it. Add the warm asparagus to the dressing and toss well to coat.
  • Fan the asparagus out on a platter and sprinkle with the mizuna. Scatter the hazelnuts and goat cheese on top and drizzle with any dressing that may remain in the bowl.

ASPARAGUS AND WILD LEEK TART WITH GOAT CHEESE AND RED PEPPER VINAIGRETTE



Asparagus and Wild Leek Tart with Goat Cheese and Red Pepper Vinaigrette image

Provided by Food Network

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 pound pencil asparagus
1/2 pound wild leeks (ramps) or scallions
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 package phyllo dough
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, more if needed
6 ounces fresh goat cheese
1/2 small red pepper, ribs and seeds removed
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
Salt and pepper
1/2 cup walnut oil

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  • Wash the asparagus and cut off the bottom of the stems that are greenish-white and tough. Bring a pot of water to a boil, add 1 tablespoon salt, submerge the asparagus for 30 seconds to blanch, remove the asparagus from the pot and quickly submerge in iced water to shock. Set the asparagus aside.
  • From the wild leeks, trim off the dirty roots and snip an inch off the tops, before washing them carefully in cold water. Heat a saute pan over medium heat with 1 tablespoon of butter. When the butter begins to foam add the wild leeks, season with salt and pepper, and cook gently for 3 to 4 minutes. Add the broth to the wild leeks and simmer until all of the broth has evaporated but be careful not to burn the leeks. Remove from the saute pan and allow to cool.
  • Prepare a space to work with the phyllo dough: unwrap the dough and cover with a cloth, have a brush and the olive oil ready and have a cookie sheet ready on which the tart will be baked. Begin by lightly brushing the center of the cookie sheet with a film of olive oil. Next, lay the first sheet of dough on the cookie pan, brush the dough lightly with oil and overlap width wise the next sheet over only half of the first so that now the two sheets make a pastry sheet 50 percent wider (not longer) than the original dimension of the pastry. Don't be concerned if the lengthwise ends of the dough are overflowing from the edges of the pan: all of the edges of the dough will be rolled up to form the edges of the tart.
  • Brush the second sheet of dough with oil and lay another sheet squarely over the first so that in alternating this pattern you build your wide pastry base. Continue to alternate the dough sheets, brushing each layer with oil, until you have used half the package of dough.
  • Gather the edges of the phyllo between the tips of your fingers and begin to roll them toward the
  • center to form the sides of the tart. Roll uniformly inward until the rolled edge is even all around and the round tart resembles a pizza. Leave a pastry base of 10 to 12 inches into which the vegetables and cheese will go after the tart shell is blind baked.
  • Place the empty tart shell into the oven and bake for 6 minutes. Remove the pastry from the oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes before filling. This pastry preparation can be done over the course of several hours and can even be done a day or two ahead if the blind baking is reserved until the last moment and the raw pastry is covered with plastic wrap and refrigerated.
  • To fill the tart crumble the goat cheese and spread it evenly over the base of the tart. Next add an even layer of wild leeks, followed by the asparagus which should be fanned, tips out, from the center of the tart. Season the tart lightly with salt and pepper, place into the 375 degree oven and bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese has softened and the crust becomes a rich golden brown. Serve immediately.
  • While the tart is baking (or ahead of time if possible) prepare the vinaigrette. Place the red pepper, mustard, vinegar and 1/4 teaspoon salt and black pepper in a food processor. Pulse to chop the red pepper to a fine dice. When the pepper has been pulsed enough, begin to drizzle in the walnut oil to create an emulsified dressing.
  • Serve the tart with a small green salad and a drizzle of red pepper vinaigrette.

PASTA WITH GOAT CHEESE AND ROASTED ASPARAGUS



Pasta with Goat Cheese and Roasted Asparagus image

This corkscrew pasta turns sophisticated with a creamy no-cook sauce. It's a dream to make: Just whisk together goat cheese, pasta water, and butter, and toss with cavatappi and roasted asparagus.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Pasta and Grains

Time 25m

Number Of Ingredients 5

2 bunches asparagus (2 pounds total), tough ends removed
4 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
12 ounces cavatappi or other short pasta
1 small log soft goat cheese (5 ounces), crumbled
2 to 3 tablespoons snipped fresh chives, for garnish

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Bring a large pot of water to a boil for pasta. Place asparagus on a large rimmed baking sheet; dot with 1 tablespoon butter, and season with salt and pepper. Roast until tender, tossing occasionally, 10 to 15 minutes; cut into 2-inch lengths.
  • While asparagus is roasting, generously salt boiling water. Add pasta, and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Set aside 1 1/2 cups pasta water; drain pasta and return to pot.
  • In a medium bowl, combine goat cheese, remaining 3 tablespoons butter, and 1/2 cup pasta water. Season with salt and pepper, and whisk until smooth. Add goat-cheese mixture and asparagus to pasta; toss to combine, adding more pasta water if necessary for sauce to coat pasta. Serve pasta garnished with chives.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 550 g, Fat 20 g, Fiber 7 g, Protein 23 g

ROASTED ASPARAGUS WITH GOAT CHEESE AND BACON



Roasted Asparagus with Goat Cheese and Bacon image

Categories     Brunch     Roast     Low Carb     Quick & Easy     Goat Cheese     Lemon     Bacon     Asparagus     Spring     Bon Appétit

Yield Makes 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 6

6 bacon slices
2 pounds medium asparagus, tough ends trimmed
2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons olive oil
1 3 1/2- to 4-ounce log soft fresh goat cheese, crumbled
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel

Steps:

  • Cook bacon in heavy large skillet over medium heat until brown and crisp. Transfer to paper towels and drain. Crumble bacon; set aside.
  • Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 500°F. Arrange asparagus on large rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons oil and turn asparagus to coat well. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Roast asparagus until crisp-tender when pierced with knife, about 7 minutes. Arrange asparagus in single layer on platter. Sprinkle with goat cheese, then bacon. Drizzle with lemon juice and remaining 2 teaspoons oil. Sprinkle grated lemon peel over. (Can be prepared 1 hour ahead. Cover with plastic wrap. Let stand at room temperature.)

ROASTED FRESH ASPARAGUS, BEETS, AND GOAT CHEESE MEDLEY



Roasted Fresh Asparagus, Beets, and Goat Cheese Medley image

Nothing is as scrumptious as fresh asparagus nor roasted veggies. Full article by Cat Rooney/Epoch Times at http://www.theepochtimes.com/n3/99474-roasted-fresh-asparagus-beets-and-goat-cheese-medley/

Provided by CatsCooking

Categories     Vegetable

Time 45m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 lb asparagus
2 -3 small beets
1 tablespoon virgin oil
1 pinch salt & freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, left on the stems (optional)
2 ounces goat cheese, with honey or 2 ounces seasoned goat cheese
2 tablespoons dried fruit (raisins or cranberries, apricots cut to small pieces)
2 tablespoons slivered almonds
parchment paper, to cover baking sheet

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 425º F. Wash asparagus and cut off the tougher bottom parts of the stems. (Don't snap the ends as you lose too much of the asparagus). If sizes vary dramatically, slice the largest asparagus stems lengthwise. The asparagus can be chopped uniformly into halves or thirds or left whole.
  • Wash and peel beets and slice into small cubes. Place asparagus and beets in a large bowl. Add olive oil, seasoning, and thyme and toss until completely coated.Cover baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange asparagus and beets on the sheet so they are spread out and not overlapping. Use a spatula to gather any remaining oil and seasonings to drizzle over the arranged vegetables. Bake for 15-20 minutes until beets are tender then remove them from the oven. Pile the asparagus and beets into the middle of the baking pan. Add cheese, fruit, and almonds. Bake another 10 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 153, Fat 9.6, SaturatedFat 3.6, Cholesterol 11.2, Sodium 109.5, Carbohydrate 12.4, Fiber 3.7, Sugar 4, Protein 7.1

ASPARAGUS GALETTE WITH GOAT CHEESE



Asparagus Galette with Goat Cheese image

This asparagus galette could be an appetizer or a side dish, or you could top it with an egg and serve it as an entree. While I prefer to make my own whole wheat crust to add a nutty flavor, you could use a refrigerated crust instead. Cooking all vegetables before assembling the galette adds flavor and expels most of the moisture, so the crust gets crispy in the oven. If you want to save time, use caramelized onion jam instead of caramelizing the leeks. -Kellyn Kemmerer, Baltimore, Maryland

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon kosher salt
10 tablespoons cold unsalted butter
1 to 3 tablespoons ice water
FILLING:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
2 medium leeks (white portion only), cut into 1/4-inch slices
2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 pound sliced baby portobello mushrooms
1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 3-inch pieces
1 log (4 ounces) fresh goat cheese
1 large egg, lightly beaten

Steps:

  • Place flours and salt in a food processor; pulse until blended. Add butter; pulse until butter is the size of peas. While pulsing, add just enough ice water to form moist crumbs. Shape dough into a disk. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour or overnight., In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add leeks and 1 teaspoon salt; cook and stir until softened, 5-7 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook until deep golden brown, 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from pan to a large bowl., In the same skillet, heat oil and remaining 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add mushrooms and remaining 1 teaspoon salt; cook and stir until reduced by half and crispy, about 20 minutes. Add to bowl with leeks., Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, bring 8 cups water to a boil. Add asparagus; cook, uncovered, until the stalks turn bright green, 2-3 minutes. Remove asparagus and immediately drop into ice water. Drain and pat dry; add to bowl with leeks and mushrooms., Preheat oven to 400°. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into a 12-in. circle. Transfer crust to a parchment-lined baking sheet., Crumble goat cheese over top of vegetable mixture. Spoon over crust to within 2 in. of edge. Fold crust edge over filling, pleating as you go and leaving a 6-in. opening in the center. Brush folded crust with beaten egg. Bake until crust is golden brown and cheese is melty, 30-35 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before cutting. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 308 calories, Fat 22g fat (12g saturated fat), Cholesterol 78mg cholesterol, Sodium 797mg sodium, Carbohydrate 23g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 7g protein.

OVEN-ROASTED ASPARAGUS AND LEEKS



Oven-Roasted Asparagus and Leeks image

This oven-roasted asparagus and leek recipe is simply delicious. If thick asparagus is unavailable, use thin spears, and adjust the cooking time; thin asparagus will cook faster.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Healthy Recipes     Gluten-Free Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 6

6 medium leeks
20 thick asparagus spears (about 1 pound)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
Balsamic vinegar (optional)

Steps:

  • Trim each leek at the root end, making sure the stalk stays intact, then cut off the top where the green part begins. Cut leeks in half lengthwise. Immerse in a bowl of cold water to loosen any sand or grit. Rinse under cold running water, and pat dry.
  • Heat oven to 400 degrees. Trim tough ends from asparagus. In a large bowl, combine asparagus and leeks. Drizzle olive oil over vegetables, and toss to coat. Add salt, and season with pepper; toss to combine.
  • Place vegetables in a heavy roasting pan, and transfer to oven. Roast until vegetables start to turn brown and are fork tender, about 25 minutes. Remove pan from oven, and set on heat-proof surface until vegetables are cool enough to eat. When ready to serve, drizzle with balsamic vinegar, if desired.

ROASTED ASPARAGUS AND LEEKS



Roasted Asparagus and Leeks image

No vegetable says spring quite like asparagus. In this recipe, we combine pretty green spears with leeks. Crushed red pepper adds a bit of zest.-Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 35m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 7

3 pounds fresh asparagus, trimmed
12 medium leeks (white portion only), halved lengthwise
4-1/2 teaspoons olive oil
1-1/2 teaspoons dill weed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • Place asparagus and leeks on an ungreased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Combine the remaining ingredients; pour over vegetables. , Bake at 400° for 20-25 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 83 calories, Fat 2g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 98mg sodium, Carbohydrate 15g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

ROASTED ASPARAGUS WITH CRISPY LEEKS AND CAPERS



Roasted Asparagus With Crispy Leeks and Capers image

In this supremely springy recipe, thick asparagus stalks and thinly sliced leeks are glossed with olive oil and covered in salty capers. Everything is roasted in the same pan and emerges tender and golden-edged. Capers also make an appearance in the mustard sauce served alongside, which adds a tangy, mayonnaise-like richness. You can double the recipe, if you wish, though you may have to increase the roasting time by a few minutes to make up for a more-crowded pan. Serve this on its own as a first course, or as an accompaniment to roast chicken, braised meats or seared fish. Just don't use thin asparagus: It'll cook too quickly, before the leeks have a chance to turn golden. Stick with spears that are at least 1/2 inch in diameter.

Provided by Melissa Clark

Categories     vegetables, side dish

Time 20m

Yield 3 to 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 pound thick asparagus, ends trimmed
2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and black pepper
1 large leek, white and light green parts, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
2 tablespoons drained capers
Lemon wedges, for serving
1/4 cup parsley, leaves and tender stems, torn
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons drained capers, finely chopped
1 small garlic clove, finely grated or minced
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and black pepper

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 425 degrees. Put asparagus on a rimmed sheet pan and toss with 1 tablespoon oil and 1/2 teaspoon salt until well coated.
  • In a small bowl, stir together leeks, remaining 1 tablespoon oil, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Sprinkle leeks on top of asparagus, then sprinkle with capers. Roast until asparagus are tender and golden brown, about 12 to 18 minutes.
  • While the asparagus stalks roast, make the mustard sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mustard, capers and garlic. Slowly whisk in olive oil a few drops at a time to create a thick, emulsified dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Once asparagus stalks are out of the oven, squeeze a lemon wedge over it and sprinkle parsley on top. Serve with mustard sauce and more lemon wedges on the side.

ASPARAGUS-POTATO HASH WITH GOAT CHEESE AND EGGS



Asparagus-Potato Hash With Goat Cheese and Eggs image

This colorful one-pan breakfast can be easily adapted to use up whatever vegetables you have in the crisper: Use shallots or yellow onion instead of leeks, or substitute green beans, snap peas or even broccoli for the asparagus. Just make sure everything is diced into 1/2-inch pieces so the vegetables cook evenly and quickly. Serve as part of an elegant brunch spread, with toast for a hearty (and vegetarian!) weekend breakfast, or eat it straight from the skillet with a glass of white wine as a quick, clean-out-the-fridge dinner.

Provided by Lidey Heuck

Categories     breakfast, brunch, dinner, weekday, vegetables, main course

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

3 tablespoons olive oil, plus more as needed
1 1/4 pounds Yukon Gold or red new potatoes, scrubbed and diced into 1/2-inch pieces
Kosher salt and black pepper
1/2 large fennel bulb, diced into 1/2-inch pieces (about 1 cup), fennel fronds reserved
1 leek, trimmed, halved lengthwise and sliced 1/4-inch thick (about 1 cup chopped leeks)
1/2 pound asparagus (10 to 12 spears), trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, plus lemon zest and more juice for serving (optional)
4 large eggs
3 tablespoons crumbled plain goat cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill, mint or parsley

Steps:

  • Heat the oven to 400 degrees. In a large (12-inch) ovenproof skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Add the potatoes, spreading them out into an even layer, and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Cook, tossing occasionally and scraping the bottom of the pan, until potatoes are nicely browned, 7 to 9 minutes.
  • Lower the heat to medium, add the fennel and leek, and cook, tossing occasionally, until leeks are translucent, 3 to 5 minutes. If the skillet looks dry at any point, add a splash of olive oil.
  • Add the asparagus, along with 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few more grinds of black pepper. Cook, tossing occasionally, until the asparagus, fennel and potatoes are tender, about 5 minutes.
  • Off the heat, add the lemon juice and toss, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
  • Use a spoon to create 4 small hollows in the hash. Carefully crack an egg into each, season the eggs with salt and pepper and bake for 5 to 7 minutes, until the egg whites are just set. (Don't overcook.)
  • Sprinkle with goat cheese, herbs, fennel fronds and lemon zest, if using. Sprinkle with additional lemon juice, if desired, and a pinch of salt, and serve hot. (A spatula works best for serving.)

SHAVED ASPARAGUS AND GOAT CHEESE TARTS



Shaved Asparagus and Goat Cheese Tarts image

This tart is a reminder of all things spring: fresh asparagus, mint leaves, lemon and peas. All of these perennial favorites come together in a delicious starter that's perfect for the time when asparagus is at its best.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Appetizer

Time 30m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
1 egg, beaten
6 tablespoons chèvre (goat) cheese, softened
1 tablespoon whipping cream
1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon peel
1/2 bunch fresh asparagus, bottom two inches removed, shaved into thin strips (about 2 cups)
2/3 cup frozen sweet peas, cooked and cooled
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon kosher (coarse) salt
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves
Freshly cracked black pepper

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 400°F. Line large cookie sheet with cooking parchment paper.
  • Carefully unfold thawed sheet of puff pastry. If necessary, use rolling pin to flatten any edges and smooth out dough. Using knife or pizza cutter, cut puff pastry into 6 even rectangles. Prick pastry rectangles with fork. Place rectangles on cookie sheet a few inches apart. Brush with beaten egg.
  • Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. Place cookie sheet on cooling rack to cool at least 10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, in small bowl, mix cheese, cream and lemon peel; stir well. In medium bowl, mix shaved asparagus, peas, lemon juice, olive oil, salt and mint. Spread 1 tablespoon cheese mixture on center of each cooled pastry rectangle. Top with asparagus mixture; sprinkle with pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 320, Carbohydrate 23 g, Cholesterol 40 mg, Fat 4, Fiber 2 g, Protein 7 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, ServingSize 1 Tart, Sodium 260 mg, Sugar 2 g, TransFat 4 g

BAKED ASPARAGUS, LEEK AND GOAT CHEESE BITES



BAKED ASPARAGUS, LEEK AND GOAT CHEESE BITES image

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 1/2 tsp. unsalted butter, plus more for greasing
6 asparagus spears, tough ends trimmed
1 leek, halved lengthwise and rinsed well, white and light green portions finely chopped
2 oz. fresh goat cheese
1/2 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
1 egg

Steps:

  • Preheat an oven to 400°F. Generously coat the cups of a 12-cup miniature muffin pan with butter. Thinly slice the asparagus spears crosswise, keeping the tips whole. Set the asparagus tips aside. In a sauté pan over medium-low heat, melt 2 tsp. of the butter. Add the sliced asparagus and the leek and cook gently, stirring often, until just softened slightly, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and let cool. Crumble the goat cheese into another bowl. Add the ricotta cheese and egg and mash together with a fork until well combined, then mix in the cooled vegetables. Divide the filling evenly among the prepared muffin cups. Bake the "bites" until puffed and lightly golden on top, 20 to 25 minutes. Meanwhile, cut each asparagus tip in half lengthwise. In a small nonstick fry pan over low heat, melt the remaining 1/2 tsp. butter. Add the asparagus tips and sauté until just tender, about 1 minute. Transfer to a small bowl. When the bites are done, transfer the pan to a wire rack. Run a table knife around the inside of each cup to loosen the edges and let cool slightly. Invert a large plate or tray over the muffin pan, invert the pan and plate together and lift off the pan. Arrange the bites on a platter or individual plates and top each with an asparagus-tip half. Serve warm or at room temperature. Makes 12 bites; serves 6 to 12. Adapted from Williams-Sonoma New Flavors for Appetizers, by Amy Sherman (Oxmoor House, 2008).

Tips:

  • Select Fresh Vegetables: Use fresh asparagus and leeks for the best flavor and texture.
  • Prepare Vegetables Properly: Trim the asparagus and leeks and cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
  • Use High-Quality Goat Cheese: Opt for a creamy and flavorful goat cheese to elevate the taste of the bites.
  • Make Sure the Filo Dough is Thawed: Thaw the filo dough according to the package instructions to prevent it from cracking or tearing.
  • Brush the Filo Dough with Oil: Brushing the filo dough with oil helps it crisp up and adds a golden brown color.
  • Don't Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Space the asparagus, leek, and goat cheese bites evenly on the baking sheet to ensure they cook evenly.
  • Bake Until Golden Brown: Bake the bites until the filo dough is golden brown and the vegetables are tender.
  • Serve Warm: Serve the asparagus, leek, and goat cheese bites warm for the best taste and texture.

Conclusion:

Asparagus, leek, and goat cheese bites are a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer or snack. With a combination of fresh vegetables, creamy goat cheese, and crispy filo dough, these bites offer a burst of flavors and textures. They are perfect for entertaining guests, potlucks, or simply as a treat for yourself. Experiment with different variations, such as using different types of cheese or adding herbs and spices to the filling, to create a personalized and flavorful dish. Enjoy these delicious bites anytime you crave a satisfying and elegant culinary experience.

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