There’s something magical about the combination of prosciutto and asparagus that just makes taste buds dance. Picture this: tender, green asparagus wrapped in a salty, savory embrace of prosciutto, caramelized to perfection in the oven. The moment you take a bite, you experience the crunch of the asparagus followed by the rich flavor of the prosciutto—it’s like a mini party in your mouth! This dish is ideal for any occasion, from casual family dinners to fancy cocktail parties. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes featuring prosciutto recipe.
My first encounter with prosciutto-wrapped asparagus was during a friend’s wedding reception. As I stood there, sipping on homemade sangria and nibbling on these delightful bites, I thought to myself: “Why don’t I make these at home?” Fast forward to today, and they have become my go-to appetizer for impressing guests. Plus, they never fail to elicit “oohs” and “aahs” from everyone at the table! For more inspiration, check out this lunch ideas with asparagus recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This prosciutto-wrapped asparagus is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings
- The flavor profile combines salty and savory notes with a fresh crunch
- Visually stunning with its vibrant green color and crispy exterior, it elevates any dining experience
- Versatile enough for parties or as a delicious snack while binge-watching your favorite series
I remember my dad’s face lighting up when I served these at our last family gathering—he devoured them in record time!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Asparagus: Choose firm stalks that are bright green; avoid those that look wilted or have tough ends.
- Prosciutto: Opt for high-quality prosciutto for the best flavor; it should be thinly sliced and slightly translucent.
- Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil; it adds richness and helps achieve that lovely golden color.
- Fresh Black Pepper: A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper enhances the flavors beautifully.
- Lemon Zest (optional): Adds a refreshing zing that cuts through the richness of the prosciutto.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your prosciutto-wrapped asparagus gets that delicious crispiness.
Prep the asparagus: Rinse your asparagus under cold water and trim off the woody stems at the bottom. They don’t need unnecessary chewiness ruining your culinary masterpiece.
Wrap ’em up: Take each strip of prosciutto and carefully wrap it around an asparagus spear. Start at one end but make sure to leave some tips exposed for that fancy look!
Drizzle with olive oil: Place all wrapped spears on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle them lightly with olive oil and sprinkle some fresh black pepper on top.
Roast away: Slide your baking sheet into the preheated oven and roast for about 12-15 minutes until the prosciutto is crispy and the asparagus is tender yet still vibrant green.
Serve hot: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving them warm as an appetizer or side dish. You can even garnish with lemon zest if you’re feeling fancy!
Enjoy every bite: Now sit back as everyone devours these delectable bites—your friends might even ask if you’ve been secretly taking cooking classes!
You Must Know
- Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus is a delightful appetizer that combines salty, savory prosciutto with fresh, crisp asparagus
- This dish is perfect for entertaining or just enjoying a quick snack
- The textures and flavors create a memorable bite that will impress any crowd
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap asparagus with prosciutto and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes until crispy and golden.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to sprinkle some Parmesan cheese or drizzle balsamic glaze over the dish before serving for an extra flavor punch. You can also swap out the asparagus for green beans if desired.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about five minutes to retain crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh asparagus for the best texture; older stalks can be tough and woody
- Make sure not to overlap prosciutto when wrapping; this allows even cooking and crispiness
- A light drizzle of olive oil enhances flavor and helps achieve that perfect crunch
Cooking Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus has become my go-to for last-minute gatherings, and I still remember how impressed my friends were when they first tried it.
FAQ
What’s the best type of asparagus to use?
Look for firm, vibrant green asparagus with tight tips for optimal taste and texture.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! Prepare it ahead of time and bake just before serving for maximum freshness.
How do I know when it’s done cooking?
The prosciutto should be crispy, and the asparagus should be tender yet still slightly crunchy.
Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Indulge in the irresistible delight of prosciutto-wrapped asparagus, where tender green asparagus spears meet the savory embrace of crispy prosciutto. This elegant yet easy-to-make dish is perfect for any gathering, from casual family dinners to sophisticated cocktail parties. With its vibrant colors and satisfying crunch, this appetizer will impress your guests and leave them craving more.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh asparagus (about 25 spears)
- 8 ounces prosciutto (thinly sliced)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Rinse asparagus under cold water and trim off the woody ends.
- Wrap each asparagus spear with a slice of prosciutto, leaving the tips exposed for presentation.
- Place wrapped spears on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with black pepper.
- Roast in the oven for 12-15 minutes until the prosciutto is crispy and the asparagus is tender yet bright green.
- Serve warm, optionally garnished with lemon zest.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 spears (85g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 30mg