Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus Recipe

Crispy Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus Recipe: Elegant Appetizer Joy

Tender asparagus spears nestled in delicate prosciutto create a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

This elegant prosciutto wrapped asparagus recipe brings sophisticated simplicity to your table with minimal effort.

Crisp green stalks embrace salty, thin slices of Italian cured meat in a stunning appetizer.

Each bite offers a perfect balance of textures and rich, savory notes.

The combination feels luxurious yet surprisingly easy to prepare.

Serve these delectable bundles at your next gathering and watch as guests marvel at your culinary prowess.

Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus Reasons To Try

  • Elevate Your Appetizer Game: Transform simple asparagus into a gourmet starter that looks impressive and tastes incredible.
  • Quick and Easy Preparation: Whip up this elegant dish with minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, perfect for busy home cooks.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Combo: Enjoy the salty, crispy prosciutto perfectly complementing the tender, fresh asparagus with a subtle kick from red pepper flakes.
  • Versatile Party Pleaser: Great for dinner parties, holiday gatherings, or as a sophisticated side dish that will wow your guests with minimal effort.

Ingredient List For Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus

Main Ingredients:
  • Asparagus: Fresh green spears that provide a crisp and earthy base for this elegant appetizer.
  • Prosciutto: Thin, delicate Italian dry-cured ham that wraps and adds rich flavor to the asparagus.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic Butter, Red Pepper Flakes, Salt, Black Pepper: These ingredients work together to create a bold and zesty flavor profile for the wrapped asparagus.

How To Make Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prep the Green Stalks

Snap off the tough bottom ends of the asparagus spears so only the tender parts remain.

Step 3: Slice the Salty Wrap

Carefully cut each prosciutto slice lengthwise to create thinner strips perfect for wrapping.

Step 4: Add Flavor Boost

Spread a delicate layer of garlic butter on each prosciutto strip to amp up the deliciousness.

Step 5: Create Tasty Bundles

  • Asparagus spears
  • Buttered prosciutto strips

Nestle an asparagus spear at the edge of a prosciutto strip and roll it up snugly like a cozy blanket.

Step 6: Repeat the Wrapping Magic

Continue wrapping each asparagus spear until all are transformed into delectable bundles.

Step 7: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Place the wrapped spears on the prepared parchment-lined sheet, giving each bundle some breathing room.

Step 8: Season with Zest

Sprinkle red pepper flakes over the bundles and add a pinch of salt and pepper to elevate the flavors.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes until the asparagus turns tender and the prosciutto crisps up beautifully.

Step 10: Serve and Savor

Pull out the golden, crispy bundles and serve immediately while they’re hot and irresistible.

Pro Tips For Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus Success

  • Select fresh, thin asparagus spears that bend easily without breaking for the best texture and flavor.
  • Cut prosciutto lengthwise into narrow strips to ensure even wrapping and crispy results around each asparagus spear.
  • Apply a light, thin layer of garlic butter to prevent soggy wrapping and maintain crisp prosciutto edges during baking.
  • Watch asparagus closely during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain a tender, bright green vegetable.
  • Enjoy the dish right after baking to experience the perfect contrast between crispy prosciutto and tender asparagus with maximum flavor and crunch.

Tasty Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus Variations

  • Veggie Bacon Swap: Replace prosciutto with thinly sliced vegetarian bacon or tempeh strips for a plant-based alternative.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free prosciutto and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Herb-Infused Variation: Spread fresh chopped herbs like basil or thyme instead of garlic butter for a lighter, more aromatic flavor profile.
  • Keto-Friendly Version: Keep the original recipe as-is, since it's already low-carb and perfect for ketogenic diet followers.

How To Serve Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus

  • Elegant Appetizer Platter: Arrange these crispy prosciutto-wrapped asparagus on a beautiful wooden board with small bowls of garlic aioli or herbed cream cheese for dipping.
  • Wine Pairing Delight: Serve alongside a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the salty prosciutto and fresh asparagus flavors.
  • Brunch Star Centerpiece: Create a stunning breakfast spread by placing these wrapped spears next to soft scrambled eggs and fresh crusty bread for a gourmet morning meal.
  • Cocktail Party Favorite: Slice the wrapped asparagus into bite-sized pieces and serve as a sophisticated finger food during cocktail hour or as part of a charcuterie board.

Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus Storage Solutions

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days in the refrigerator. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Warm at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out the prosciutto.
  • Gently warm in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even heating.
  • Skip microwaving as it can make the prosciutto soggy and tough, ruining the crispy texture.

FAQs

  • Can I prepare prosciutto wrapped asparagus in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the wrapped asparagus up to 4 hours before baking. Store them covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving to maintain the crispy texture.

  • What type of prosciutto works best for this recipe?

Thinly sliced prosciutto di Parma or San Daniele are ideal. They’re more delicate and crisp up beautifully when baked, providing the perfect wrapper for asparagus.

  • Is this recipe suitable for low-carb diets?

Absolutely! Prosciutto wrapped asparagus is naturally low-carb, high in protein, and perfect for keto and paleo diet followers. It’s a nutritious appetizer or side dish.

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Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus Recipe

Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus Recipe


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4.7 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Elegant Italian-inspired prosciutto wrapped asparagus brings sophisticated spring flavors to your appetizer table. Crisp asparagus spears nestled in salty prosciutto create a simple yet luxurious bite perfect for entertaining or savoring solo.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs (907 grams) asparagus
  • 1 lb (454 grams) prosciutto

Seasoning:

  • 2 tablespoons garlic butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • salt
  • pepper

Instructions

  1. Crank the oven to a sizzling 400°F and dress a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal roasting.
  2. Chop off the tough, fibrous bottoms of asparagus spears to ensure a tender, delectable bite.
  3. Slice prosciutto strips lengthwise into delicate ribbons that will perfectly embrace each asparagus stalk.
  4. Lavish each prosciutto strip with a whisper-thin coating of garlic-infused butter, creating a flavor foundation.
  5. Position an asparagus spear at the edge of a buttered prosciutto slice and roll with precision, creating a tight, elegant wrap.
  6. Continue the wrapping process until every asparagus spear is lovingly encased in its prosciutto blanket.
  7. Meticulously arrange the wrapped bundles on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they’re not overcrowded.
  8. Dust the wrapped spears with a sprinkle of fiery red pepper flakes, then season with a judicious pinch of salt and pepper.
  9. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and roast for 10-15 minutes, watching for the asparagus to become tender and the prosciutto to transform into a crispy, golden shell.
  10. Extract from the oven and serve immediately, presenting a sophisticated appetizer that promises to tantalize taste buds.

Notes

  • Choose thin asparagus spears for a more delicate and elegant presentation that wraps perfectly without overwhelming the prosciutto.
  • Pat asparagus dry before wrapping to prevent excess moisture from making the prosciutto soggy and ensure a crispy texture.
  • For a lower-fat version, swap garlic butter with a light olive oil or use a thin layer of herb-infused cooking spray to reduce calories.
  • Try different seasonings like thyme, rosemary, or parmesan cheese to create unique flavor variations that complement the salty prosciutto.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 188
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 1070 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 17 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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