Crispy Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus Bites
Who knew something so fancy-looking could be this easy to make? These prosciutto-wrapped asparagus spears are the kind of appetizer that makes people think you spent all afternoon in the kitchen—when really, it took just 10 minutes to prep. They’re salty, crispy, and a little addictive. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, having friends over for a cozy dinner, or just craving a snack with a bit of flair, this recipe is your new secret weapon.
I first had prosciutto-wrapped asparagus at a friend’s garden party. I remember thinking, “Why haven’t I made these before?” As soon as I bit into that crispy, salty bundle, I was hooked. The best part? You only need a few ingredients, and there’s minimal cleanup. So let’s wrap, roast, and wow some taste buds!
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Key Ingredients in Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus
- Asparagus: The star of the show! Choose firm, bright green spears. They roast beautifully and bring a slightly sweet, earthy flavor.
- Prosciutto: This Italian cured meat crisps up in the oven and adds a salty punch that pairs perfectly with the tender asparagus.
- Olive Oil: A light drizzle helps roast the asparagus evenly and brings out its natural sweetness.
- Black Pepper: Just a touch enhances all the other flavors without overpowering them.
How to Make Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus
- Prep the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season the asparagus: Trim the ends and toss the spears in olive oil with a sprinkle of black pepper.
- Wrap it up: Take 2–3 asparagus spears and wrap them in a slice of prosciutto. Repeat until all bundles are wrapped.
- Roast: Place the bundles on a baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes. The prosciutto should be crispy, and the asparagus tender.
- Cool slightly: Let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving—if you can wait that long!
Variations
- Swap the prosciutto with bacon (just par-cook it first so it crisps up).
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the bundles before roasting.
- Add a dash of lemon zest or a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving.
- Want a vegetarian version? Try wrapping the asparagus with thin slices of zucchini or eggplant.
Pairings
- A chilled glass of Prosecco or a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.
- Pair with a charcuterie board or fresh caprese salad.
- Serve alongside creamy risotto or grilled chicken for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these warm for best texture.
- Perfect as a party appetizer, brunch side, or even as a low-carb snack.
- Plate them on a wooden board with a dip like garlic aioli or pesto for a beautiful presentation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Wrapping too many spears—2 to 3 per slice of prosciutto is ideal
❌ Over-seasoning—prosciutto is salty enough on its own
❌ Using thick asparagus—thin spears cook faster and wrap better
❌ Skipping the cooling time—it helps the bundles firm up a bit
❌ Overcrowding the pan—leave space for crisping!
Tips and Tricks
✅ Use thin asparagus for quick, even roasting
✅ Cut prosciutto slices in half for smaller bundles or more servings
✅ Line the baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup
✅ Make ahead: prep bundles and store in the fridge until ready to roast
✅ Want extra crisp? Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end
✅ Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat
Final Thoughts
Prosciutto-wrapped asparagus is the kind of dish that looks elegant, tastes amazing, and comes together in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re planning a fancy dinner or a casual get-together, these bundles bring big flavor with very little effort. You’ll impress guests and have time to enjoy your own party—win-win!
Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus spears trimmed
- 8 slices prosciutto
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss asparagus spears with olive oil and season with black pepper.
- Wrap each asparagus spear bundle (2-3 spears) with a slice of prosciutto.
- Place the wrapped asparagus on a baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes, or until the prosciutto is crispy and the asparagus is tender.
- Let cool slightly for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can sprinkle with grated Parmesan before roasting for added flavor.
- These can also be made on the grill instead of in the oven.
- Choose evenly sized asparagus for consistent cooking.
- Serve immediately for the crispiest results.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in the oven for best texture.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 150 Protein: 8g Fat: 10g Carbohydrates: 4g Fiber: 2g Sugar: 2g The nutritional information provided for this recipe is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used, portion sizes, and preparation methods.🛒 Recommended Kitchen Tools
- Baking sheet with rack – helps prosciutto get crispy
- Sharp chef’s knife – for trimming asparagus quickly
- Parchment paper – for easy cleanup
- Tongs – makes flipping easy if broiling
FAQs: Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus
How do I choose the best asparagus for this recipe?
Look for firm, bright green spears with tightly closed tips. Thin spears are ideal for roasting quickly and evenly.
Can I use bacon instead of prosciutto?
Yes, but make sure to partially cook the bacon first so it gets crispy in the same roasting time.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prep the bundles up to a day in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to roast.
Are these keto-friendly?
Yes! They’re low in carbs and high in flavor, making them perfect for a keto or low-carb diet.
What dipping sauces go well with prosciutto-wrapped asparagus?
Try garlic aioli, lemony hollandaise, or a simple balsamic glaze.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Pop them in a 375°F oven for 5–7 minutes to bring back the crispiness.
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