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If you are looking for a stunning yet simple appetizer that brings together fresh, crisp asparagus and savory, delicate prosciutto, this Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a perfect balance of textures and flavors that makes for an elegant snack or side dish that’s ready in just minutes. The salty, slightly crispy prosciutto envelopes tender, bright green asparagus spears, delivering a bite that’s both satisfying and light, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to making this dish shine. Each one adds something essential—whether it’s freshness, saltiness, or just that perfect hint of luxuriousness.
- 1 pound asparagus: Choose firm, medium-sized stalks for the best texture and flavor.
- ½ pound prosciutto (thinly sliced): The star of the dish, providing a salty, savory contrast to the asparagus.
- 1 ½ tablespoon oil (olive or avocado): Adds a light richness and helps crisp the prosciutto in the oven.
- â…› – ¼ teaspoon salt (to taste): Just enough to enhance the natural flavors without overpowering.
- â…› teaspoon black pepper: A simple sprinkle to add subtle warmth and spice.
How to Make Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
First things first, set your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit so it can reach the perfect roasting temperature by the time your prep is done. This high heat is what crisps up the prosciutto beautifully while cooking the asparagus just right.
Step 2: Wrap the Asparagus
Grab your asparagus and prosciutto slices. Wrap 2 to 3 medium stalks together with a single piece of prosciutto. If the asparagus is on the thicker side, one spear per slice works best. You should end up with about 12 delicate bundles that are ready to bake.
Step 3: Prepare Your Baking Setup
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil, and place a wire rack on top. Spray the rack lightly with non-stick cooking spray to keep the bundles from sticking. This setup allows air to circulate under the bundles so they cook evenly and get perfectly crispy.
Step 4: Arrange and Season
Place your asparagus bundles on the wire rack in a single layer, making sure none are touching. In a small bowl, whisk together your oil, salt, and pepper, then brush the mixture over each bundle. This step adds flavor and helps the prosciutto crisp to a lovely golden finish.
Step 5: Bake Until Perfectly Tender
Pop the tray in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. The asparagus should turn a vibrant bright green and be fork-tender, while the prosciutto becomes delightfully crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking and losing that perfect texture contrast.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately while warm for the best taste and texture. Add a touch more salt and pepper if needed — sometimes simple seasoning at the end is just what this dish loves to finish it off.
How to Serve Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or a drizzle of high-quality balsamic glaze for an extra layer of flavor and beautiful presentation. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the dish and complements the salty prosciutto brilliantly.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with a light salad, garlic mashed potatoes, or even grilled chicken for a lovely meal that’s both elegant and satisfying. Serving it alongside a crisp white wine also elevates the whole experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the bundles on a rustic wooden board or arrange them standing upright in a tall glass for a fun and eye-catching appetizer display at parties. You can also skewer them for easy grabbing during cocktail hours.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To keep the prosciutto as crispy as possible, place a paper towel underneath the bundles to absorb moisture. They’re best enjoyed within 2 days.
Freezing
Freezing this dish isn’t ideal, as prosciutto loses its texture and asparagus can become mushy when thawed. It’s best to prepare fresh for the best taste and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, place the bundles on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5-7 minutes. This method helps crisp the prosciutto back up without overcooking the asparagus.
FAQs
Can I use frozen asparagus for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh asparagus because frozen tends to release a lot of moisture and won’t hold up well when baked, which can make the prosciutto soggy rather than crispy.
What if I don’t have prosciutto, can I use another type of meat?
Pancetta or thinly sliced bacon can work as alternatives, though the flavor profile will change slightly. Just be sure they’re thinly sliced and not too fatty for the best results.
Can I add cheese inside the prosciutto bundles?
Absolutely! A small piece of mozzarella or goat cheese tucked inside the asparagus bundle elevates the dish and adds a creamy texture that’s hard to resist.
Is olive oil better than avocado oil for this recipe?
Either works wonderfully. Olive oil adds a slight fruitiness, while avocado oil has a more neutral flavor and a high smoke point, making both great choices for roasting.
How can I tell when the asparagus is done?
The asparagus should turn bright green and be tender enough to pierce easily with a fork but still have a slight bite to it. Overcooking will make them mushy, so keep an eye during the last few minutes of baking.
Final Thoughts
This Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus Recipe has become one of my all-time favorite quick dishes to whip up when I want to impress with minimal effort. It’s fresh, flavorful, and feels special without complicating things in the kitchen. I truly encourage you to give it a try, especially the next time you want a crowd-pleaser that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!
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Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Crispy and flavorful Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus bundles baked to perfection. This easy 20-minute appetizer combines tender asparagus spears wrapped in salty prosciutto, brushed with olive oil and seasoning, then oven-roasted until bright green and fork tender. Perfect for entertaining or a quick, elegant snack.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 pound asparagus
Meats
- ½ pound prosciutto (thinly sliced)
Seasonings & Oils
- 1 ½ tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- â…› – ¼ teaspoon salt, to taste
- â…› teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the asparagus bundles.
- Wrap asparagus: Take 2-3 medium-sized asparagus spears and wrap each bundle tightly with one slice of prosciutto. If your asparagus is on the thicker side, wrap one spear per slice. You should make around 12 bundles total.
- Prepare baking sheet and rack: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet. Spray the rack with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange bundles: Place the prosciutto wrapped asparagus bundles on the wire rack in a single layer, making sure they are not touching each other for even cooking.
- Season the bundles: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil (or avocado oil), salt, and black pepper. Use a brush to evenly coat each asparagus bundle with the oil and seasoning mixture.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes depending on asparagus thickness. The asparagus is ready when it turns bright green and is fork tender.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve immediately. You can add additional salt and black pepper to taste for extra flavor. Enjoy your delicious prosciutto wrapped asparagus!
Notes
- For crispier prosciutto, bake a few extra minutes but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Use thinly sliced prosciutto for easier wrapping and better texture.
- If you don’t have a wire rack, place the asparagus directly on the lined baking sheet but be aware the bottom might be less crispy.
- This recipe can be made gluten free by ensuring the prosciutto is gluten free certified.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated gently.
