Prosciutto-wrapped asparagus is a tasty appetizer that brings together crispy, tender asparagus and salty, savory prosciutto. It’s easy to make and always impresses!
You can whip these up in no time, and they look fancy enough for a party! I love how the prosciutto gets a little crispy in the oven—just perfect for snacking! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Asparagus: Choose fresh, crisp asparagus for this recipe. You can substitute with green beans if asparagus isn’t available. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as green beans may cook faster.
Prosciutto: This salt-cured ham adds great flavor. If you need a substitute, try bacon for a different twist, though keep in mind that bacon may require longer cooking time to become crispy.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is best for flavor. If you don’t have it, you can use avocado oil or melted butter for a different taste.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nice touch, but you can also use Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor. If you’re avoiding cheese, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
How Do I Get the Prosciutto Extra Crispy?
Getting that perfect crispiness in prosciutto is key! Here’s how you can achieve that:
- Make sure your prosciutto is not too thick; it should be sliced thinly for best results.
- Position the asparagus bundles seam side down on the baking sheet. This helps keep the prosciutto in place while cooking.
- Roast them in the oven until the edges of the prosciutto start to crisp up—around 12-15 minutes at 400°F (200°C) should do the trick!
- Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes to ensure they don’t burn.
Don’t skip the resting time after baking; letting them cool for a minute helps the crispiness set! Enjoy your prosciutto-wrapped asparagus as a delightful snack or appetizer!
Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 bunch (about 12-15 stalks) fresh asparagus, trimmed
- 6-8 slices prosciutto, halved lengthwise
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
- Optional: lemon wedges for serving
Time Estimate:
This delightful recipe will take you about 10 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to cook, for a total of around 25-30 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick and perfect for when you want to impress guests with minimal effort!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats up, you can prepare the asparagus. It’s a good idea to line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to make cleanup a breeze later!
2. Prep the Asparagus:
Give your asparagus a rinse under cool water to wash off any dirt. Next, trim off the tough ends—just snap them off or cut about 1-2 inches from the bottom where they feel tough.
3. Toss with Olive Oil:
Drizzle the trimmed asparagus lightly with olive oil and toss them gently to make sure they’re coated evenly. This little bit of oil will help them roast beautifully.
4. Wrap the Prosciutto:
Take a slice of prosciutto and wrap it around one or two stalks of asparagus, starting from the bottom and spiraling up toward the tips. Don’t worry if some prosciutto overlaps; it will crisp up nicely while cooking!
5. Arrange on the Baking Sheet:
Place your wrapped bundles on the baking sheet, making sure the seam side of the prosciutto is facing down. This will help keep the prosciutto in place as they cook.
6. Season:
Lightly sprinkle freshly ground black pepper over the bundles. Since prosciutto is quite salty on its own, you can skip adding more salt.
7. Roast:
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and roast for 12-15 minutes. You’re aiming for tender asparagus and crispy prosciutto—keep an eye on them toward the end.
8. Serve:
Carefully remove them from the oven and transfer the bundles to a serving plate. If you wish, sprinkle with some grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor, and serve with lemon wedges for a tangy kick.
9. Enjoy!
Your delicious prosciutto-wrapped asparagus is ready to be enjoyed warm! Perfect as an appetizer or as a side dish to complement any meal.
This simple recipe is both elegant and easy, making it a go-to favorite for gatherings or a special treat at home!
Can I Use Different Vegetables?
Absolutely! You can substitute asparagus with other vegetables like green beans, zucchini, or bell pepper strips. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the vegetable you choose.
How to Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the prosciutto-wrapped asparagus up to a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Just remember to bake them right before serving for the best texture!
What Can I Serve with Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus?
This dish pairs beautifully with a range of options! Serve it as an appetizer or alongside grilled meats, seafood, or even a light salad for a delightful meal.
