Need an easy and delicious vegetarian appetizer for your next spring gathering? Look no further than these Cheese Asparagus Puffs! These bite-sized treats are packed with flavor, thanks to the combination of tangy mustard, rich cheese, and tender asparagus. It’s crispy with the perfect burst of flavors and the right amount of creaminess. Not only are they a crowd-pleaser, but they're also simple to make and sure to impress with their beautiful presentation. Whether you're hosting a party or looking for a light snack, these Cheese Asparagus Puffs are a perfect choice. So let's get started and make a delicious appetizer that everyone will love!

Happy Cooking!

Servings: 6-8 servings

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cooking Time: 40-45 mins

Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients: 

Cheese layer:

• 2-3oz cream cheese softened

• 1.5 tbsp mustard sauce

• 1 tsp chili flakes

• 1.5 tbsp chopped herbs- I used cilantro and parsley

• 1/2 tbsp everything bagel seasoning

Asparagus layer:

• 1.5 tbsp olive oil

• 16 oz asparagus spears

• 1/2 tsp salt as per taste

Assemble:

• 1 sheet/8.5-9 oz puff pastry sheet thawed

• 1/2-3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1-2 tbsp olive oil

Directions: 

1. Asparagus: Fill a pan with water and bring it to a boil. Keep a bowl with ice water ready.

2. Cut asparagus ends using a knife or you can naturally snap them where they bend.

3. Once the water is boiling, add asparagus and cook in the water for 1-2 mins.

4. Once the asparagus is cooked, drain and transfer the spheres to ice water. Let it sit for 3-4 mins.

5. Drain and transfer to a bowl and let it air dry.

6. Once mostly dry, drizzle olive oil over it and salt. Give it a toss and keep it aside.

7. Cheese mixture: In a bowl add softened cream cheese, herbs, chili flakes, mustard, and everything bagel seasoning. Mix well and keep aside.

8. Preheat the oven to 400F.

9. Assembly: On a parchment-lined baking tray, place the thawed puff pastry sheet and gently roll it out a little bit. Cut it into 86-8 equal pieces.

10. On each piece diagonally spread about 1.5-2 tbsp of the cream cheese mixture leaving about an inch along the edges. Top with the asparagus spheres placed diagonally as well.

11. Top the asparagus with a little shredded cheese.

12. Fold two opposite edges of the puff pastry over the middle to form a bundle.

13. Place it on a parchment-lined baking tray.

14. Brush olive oil over them.

15. Bake at 400F for 16-20 mins, rotating the tray midway. The puff pastry should be golden brown and crispy.

16. Once out of the oven let it cool for 2-3 mins.

17. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes/Tips:

• Blaching the asparagus is an important step!

• Ideally use Dijon mustard over Kasundi.

• Use the best quality olive oil you can get.

• If you can’t find mozzarella cheese you can use Amul or shredded cheddar cheese.

• Creating the diagonal bundles gives a beautiful finish but you can shape it as you like.