Easy & Elegant Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus: Your Perfect 6-Ingredient Side or Appetizer
Discover the ultimate quick and impressive dish with this incredible 6-ingredient prosciutto wrapped asparagus recipe. Tender asparagus spears are delicately bundled in a savory, salty embrace of thinly sliced prosciutto, then finished with a delightful sprinkle of nutty Parmesan cheese. This dish effortlessly elevates any meal, whether served as a sophisticated appetizer or a delectable side dish.
Why This Simple Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus Recipe Will Be Your New Favorite
This prosciutto wrapped asparagus recipe is a culinary triple threat: it’s incredibly easy to make, uses minimal ingredients, and delivers maximum flavor with an elegant presentation. These savory bundles are designed for convenience, making them ideal for busy hosts. Imagine effortlessly preparing a stunning dish that tastes gourmet but takes mere minutes to assemble!
One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is its make-ahead potential. You can prepare the asparagus bundles in advance, saving valuable time during hectic dinner party preparations or the bustling holiday season. Simply wrap them up, store them in the refrigerator, and then roast them just before serving. This flexibility allows you to focus on other aspects of your meal or simply relax and enjoy your guests.
Beyond its ease, the flavor profile is simply irresistible. The natural sweetness and slight bitterness of the asparagus are perfectly complemented by the salty, delicate texture of the prosciutto. A hint of garlic salt and black pepper enhances the vegetable’s freshness, while a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a rich, umami finish. It’s a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that appeals to almost everyone. These elegant spears are not only a welcome addition to any dinner table but also shine as a popular appetizer for parties, much like beloved bacon-wrapped scallops. They are so flavorful and satisfying that they truly don’t need an accompanying dipping sauce.
Key Ingredients for Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
You’ll be amazed at how such a small list of ingredients can create such a spectacular dish. Here’s what you’ll need for this simple yet sophisticated recipe. For exact measurements and detailed instructions, refer to the printable recipe card at the end of this post.
- Prosciutto
- Asparagus
- Olive Oil
- Garlic Salt
- Black Pepper
- Grated Parmesan Cheese
Ingredient Spotlight & Expert Substitution Tips
Asparagus
Choosing the right asparagus is crucial for the best results. When selecting asparagus at the grocery store or farmer’s market, look for spears with a vibrant green color and firm, upright stalks. Avoid any that appear limp, withered, or have soft, mushy tips. The tips should be tightly closed, indicating freshness. Medium-thick stalks are generally preferred for roasting, as very thin spears can cook too quickly and become overly crispy or even burn, while excessively thick ones might take longer to cook through evenly.
Preparation Tip: To properly trim asparagus, you can either snap off the woody ends by gently bending each spear until it breaks naturally, or simply use a knife to cut off the bottom inch or two. The natural breaking point is usually where the tough, fibrous part transitions into the tender, edible portion. Asparagus is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients like vitamins K and A, folate, and antioxidants.
Prosciutto
Prosciutto is a dry-cured ham, thinly sliced and renowned for its delicate texture and intense salty-sweet flavor. It’s an Italian delicacy that adds a sophisticated touch and a wonderful depth of flavor to these asparagus bundles. Its saltiness beautifully contrasts with the fresh, slightly earthy notes of the asparagus, creating a balanced and addictive taste. Prosciutto is often considered a slightly healthier alternative to bacon, typically containing less fat and fewer calories, especially when compared to heavily processed bacon slices.
Substitution Suggestions: While prosciutto is highly recommended for its unique flavor and texture, if you need an alternative, thinly sliced pancetta or even regular bacon can work. Keep in mind that bacon will render more fat and create a crispier, fattier result, and you might need to pre-cook it slightly before wrapping to ensure it crisps up without overcooking the asparagus. For a non-pork option, very thin slices of smoked turkey or beef pastrami could offer a similar salty wrap, though the flavor profile will differ.
Parmesan Cheese
A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a wonderful nutty, salty, and umami depth to this dish. Freshly grated Parmesan or Parmigiano-Reggiano will always provide the best flavor and melt beautifully. Pre-grated Parmesan works well for convenience but often contains anti-caking agents that can affect its melt and texture.
Substitution Suggestions: Other hard, salty cheeses can be used as alternatives, such as Pecorino Romano (for a sharper, saltier kick), or even a good quality Grana Padano. For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can mimic a cheesy flavor, or simply omit the cheese.
Olive Oil, Garlic Salt, and Black Pepper
These simple seasonings are key to enhancing the natural flavors of the asparagus. Olive oil helps the seasonings adhere and promotes even roasting, giving the asparagus a lovely tender-crisp texture. Garlic salt provides an aromatic, savory boost without requiring mincing fresh garlic, while freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle spice that brightens the overall profile. Adjust these seasonings to your personal preference.
Step-by-Step Guide: Making Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
These step-by-step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. For a complete, printable version of this recipe with precise measurements and instructions, please Jump to Recipe at the bottom of the post.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Lightly spray the foil with olive oil cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Begin by preparing your asparagus. Hold an asparagus spear firmly and bend it; it will naturally snap where the woody, tough end meets the tender, edible stalk. Discard the woody ends. Repeat this for all your asparagus spears. This ensures every bite is tender and delicious.
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic salt, and black pepper. Whisk gently to combine the seasonings. Add the trimmed asparagus spears to the bowl and gently toss them until they are evenly coated with the olive oil mixture. This ensures every spear is seasoned perfectly before wrapping.
- Lay out a few slices of prosciutto on a clean cutting board. Evenly sprinkle a small amount of grated Parmesan cheese over each slice of prosciutto. This step infuses cheesy goodness into every bundle. Repeat this process for all the prosciutto slices you plan to use.
- Now it’s time to create your bundles! Take a small cluster of 3 asparagus spears and place them at one end of a prosciutto slice. Carefully roll the asparagus bundle up in the prosciutto. Rolling them at a slight angle can help ensure the prosciutto covers the majority of the spears, keeping them neatly tucked together during cooking. Repeat for all asparagus and prosciutto slices.
- Place the neatly wrapped asparagus bundles onto your prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave a little space between each bundle for even cooking.
- If you have any leftover olive oil mixture from seasoning the asparagus, lightly brush it over the top of each prosciutto-wrapped bundle. This adds an extra layer of flavor and helps the prosciutto crisp up nicely.
- Bake the asparagus in your preheated oven for approximately 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the prosciutto should be slightly crispy and golden, and the asparagus should be tender-crisp. Cooking times may vary depending on your oven and the thickness of your asparagus.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Success
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for advance preparation. You can prepare the asparagus spears and wrap them in prosciutto up to a full day (24 hours) in advance. Once assembled, store the uncooked bundles in a single layer in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake them as directed. I highly recommend saving any leftover olive oil seasoning mixture to brush over the top of the spears just before baking – this adds a fresh burst of flavor and helps achieve a beautiful golden finish.
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare with this delicious dish!), store them in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the bundles on a baking sheet and warm them through in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-8 minutes, or until heated to your liking. This method helps the prosciutto regain some of its crispiness, unlike microwave reheating which can make it soft.
Look for bright green spears with closed, firm tips. The stalks should be firm, not limp or rubbery. Medium-thick spears are ideal for roasting as they cook evenly and retain a good texture. Avoid very thin asparagus, which can overcook quickly, or excessively thick ones that might remain tough.
While prosciutto is preferred for its delicate texture and specific salty flavor, bacon can be used as a substitute. If using bacon, opt for thin-cut slices. You may need to partially cook the bacon (about 50%) before wrapping the asparagus to ensure it crisps up fully without overcooking the asparagus. The flavor and texture will be different – bacon will be richer and fattier.
Yes, both methods work wonderfully! For grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the bundles directly on the grates and grill for 5-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the asparagus is tender-crisp and the prosciutto is crispy. For air frying, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the bundles in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. Air fry for 6-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until the asparagus is tender and the prosciutto is crispy. Keep an eye on them as air fryer temperatures can vary.
Delightful Serving Suggestions
Prosciutto wrapped asparagus is incredibly versatile and makes a fantastic addition to almost any meal. Serve it warm directly from the oven as an elegant appetizer for special occasions like cocktail parties, or as a sophisticated side dish alongside a hearty main course. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats such as tender lamb chops, succulent salmon fillets, a perfectly seared filet mignon, or classic roasted chicken. During the holiday season, these bundles are a stellar accompaniment to traditional mains like roasted turkey or glazed ham for Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas dinner. They also make a lighter, flavorful option for a brunch spread or a simple weeknight dinner.
More Irresistible Side Dish & Appetizer Recipes
If you love easy and flavorful vegetable sides and appetizers, you’ll definitely want to check out these other delicious recipes:
- Sweet and Savory Glazed Carrots
- Delicious Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
- Crispy Bacon Wrapped Green Beans
- Quick Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Carrots
- Flavorful Pan Seared Gnocchi with Shaved Asparagus
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Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 8 ounces prosciutto
- 1 bunch asparagus
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ Tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
Things You’ll Need
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Baking sheet
Before You Begin
- When buying asparagus, look for a nice green color with firm stalks. The stalks should be medium-thick as opposed to thin. Thinner stalks aren’t great for roasting.
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 425 F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Spray the foil with olive oil spray.
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Trim the woody ends off of the asparagus spears.
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In a small bowl combine olive oil, garlic salt, and black pepper. Gently toss the spears in the olive oil mixture to coat.
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On a cutting board, place a few slices of prosciutto and sprinkle with grated parmesan. Repeat for all slices of prosciutto.
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Roll a bundle of 3 spears up in each slice of prosciutto. It’s easiest to roll them at a slight angle in order to cover the majority of the spears.
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Place wrapped asparagus on the prepared baking sheet.
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Brush the bundles with any leftover olive oil mixture.
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Bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes.
Expert Tips & FAQs
- To Make in Advance – Prepare the asparagus spears and wrap them in prosciutto up to a day in advance. Store them in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator then bake as directed when ready to serve. I would recommend saving the leftover olive oil mixture to brush on top of the spears before baking.
- Store any leftovers in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350F oven until warmed through.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.