Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus are an ideal appetizer for any party or get together for so many reasons. They're simple to make, don't require silverware, are served at room temperature and, most important, are wildly delicious.
You have several options for cooking the asparagus. And a simple technique that I'll show you (in video and still shots) makes wrapping the spears in prosciutto a snap.
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You can roast, pan-fry, or grill your asparagus spears. Whatever method you choose, you'll want them to be lightly charred on the outside and tender inside, but not floppy. You want to retain a little bit of bite. (Medium-thick asparagus spears work better than thin asparagus for this.)
And you'll let the asparagus cool to room temperature before wrapping in prosciutto, which makes it so convenient for parties! (And light - rolling in at about 17 calories per spear!)
Choose one of the cooking methods below and, once tender, remove asparagus from heat immediately and set aside to cool.
How to Roast Asparagus
To roast asparagus, arrange spears in a single layer on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast at 425˚F for 10-15 minutes until just tender.
How to Pan-Fry Asparagus
Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet until hot. Add asparagus; cover and cook, gently turning spears occasionally, until tender, about 5 minutes. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
How to Grill Asparagus
Drizzle asparagus with olive oil and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Arrange asparagus spears in a single layer on a grill over medium-high heat. Grill 3 to 4 minutes, carefully turning as they cook to lightly char on all sides. (Or even better, make these Grilled Bacon Wrapped Asparagus!)
How to Wrap Asparagus in Prosciutto
Step 1: Stack and cut paper thin slices of prosciutto in half lengthwise.
Step 2: Place a cooked, cooled asparagus spear at the base of one half strip of prosciutto, angled away from yourself at about 45 degrees. Wrap bottom section of strip around the bottom of the spear, leaving about 1-inch exposed. Roll the spear away from you, wrapping it in prosciutto as you go. Take care to leave the tip exposed.
Pair With
Serve these along with other appetizers like Bacon Wrapped Pineapple, Bacon Wrapped Dates, Bacon Stuffed Mushrooms, Coconut Shrimp, and a variety of crostini.
Or instead of wrapping spears individually, serve in bundles as a side dish (like to these Bacon Wrapped Asparagus). Skip cutting prosciutto slices in half and wrap one or two slices around a bundle of 6 cooked and cooled asparagus spears. This would be great alongside Grilled Lamb Chops or Grilled Chicken Thighs.
Prosciutto Wrapped Asaparagus
Ingredients
- 24 spears asparagus see recipe note #1)
- olive oil to taste
- kosher salt to taste (see recipe note #2)
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 12 slices prosciutto paper thin
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425˚F.
- Arrange asparagus spears in a single layer on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Roast asparagus 10 to 15 minutes (depending on spear size), until just tender. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.
- When asparagus has cooled, stack prosciutto slices and cut in half, lengthwise.
- Place a cooked, cooled asparagus spear at the base of one half strip of prosciutto, angled away from yourself at about 45 degrees. Wrap bottom section of strip around the bottom of the spear, leaving about 1-inch exposed. Roll the spear away from you, wrapping it in prosciutto as you go. Take care to leave the tip exposed. Repeat with remaining spears. Arrange on platter and serve with lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
- Look for medium-thick asparagus spears for this recipe. They'll be sturdier as finger food than thin asparagus.
- Take care to season lightly with salt as prosciutto is very salty.
- I love the simplicity of just salt and pepper, but you can certainly embellish with other flavors like lemon zest and finely grated pecorino or parmesan cheese.
Nutrition
Had the of asparagus and a few pieces of prosciutto. Cooked the asparagus on stove-top grill pan. Wrapped the the rest of the asparagus in some thin sliced deli smoked ham. Was great! Hubby really enjoyed both. Thanks for a great recipe
So glad you and your hubby enjoyed these, Carmen!
What a delicious combination! And it's so pretty for a gathering. Once we can have people over again, this will be on the appetizer list. 🙂 ~Valentina
I love to hear that, Valentina. Thank you!
Either way you cook asparagus, it's delicious! I especially love these prosciutto wrapped asparagus! Salty prosciutto, savoury asparagus....so so good! I could legit devour a whole bunch of these and call it a day! Delish with wine too for Friday night eats 😉 Have a great weekend, my friend 🙂
haha...I hear ya! Hope you have a great weekend too, Dawn. xo
This post just made me remember how much I love (!) prosciutto. And wrapping that prosciutto around asparagus really is a fun party appetizer. Love the recipe, my friend!
Thanks so much, David!
Marissa, we looove prosciutto wrapped asparagus!! It was one of the first "fancier" things I learned to prepare, haha. And it's so easy! I'm a little envious of your photos, too, since the recipe I have on my blog for these is very outdated with cringe-worthy photos 😉 Well done!
I just love you, Katherine. lol! Thanks so much, friend.
Such a quick, easy and delicious appetizer for summer parties Marissa! I will get these on my appetizer list and keep my fingers crossed I'll be having some small get togethers to serve them!
Boy am I looking forward to those small gatherings this summer! Thanks, my friend!
I can't believe I haven't tried asparagus wrapped in anything before, but this recipe sounds so delicious and a perfect starter! xo
Thank you, Gemma!
I could (and totally have) make a meal out of asparagus, especially if its wrapped in prosciutto! Yours looks absolutely perfect! Wishing I had a platter of this in front if me right now!!
Wish I could share! Thank you, Cheyanne!
They are a huge favourite during the spring time. I could eat the whole portion at one go! No kidding .-))
love it! Thank you, Angie!