Prosciutto wrapped asparagus is a tasty treat that’s easy to make! Crunchy asparagus sticks are hugged by salty prosciutto for a yummy bite.
This dish impresses friends without much fuss. I love serving these at gatherings, and they disappear faster than you can say “asparagus”! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Asparagus: Look for firm, bright green spears with closed tips. If you’re out of asparagus, green beans or zucchini spears can be a tasty alternative.
Prosciutto: This adds a lovely salty flavor, but if you’re looking for a substitute, try thinly sliced bacon or even turkey bacon. They offer a different taste but work nicely!
Olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil is my favorite, but you can use avocado oil or melted butter for a different flavor. Both work great for drizzling!
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice brightens up the dish! If you don’t have lemons, a splash of balsamic vinegar can give a nice tang as well.
How Do You Wrap the Asparagus Properly?
Wrapping prosciutto around asparagus is simple and adds so much flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Take a slice of prosciutto and lay it flat.
- Place 2-3 asparagus spears at one end.
- Start wrapping at the end of the asparagus, spiraling the prosciutto up. Aim to cover most of the spears without overlapping too much.
- Leave the tops of the asparagus exposed for a nice presentation!
Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly even. The crispy edges of the prosciutto add flavor and crunch. Just have fun with it!
How to Make Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 bunch of fresh asparagus (about 12-16 spears)
- 8-10 slices of prosciutto (enough to wrap asparagus spears)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: lemon wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 12-15 minutes to bake. So, you’re looking at a total of roughly 25-30 minutes from start to finish! Perfect for a quick appetizer or side dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Baking Sheet:
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. This will help with easy cleanup later!
2. Preparing the Asparagus:
Rinse the asparagus spears under cool water to clean them. Then, take a sharp knife and trim off the tough, woody ends — usually about 1-2 inches from the bottom is best. This ensures each bite is tender and delicious.
3. Seasoning the Asparagus:
Now, drizzle your asparagus lightly with olive oil. Sprinkle some freshly ground black pepper over them too, giving it a little toss to coat everything evenly. This adds flavor to our delicious appetizer!
4. Wrapping with Prosciutto:
Take one slice of prosciutto and place it flat on your work surface. Grab 2-3 pieces of the asparagus and lay them at one end of the prosciutto. Begin wrapping the prosciutto around the asparagus, spiraling it up to cover most of the spears, but leave the tips exposed! This will help with presentation and allow them to cook properly.
5. Arranging on the Baking Sheet:
Once all your asparagus spears are wrapped, place them on your prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Make sure there’s space between each bundle for even cooking.
6. Baking Time:
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and let them bake for about 12-15 minutes. You’ll want to watch for the prosciutto to turn crispy and the asparagus to become tender, yet still a bit crisp. The smell will be amazing!
7. Serving:
When they’re ready, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Transfer the yummy prosciutto wrapped asparagus to a serving platter. If you like, squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice over the top for an extra burst of flavor!
8. Enjoy!
And voila! You have a tasty appetizer, side dish, or snack that’s sure to impress. Enjoy these delicious bites warm or at room temperature. They’re so good!
Can I Use Store-Bought Prosciutto?
Absolutely! Store-bought prosciutto is perfect for this recipe. Just look for thinly sliced prosciutto in the deli section of your grocery store, and ensure it’s fresh for the best flavor.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Asparagus?
No worries! You can substitute fresh asparagus with green beans or even zucchini spears if that’s what you have on hand. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as different vegetables may require a different baking length.
Can I Make These in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the prosciutto wrapped asparagus ahead of time! Just wrap the asparagus and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready, just pop them in the oven as directed!
How Should I Store Leftover Asparagus?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until heated through.
