Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
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Introducing a side dish that’s bound to steal the show: Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus. It’s a simple, yet stunning combo of fresh greens and savory prosciutto, coming together for an unforgettable bite.
Quick & Easy Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
Just when you thought asparagus couldn’t get any better, I wrapped it in prosciutto, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer. The salty crispness of the prosciutto pairs perfectly with the tender, earthy asparagus, creating a harmony of flavors in each bite. It’s simple enough for a weekday side dish yet elegant enough for your fanciest dinner parties, and trust me, it’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
Pro Tip
For a perfect balance, keep a close eye on the oven; aim for asparagus that’s tender yet crisp, ensuring a delightful contrast with the crispy prosciutto.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Asparagus Spears: If asparagus isn’t your thing, try green beans for a similar crunch.
- Prosciutto Slices: These add a salty, savory flavor and a delightful crispness. If you can’t find prosciutto, thinly sliced bacon or even Serrano ham can be great alternatives.
- Olive Oil: Just a drizzle enhances flavor and helps in getting that perfect roast. You can swap it with avocado oil if preferred.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground pepper works best for that extra zing.
- Parmesan Cheese: This brings a nutty, cheesy finish to the asparagus. Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano are good substitutes.
Start by getting your oven heated up to 400°F (200°C). Next, grab your prosciutto slices and slice them in half lengthwise. Then take each asparagus spear and wrap it with a slice of prosciutto, starting from the bottom and spiralling up to just below the tip. The wrapping should be snug, but don’t pull too tight.
Once they’re all wrapped up, lay the spears on a baking sheet. Give them a light drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of black pepper. Remember, we’re skipping the salt since the prosciutto adds plenty of its own.
Now, into the oven they go! Bake for about 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the asparagus is tender yet still has a bit of a crunch, and the prosciutto is wonderfully crisp.
Just before serving, sprinkle over some grated Parmesan cheese. It adds a beautiful cheesy, nutty layer to the asparagus.
How To Serve
This Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus pairs wonderfully with a variety of main dishes. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just sprucing up a weeknight dinner, these asparagus spears are the perfect side. Here’s a list of ideas that I think go great with them:
Roast Chicken
Baked Lemon Pepper Salmon
Grilled Pork Chops
Quiche Lorraine
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can wrap the asparagus in prosciutto and keep it in the fridge a day in advance. Just remember to add the olive oil, pepper, and Parmesan right before baking.
How do I store leftovers and how long do they last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. While the asparagus may lose some crispness, it’ll still taste great. I recommend reheating them in the oven to retain some of the crispiness.
How can I tell when the asparagus is perfectly cooked?
The asparagus is done when it’s tender but still has a slight crunch. It usually takes about 15 minutes in the oven. The prosciutto should also be crisp to the touch.
Expert Tips
- Choose Thin Asparagus: Opt for thinner spears as they cook more evenly and wrap easier with the prosciutto.
- Trim Asparagus Properly: Snap off the tough ends of the asparagus for the best texture.
- Avoid Overlapping: When baking, make sure the wrapped spears don’t overlap on the sheet; this ensures even cooking and crispiness.
- Monitor Oven Temperature: Keep an eye on your oven temperature to avoid overcooking the asparagus or undercooking the prosciutto.
- Add a Squeeze of Lemon: For an extra zing, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the cooked dish before serving.
More Asparagus Recipes
- Balsamic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus and Tomatoes
- Lemon Orzo with Asparagus
- Pesto Shrimp Asparagus Pasta
- Asparagus and Peas Pasta Salad
- Roasted Asparagus
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Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus spears (ends trimmed)
- 12 slices prosciutto
- olive oil
- black pepper (to taste)
- Parmesan cheese (grated, for garnish)
Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the prosciutto slices in half lengthwise. Wrap a strip of prosciutto around each asparagus spear, starting from the bottom and spiralling up to just below the tip. The prosciutto should be snug but not too tight.
- Lightly brush or drizzle the wrapped asparagus with olive oil. You can also add a sprinkle of black pepper. (Avoid adding salt as the prosciutto is already quite salty.)
- Arrange the prosciutto-wrapped asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender and the prosciutto is crisp.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the warm asparagus just before serving.
Equipment
Notes
- If your asparagus spears are particularly thick, consider blanching them for a couple of minutes before wrapping with prosciutto. This ensures they cook through evenly.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of black pepper to suit your taste. If you like a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick.
- For a dairy-free version, skip the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a dairy-free alternative.
- This dish is best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in the fridge and reheat them in the oven to retain the crispiness of the prosciutto.
Nutrition Information
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
