Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus

Name: Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 bunch of fresh asparagus; 8 slices of prosciutto; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Freshly cracked black pepper to taste; Lemon wedges for serving

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

I absolutely adore making Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus for gatherings. The combination of the salty, savory prosciutto and the crisp, tender asparagus creates a delightful contrast that is hard to resist. Plus, wrapping them up is incredibly easy and visually impressive, making it a perfect appetizer for any occasion. Whether served warm or at room temperature, these bites are a hit and will surely leave your guests wanting more. This is one of those recipes that I love to whip up at the last minute!

Created by

Callie Morgan

Last updated on 2026-01-07T14:22:12.020Z

When I first tried Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus at a friend's dinner party, I was blown away. The combination of the savory prosciutto with the freshness of the asparagus is truly magical. After a few attempts, I found that using fresh asparagus and a light drizzle of olive oil before roasting brings out the best flavors.

A tip I can share is to slightly undercook the asparagus when wrapping it, so they remain crunchy and vibrant. This way, you get the best of both worlds: crispy texture and rich flavors! It’s a crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Savory prosciutto perfectly complements the crispness of asparagus
Quick to prepare, making it a go-to appetizer for last-minute gatherings
A visually stunning dish that elevates any table setting

      

Choosing the Right Asparagus

When selecting asparagus, look for vibrant green spears with tightly closed tips. The thickness of the stalks will affect both cooking time and texture; thinner stalks tend to cook faster and offer a tender bite, while thicker ones provide a satisfying crunch. I like to choose medium-thick spears as they balance cook time and bite nicely. If you can't find fresh asparagus, feel free to use frozen; just ensure they are thawed completely and pat dry before wrapping.

Asparagus should be as fresh as possible for the best results, typically used within a couple of days of purchasing. If you need to store them, keep them upright in a glass of water in the refrigerator, then cover the tops loosely with a plastic bag. If the asparagus appears slightly wilted, soak it in cold water for about an hour to revive its crispness. Remember to trim the ends just before cooking for optimal freshness.

Working with Prosciutto

Choosing high-quality prosciutto is crucial for maximizing flavor. Look for products that have been aged for at least 9 months, as this length of curing develops deeper savory notes. Feel free to substitute with pancetta or bacon if prosciutto isn't available; however, they will impart a different flavor profile and require adjustments in cooking time and methods due to differences in fat content.

For ease of wrapping, it's best to let the prosciutto sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before using. This will make it more pliable and easier to wrap around the asparagus. Be gentle while wrapping; if you stretch the prosciutto too tightly, it may tear or lose its shape during baking. Aim to create a spiral that leaves some space between layers, allowing the heat to circulate evenly and achieve that perfect crispness.

Serving and Enjoying

Serving the Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus warm enhances its flavors beautifully, but they also taste delightful at room temperature. For an elegant presentation, serve them on a stylish platter with dollops of creamy dips like garlic aioli or lemon herb sauce. The tanginess of lemon complements the savory aspect beautifully, so squeeze fresh lemon juice over the skewers just before serving for an added zesty flair.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply pop them in a hot oven set to 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through; this keeps the prosciutto crispy. You can also experiment by adding different herbs or spices to the olive oil drizzle for unique flavor combinations.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delightful appetizer:

Ingredients

1 bunch of fresh asparagus
8 slices of prosciutto
2 tablespoons olive oil
Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Lemon wedges for serving

With these simple ingredients, you're ready to create a delicious appetizer!

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus:

Prepare the Asparagus

Trim the asparagus ends and wash them under cold water. Pat them dry with a paper towel so they're not soggy.

Wrap with Prosciutto

Take a slice of prosciutto and wrap it around each asparagus spear, starting from the bottom and spiraling up to the tip.

Drizzle with Olive Oil

Place the wrapped asparagus on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle freshly cracked black pepper on top.

Bake

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the asparagus for about 10 minutes, or until the prosciutto is slightly crispy.

Serve

Remove from the oven and serve hot with lemon wedges for drizzling.

Your delicious Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus is now ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before baking. You can also substitute the prosciutto with bacon for a different taste.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking to make this dish gluten-free, simply ensure the prosciutto you choose is labeled as such since most are naturally gluten-free. Additionally, feel free to swap the olive oil for melted butter for a richer flavor profile, but keep in mind this might add an extra layer of richness to the dish, which some may find too heavy. Furthermore, for a dairy-free option, consider drizzling with a balsamic reduction instead of lemon to cut through the richness of the prosciutto.

Vegetarians can replace prosciutto with thinly sliced marinated tofu or smoked cheese for a similar umami flavor. You can also experiment with bacon alternatives made from coconut or other plant-based ingredients. This will provide an interesting twist while keeping the dish aligned with a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. If you do try these substitutes, adjust cooking times as needed to ensure they become golden and crispy.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus can be prepped ahead of time. Prepare and wrap the asparagus in prosciutto and store them in a single layer within an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to serve, simply bake them as directed; baking time might need a minute or two longer if they are chilled. This advance prep is perfect for entertaining and can save you stress on the day of the event.

If you're planning to freeze them, I recommend wrapping each spear in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. You can store them frozen for up to 2 months. To cook from frozen, bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes; just keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking. Freezing may alter the texture slightly, but they'll still hold their flavorful charm!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find that the prosciutto hasn’t crisped up during baking, it may be due to the moisture from the asparagus. Make sure to pat the spears dry well before wrapping, and avoid overcrowding them on the baking sheet, as this can trap steam and prevent crisping. You can also try broiling them for a minute at the end of baking to achieve that desirable crunch, but watch them closely to prevent burning.

In instances where the prosciutto tears while wrapping, you can either patch it together or simply use an additional slice to cover any gaps. This works well to maintain presentation. If you're unsure about matching the flavors, tasting a small piece of the wrapped asparagus before baking can help—keep in mind that the final baked version will taste slightly different, so trust your instincts and adjust seasonings as needed.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of meat instead of prosciutto?

Yes, you can use bacon or turkey bacon if you prefer.

→ How do I know when the asparagus is properly cooked?

The asparagus should be tender but still have a slight crunch. The prosciutto should be crispy when done.

→ Can I prepare these in advance?

You can wrap the asparagus ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you're ready to bake.

→ What can I serve with Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus?

This dish pairs well with a variety of dips, such as aioli or a lemon vinaigrette.