Prosciutto-wrapped asparagus is a tasty and fun appetizer! The salty prosciutto pairs perfectly with the fresh, crunchy asparagus. It’s quick to make and looks fancy, too!
Seriously, who can resist crispy, savory bites? I often whip this up when friends come over. Just bake them until crispy, and watch them disappear like magic! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Asparagus: Fresh asparagus is key to this dish! Look for firm, bright green stalks with tight tips. If you can’t find it or want an alternative, green beans or zucchini could work well too!
Prosciutto: This salty, thinly sliced meat adds fantastic flavor. If you’re unable to find prosciutto, try Italian ham like pancetta or even turkey bacon for a lighter option.
Olive Oil: Olive oil enhances the flavors and helps crisp up the prosciutto. You can substitute it with avocado oil if you want a neutral flavor and a higher smoke point.
Fresh Rosemary: While optional, rosemary adds a lovely aroma. Other herbs like thyme or basil can also be great alternatives to enhance the flavors.
How Do I Get the Asparagus Just Right?
Getting perfectly tender yet crisp asparagus is essential for this recipe! Follow these tips:
- Trim the woody ends of the asparagus, usually about 1-2 inches from the bottom. You can also snap them off naturally where they break.
- Choosing thick asparagus may help it hold up against the prosciutto and adds more texture.
- Roast until the prosciutto is crispy and asparagus is bright green, usually around 10-15 minutes at 400°F. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking!
Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 bunch asparagus (about 12-15 stalks), trimmed
- 6-8 slices prosciutto, halved lengthwise
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Coarse sea salt or flaky salt, for garnish
- Fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful appetizer takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 10-15 minutes to roast, making a total of about 20-25 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for when you’re short on time but still want something impressive!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Asparagus:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s heating up, rinse the asparagus and trim off the woody ends, which are tougher to eat. Just snap them off or cut about 1 to 2 inches from the bottom.
2. Bundling the Asparagus:
Next, gather the asparagus into small bundles of 2 or 3 stalks, depending on how thick they are. This will help them keep their shape and cook evenly when wrapped.
3. Wrapping with Prosciutto:
Now comes the fun part! Take a slice of prosciutto and wrap it around each bundle of asparagus, starting at the bottom and spiraling up towards the tips. You want to cover most of the stalk but leave the tips exposed for that lovely green color.
4. Baking the Bundles:
Place the wrapped asparagus bundles on your lined baking sheet, making sure they aren’t crowded. Drizzle the olive oil over the bundles and sprinkle them with freshly ground black pepper for added flavor.
5. Roasting to Perfection:
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and let them roast for about 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you’re looking for the prosciutto to turn crispy and the asparagus to become tender yet still bright green.
6. Serving It Up:
Once done, remove the baking sheet from the oven and carefully transfer the bundles to a serving platter. Finish it off with a sprinkle of coarse sea salt or flaky salt and add some rosemary sprigs for an extra touch of elegance. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious, crispy prosciutto-wrapped asparagus!
Can I Use Thick Asparagus Stalks?
Absolutely! Thick asparagus stalks work well and can hold the prosciutto securely. Just ensure they’re tender when cooked, testing while roasting if needed.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the asparagus bundles in advance! Wrap them in prosciutto, then cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before baking. Just be sure to let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before roasting to ensure even cooking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
Can I Use Other Meats Instead of Prosciutto?
Yes! If you prefer, you can substitute prosciutto with pancetta, bacon, or even turkey bacon for a lighter option. Just adjust the cooking time if using thicker cuts, ensuring they get crispy.