Easy Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus: Your Ultimate 6-Ingredient Side or Appetizer
Discover the effortless elegance of our Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus recipe. Tender asparagus spears are delicately bundled in a savory, salty embrace of thinly sliced prosciutto and finished with a generous sprinkle of nutty Parmesan cheese. This incredibly easy, 6-ingredient dish comes together in minutes, promising a burst of flavor and a touch of sophistication to any meal. Whether you’re seeking a quick appetizer for an impromptu gathering or a stunning side dish for a holiday feast, these delightful bundles are guaranteed to impress with minimal fuss.
Why This Simple Recipe is a Must-Try
Our prosciutto wrapped asparagus recipe is a culinary revelation, celebrated for its incredible simplicity and irresistible flavor. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that feels gourmet yet requires minimal effort. These delightful bundles of savory tenderness aren’t just delicious; they are incredibly practical, making them an ideal choice for advance preparation. Imagine breezing through dinner party preparations or navigating the busy holiday season with a sophisticated side dish ready to go. Simply wrap, roast, and serve – it truly doesn’t get any easier to create an elegant and flavorful accompaniment.
Beyond being a welcome and vibrant addition to any dinner table, prosciutto wrapped asparagus spears are also a perennial favorite when served as an appetizer for parties. Their inherent elegance and bite-sized appeal make them perfect for entertaining, much like their popular cousin, bacon-wrapped scallops. The inherent saltiness of the prosciutto, combined with the earthy sweetness of the asparagus and the nutty undertones of Parmesan, creates a perfectly balanced flavor profile that stands on its own. They are so remarkably delicious and satisfying that they require no additional dips or sauces to accompany them, though a squeeze of lemon or a drizzle of balsamic glaze can elevate them further if desired.
This recipe truly shines because of its versatility. It’s naturally gluten-free and low-carb, fitting a variety of dietary preferences. The combination of textures – the crisp, salty prosciutto yielding to the tender-crisp asparagus – provides a delightful eating experience. It’s a dish that looks impressive but is incredibly forgiving, making it perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned home chefs looking for a reliable, crowd-pleasing option.
Essential Ingredients You Will Need
You’ll be amazed at how such simple ingredients can create such a spectacular dish. This recipe relies on the quality and freshness of its components. Get all specific measurements, detailed ingredients list, and complete instructions in the printable recipe card version at the very end of this post.
Ingredient Spotlight & Substitution Tips
Understanding each ingredient’s role helps in achieving the best results and allows for smart substitutions if needed.
ASPARAGUS – The star of our show! When selecting asparagus, aim for bundles with a beautiful, vibrant green color and firm, straight stalks. Avoid any spears that appear limp, withered, or have soft spots. For optimal roasting, medium-thick stalks are ideal. Thin spears tend to cook too quickly and can become stringy or mushy, while very thick ones might require a longer cooking time, potentially over-crisping the prosciutto. A good rule of thumb is to look for stalks about the diameter of your pinky finger. Freshness is key here, so try to use them soon after purchasing for the best flavor and texture.
PROSCIUTTO – This thinly sliced, dry-cured ham is the flavorful wrapper that brings a delightful saltiness and crisp texture to our asparagus. Its delicate, slightly sweet, and intensely savory flavor beautifully complements the fresh, slightly bitter notes of the asparagus. Unlike bacon, prosciutto cooks up less greasy and offers a more refined, delicate crunch. It’s also a slightly healthier option than bacon, typically containing less fat and fewer calories while still delivering immense flavor. While prosciutto is highly recommended for its unique characteristics, if you need a substitution, very thinly sliced deli ham or even regular bacon (par-cooked slightly to ensure it crisps evenly with the asparagus) can work in a pinch, though the flavor profile will change.
PARMESAN CHEESE – A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds a wonderful nutty, salty, and umami depth. It melts slightly as it bakes, creating a delicious crust that adheres to the prosciutto. Freshly grated Parmesan will always yield the best flavor and texture compared to pre-grated varieties. Pecorino Romano could be a strong, salty alternative if you prefer, or a milder aged white cheddar for a different cheesy note.
OLIVE OIL – Used to coat the asparagus, olive oil helps the seasonings adhere and promotes even roasting, contributing to a perfectly tender-crisp texture. A good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the overall flavor.
GARLIC SALT – This convenient seasoning combines the pungent flavor of garlic with salt, streamlining our ingredient list. If you don’t have garlic salt, you can use a combination of garlic powder and regular salt (approximately 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder and 0.5 teaspoon salt for every 2 teaspoons of garlic salt, adjusting to taste).
BLACK PEPPER – Freshly ground black pepper adds a touch of warmth and subtle spice, enhancing the savory notes of the dish.
How to Make Delicious Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are provided to help you visualize each stage of making this incredible recipe. For a quick reference, you can Jump to the Printable Recipe Card to get the complete, concise version of this recipe, including exact measurements and instructions, located at the bottom of this post.
- Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Lightly spray the foil with olive oil spray to prevent sticking and ensure even browning.
- Carefully trim the woody, fibrous ends off of the asparagus spears. The easiest way to do this is to hold a spear at both ends and bend it gently; it will naturally snap at the point where the tough end meets the tender stalk. You can also simply cut off the bottom inch or two. Discard the woody ends as they are unpleasant to eat.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic salt, and black pepper. Whisk gently to ensure the seasonings are well distributed. Add the trimmed asparagus spears to the bowl and gently toss them in the olive oil mixture. Ensure each spear is lightly coated; this helps the seasonings adhere and promotes beautiful roasting.
- Lay a few slices of prosciutto flat on a clean cutting board or work surface. Evenly sprinkle a small amount of grated Parmesan cheese over each slice of prosciutto. This step infuses the ham with extra flavor and creates a delicious cheesy layer once baked. Repeat this process for all remaining slices of prosciutto.
- Take a small bundle of approximately 3 asparagus spears. Place them at one end of a prosciutto slice. Carefully and firmly roll the bundle of spears up in each slice of prosciutto. You’ll find it easiest to roll them at a slight diagonal angle. This technique ensures that the prosciutto effectively covers the majority of the asparagus spears, providing maximum flavor and preventing the ends from drying out.
- Arrange the neatly wrapped asparagus bundles in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure there is a little space between each bundle to allow for even air circulation and crisping.
- If you have any leftover olive oil mixture from earlier, brush it lightly over the top of the prosciutto-wrapped bundles. This extra layer of oil helps the prosciutto achieve a beautiful golden-brown crispness in the oven.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender-crisp and the prosciutto is beautifully golden and slightly crispy. Keep a close eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary. The goal is perfectly cooked asparagus without over-crisping the prosciutto.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips
Absolutely! This recipe is fantastic for meal prepping or party planning. You can prepare the asparagus spears, season them, and wrap them in prosciutto up to a day in advance. Store the wrapped bundles in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply transfer them to a baking sheet and bake as directed. For the best results, I highly recommend saving any leftover olive oil mixture and brushing it over the spears just before baking. This helps achieve that perfect golden crispness.
If you happen to have any leftovers, store them in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm them through in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated and slightly re-crisped, usually about 5-8 minutes. Microwaving is not recommended as it can make the prosciutto soggy.
While prosciutto offers a unique delicate crispness and salty flavor that is signature to this dish, you can certainly experiment with other meats. Thinly sliced bacon is a popular alternative, but it will render more fat and might take longer to crisp. If using bacon, consider par-cooking it slightly (about halfway) before wrapping the asparagus to ensure it crisps up at the same rate as the asparagus cooks. Pancetta is another excellent choice, offering a similar cured pork flavor profile, often with a slightly thicker cut. Adjust cooking times as needed for any substitutions.
Absolutely! While the garlic salt and black pepper combination is classic and delicious, feel free to customize. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the finished dish adds brightness. You could also sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic salt for a subtle kick, or add a dash of onion powder. For a more herbaceous flavor, a sprinkle of dried Italian herbs or fresh thyme before roasting can be wonderful. A drizzle of balsamic glaze after baking also provides a sweet and tangy counterpoint.
If you find yourself with very thick asparagus spears, they may require a slightly longer roasting time to become tender. You might also consider blanching them quickly in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then shocking them in ice water, before wrapping them in prosciutto. This will ensure they cook through evenly without over-crisping the prosciutto. However, for most batches, medium-thick is still preferred for direct roasting.
Delightful Serving Suggestions
Prosciutto wrapped asparagus is incredibly versatile and can gracefully transition from an elegant appetizer to a sophisticated side dish, making it perfect for a wide array of occasions. As an appetizer, these savory bundles are an effortless finger food, ideal for cocktail parties, bridal showers, or any gathering where you want to impress with minimal effort. They truly need nothing else, but a small bowl of balsamic glaze for dipping can add an extra layer of flavor.
When served as a side dish, their rich flavor and attractive presentation pair beautifully with a variety of hearty main courses. Consider serving them alongside a perfectly seared filet mignon or a succulent roasted chicken for a classic pairing. They also complement more delicate proteins like baked salmon or even lamb chops, adding a salty counterpoint that enhances the meal. For holiday feasts, such as Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas dinner, these asparagus bundles offer a refreshing and lighter alternative to heavier sides, pairing exceptionally well with traditional mains like roasted turkey or glazed ham. Enjoy them warm from the oven for the ultimate experience, where the prosciutto is crisp and the asparagus is tender-crisp.
More Easy & Delicious Related Recipes
- Perfectly Glazed Carrots
- Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
- Savory Bacon Wrapped Green Beans
- Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Carrots
- 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 as they can become stringy or mushy, while very thick ones might need more cooking time or blanching.
- Ensure your prosciutto is sliced very thinly; this allows it to crisp up perfectly around the asparagus.
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 425 F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Spray the foil with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.
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Trim the woody ends off of the asparagus spears. You can snap them by hand or cut off the bottom 1-2 inches.
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In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic salt, and black pepper. Gently toss the trimmed asparagus spears in the mixture to ensure they are evenly coated.
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On a cutting board, lay out a few slices of prosciutto and sprinkle each slice with grated Parmesan cheese.
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Take a bundle of 3 asparagus spears and roll them up in each slice of prosciutto. Rolling them at a slight angle helps cover the majority of the spears.
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Place the wrapped asparagus bundles onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring a small space between each for even cooking.
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Brush any remaining olive oil mixture over the prosciutto-wrapped bundles for extra crispness and flavor.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender-crisp and the prosciutto is golden brown and crispy. Serve immediately.
Expert Tips & FAQs
- To Make in Advance – This recipe is perfect for prepping ahead! Prepare the asparagus spears and wrap them in prosciutto up to a full day in advance. Store the uncooked bundles in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. Before baking, remove them from the fridge, allow them to come closer to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes, and brush with any saved olive oil mixture. Then, bake as directed.
- Storing and Reheating Leftovers – Store any leftover baked prosciutto wrapped asparagus in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-8 minutes, or until heated through and the prosciutto is crispy again. Avoid the microwave, as it will make the prosciutto soft.
- For Crispier Prosciutto – If you desire extra crispy prosciutto, you can slightly overlap the prosciutto when wrapping the asparagus, creating more layers that will crisp up beautifully. Also, ensure there is adequate space between each bundle on the baking sheet for optimal air circulation.
- Even Cooking – For consistent results, try to select asparagus spears that are uniform in thickness. This ensures they all cook at roughly the same rate, resulting in perfectly tender-crisp asparagus in every bite.
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.