15-minute Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus is a healthy and beautiful side dish or appetizer that’s sure to impress! Featuring fresh asparagus wrapped with prosciutto and oven roasted until tender-crisp. Served with an outrageously delicious creamy lemon asparagus sauce for dipping! This asparagus prosciutto tastes great with any main dish and it’s individually portioned for easy family dinners or holiday entertaining!
Update: This post was originally published in November 2014. I’ve updated the post below to include more information about asparagus wrapped in prosciutto. Plus, I’ve included step-by-step photos so you can see exactly how easy this asparagus recipe is to make at home!
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About this prosciutto wrapped asparagus recipe
Hi, friends! Today I’m so excited to share one of my favorite asparagus recipes of all time! This asparagus and prosciutto dish is so simple to prepare, yet so utterly delicious! Trust and believe, you will want to eat these roasted asparagus spears straight from the baking pan!
But like I said, not only are these asparagus bundles downright delish, they’re also proof that sometimes the simplest recipes really are the best! You only need a few high-quality ingredients, including raw asparagus, good-quality olive oil, prosciutto and parmesan cheese, preferably aged! Plus, these wrapped asparagus spears only require 10 to 15 minutes of hands-on-preparation! And after prepping, all that’s left to do is quickly roast the asparagus in the oven! Super easy, right!?
Oh, but wait! You can’t forget about the creamy lemon sauce for dipping, dunking or drizzling! This dipping sauce for asparagus is ultra-creamy and totally dreamy! Featuring plenty of zippy lemon, rich mayonnaise and fresh herbs, this delicious sauce takes this asparagus appetizer to the next level of yum! Simply mix a few ingredients together and et voilà – dinner is served!
Why you’ll love asparagus prosciutto
- Simple Ingredients! All you need is prosciutto and bacon plus a few pantry staples, like salt.
- Quick to prepare! These asparagus prosciutto bundles are fast and fool-proof to prepare, requiring just 15 minutes of hands-on preparation!
- Easy to cook! Baking asparagus in the oven ensures hands-off cooking and perfectly tender asparagus spears!
- Amazingly delicious! Tender-crisp asparagus and salty, slightly sweet prosciutto are a delicious pairing. However, throw in a creamy lemon dipping sauce and you have an asparagus recipe that is just perfect!
- Versatile! Asparagus bundles are wildly versatile – you can serve this as an appetizer or starter, side-dish or healthy snack!
- Perfectly-portioned! These asparagus and prosciutto bundles lets you control the portion size, making this the perfect asparagus dish for any occasion – from easy family meals to elegant plated dinners!
Ingredients for prosciutto wrapped asparagus
This easy asparagus recipe only requires two simple ingredients – asparagus and prosciutto – along with a few pantry staples, such as oil and salt!
What you need for this easy asparagus recipe
- Asparagus: You will need approximately 2 pounds of asparagus. For these asparagus bundles, I recommend using thin asparagus spears or baby asparagus for these asparagus bundles as thicker spears will take too long to bake.
- Prosciutto: This recipe uses approximately 6 ounces of prosciutto, which should be 10 thin slices. However, if you are looking to stretch your budget, you can use 5 slices of prosciutto and tear them in half, lengthwise.
- Oil: Olive oil adds richness and helps the asparagus wrapped prosciutto cook in the oven. I suggest using a good-quality olive oil for the best flavor.
- Seasonings: A combination of Italian seasonings, kosher salt and ground black pepper all provide flavor.
- Parmesan (optional): Parmesan cheese lends a beautiful touch of salty and complex flavors.
- Creamy Lemon Dipping Sauce (optional): A super-simple homemade aioli is the perfect finishing touch! This ultra-creamy, rich lemon dipping sauce is zippy, bright and complements the prosciutto wrapped asparagus perfectly!
Asparagus bundles vs. individual spears
While these asparagus bundles are great for those who like more veggies on their plate, you can always make a meat lover version by wrapping individual asparagus spears in prosciutto or bacon.
Individual prosciutto wrapped asparagus spears are perfect if you want to ease your kids into eating healthy veggies without overwhelming them with too much of the good thing right away. However, please note, that making these individual meat-wrapped spears will take more time. You will also need to buy more prosciutto slices and tear them thinner, so they do not turn out too salty.
How to wrap asparagus with prosciutto
This recipe for wrapping asparagus with prosciutto, ham or bacon only requires a few minutes of prep! However, don’t let the basic ingredient list and simple instructions fool you, this recipe turns out the best asparagus prosciutto wraps – they’re perfectly cooked and full of flavor!
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line and grease a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy clean up.
- Season asparagus: Place the asparagus on the baking sheet or in a large shallow bowl. Drizzle the asparagus with oil and toss with seasonings.
- Bundle asparagus: Divide the asparagus spears into 10 small bundles, about 5 to 8 spears per bundle. Working with one bundle at a time, wrap each with a strip of prosciutto. Repeat with remaining asparagus bundles and prosciutto.
- Bake: Transfer the prosciutto wrapped asparagus, seam side side, to the baking sheet. Bake until the prosciutto is crispy and the asparagus is tender.
- Serve this simple asparagus recipe with creamy asparagus sauce and lemon wedges on the side.
This roasted asparagus goes perfectly with any of your favorite main dishes, from hotdogs and burgers to sizzling steaks and baked potatoes!
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
How do I keep asparagus fresh?
It’s always best to use your asparagus right away or at least soon after purchasing. However, in case you need to store the fresh asparagus, simply store the spears stem side down in a tall jar or glass. Add enough water to the glass and cover the asparagus with a plastic or paper bag. When properly stored, asparagus will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How to remove the tough ends of the asparagus?
Not to steal Elle Wood’s words here, but a simple bend and snap method works! To trim asparagus, hold both ends of the spear and bend it until it naturally snaps to where the woody, inedible part is. You can simply slice the jagged edges off if you are looking for a cleaner presentation.
Do I peel the asparagus stalks before using them?
It is not necessary to peel the asparagus for this recipe. I only do this if I’m using medium to large spears. If you have smaller ones, then you can definitely skip this unnecessary prep.
Can I use other types of cured meat to wrap asparagus?
Sure you can! Other options include bacon, pancetta, capicola, culatello, parma ham and turkey ham. Or you can even use honey-cured ham if you want to infuse some sweetness into your dish.
How do I make sure that the bundles do not unroll when roasting?
Make sure you asparagus is properly coated with oil – the oil is a great way to make the prosciutto or bacon stick to the asparagus. Also, you must place the bundles with the prosciutto seam side down on the baking pan. This ensures the prosciutto remains secure while in the oven.
Can I use fewer asparagus spears or tips when making the bundles?
Of course, the number of asparagus per bundle is up to you. Just remember that if you plan to use less asparagus per bundle, you will need more prosciutto (because you will have more bundles!).
How do I keep my asparagus bright green?
If you are looking to keep your asparagus spears bright green, you’ll need to blanch the asparagus into salted, boiling water for 1 minute, then immediately refresh in ice water to stop the cooking process. Finally, pat the asparagus completely dry before proceeding with the prosciutto wrapped asparagus recipe.
Can I make this asparagus recipe in advance?
I suggest baking the asparagus bundles right before serving so that they’re warm and the prosciutto is crispy.
However, this asparagus prosciutto recipe is perfect for meal prepping! You can season the asparagus and wrap them with the prosciutto ahead of time. When you are done wrapping the asparagus, place the bundles in a pan or on a plate and cover with plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator and take them out when you are ready to roast!
Serving prosciutto wrapped asparagus
After roasting, transfer these prosciutto bundles onto a serving platter or dinner plates right away. This is when the asparagus are still tender and the prosciutto perfectly crispy! I like to sprinkle the veggie bundles with more parmesan before serving.
What sauce would you serve with asparagus?
Asparagus prosciutto is so flavorful that many people prefer to enjoy it on its own. However, I love this dish served simply with a creamy asparagus sauce for dipping. This mayonnaise-based sauce, also known as a aioli, features aromatic garlic and both lemon juice and lemon zest. Other delicious asparagus sauces include lemon butter, creamy dijon, garlic butter, hollandaise or garlic aioli.
Regardless of what sauce you serve, these prosciutto wrapped asparagus bundles are so irresistibly delicious that even staunch veggie-haters won’t be able to resist them!
What to serve with prosciutto wrapped asparagus?
Despite asparagus distinctive taste, it’s a surprisingly versatile springtime vegetable! It’s the tender-crispy texture of asparagus that allows it to pair perfectly with almost everything, beef or chicken to seafood. Below are a few ideas for the perfect dishes to pair with asparagus!
Nine sides for asparagus
- Deviled Eggs: Chop up some deviled eggs and scatter them over the warm asparagus for a sensational vegetable side dish!
- Potatoes: Any type of potato is a delicious match for asparagus. Crispy potatoes, such as home-style or hash-brown pair exceptionally well with prosciutto, ham and bacon.
- Rice: Any rice or grain, from pilaf to quinoa tastes great with anything.
- Pasta: Various pastas go great with asparagus bundles! Both shrimp in wine sauce or lobster pasta with cream sauce are delicious options.
- Chicken: Chicken is always a delicious option for a quick meal that pairs perfectly with asparagus.
- Salmon: Asparagus and salmon are a culinary match made in heaven.
- Tuna: A simple tuna salad or tuna steak is a great pairing for asparagus bundles.
- Scallops: If you’re looking for an elegant, yet quick cooking dish, pair your ham wrapped asparagus with seared scallops.
- Casseroles: Contrast hearty, cheesy casseroles with a side of asparagus and prosciutto.
How to store asparagus prosciutto?
- In the Fridge – in rare instances that you have leftovers ( I never had to store any-they are that good!), place them in airtight containers or wrap them in aluminum foil before refrigerating. They should be consumed within 3 days.
- In the Freezer– place your asparagus prosciutto bundles in a freezer bag or freeze-friendly container for longer storage! They should stay good for months!
- Reheating– just place them back into a baking pan and reheat them in the oven. This should bring a bit of crunchiness back to the prosciutto wrap. You can drizzle them with a bit of oil if you really want to get them nice and crisp!
You and your family will absolutely love this recipe for prosciutto wrapped asparagus spears – it’s just too delicious not to! Don’t forget to come back and let me know how it went!
Until next time, friends, cheers!
Cheyanne
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More easy asparagus recipes!
If you love this baked asparagus appetizer, try one of these easy recipes next!
- Raw Asparagus Salad (For the true asparagus lover!)
- Asparagus Mimosa Salad (A favorite spring salad of mine!)
- Asparagus Baked Frittata Recipe (SO simple and crustless, too!)
How to make asparagus prosciutto bundles at home👇
Roasted Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus (with Lemon Aioli!)
Equipment
- 1 Large Baking Sheet
Ingredients
Asparagus and Prosciutto:
- 1 TBS Good-Quality Olive Oil
- 1 1/2 to 2 pounds Thin Asparagus Spears or Asparagus Tips - trimmed of woody stems
- 6 ounces Thinly Sliced Prosciutto - (10 slices) (SEE NOTES)
- 1/2 tsp Italian Seasoning
- Kosher Salt & Ground Black Pepper - to taste
- 3 TBS Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese (OPTIONAL) (Asiago is a delicious substitute!)
Creamy Asparagus Sauce
- ½ cup Mayonnaise
- 1 Clove Garlic – grated or minced and smashed into a paste
- 1 tsp Lemon (1 TBS Juice + 1/2 tsp Zest)
- heaping ½ tsp Dijon Mustard
- 1/2 tsp Fresh Thyme – finely chopped
- 1/4 tsp Onion Powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425-degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy clean up. If using foil, grease with oil or spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- Season asparagus: Drizzle the asparagus with 1 tablespoon of oil. Sprinkle with the Italian seasoning, ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper. Use your hands to toss the asparagus, thoroughly coating it in the seasonings and oil.
- Make bundles: Divide asparagus into 10 small bundles, about 5 to 8 pieces of asparagus per bundle, arranging the tips so they all face the same direction. Working with 1 bundle and 1 slice of prosciutto at a time, wrap the prosciutto around the asparagus bundle – start wrapping just under the tips of the asparagus and use a downward spiral motion to secure the bundle together in the middle of the spears. Repeat with remaining asparagus and prosciutto.
- Arrange + Add Parmesan: Transfer the asparagus bundles to the prepared baking sheet, seam side down. And arrange the bundles so they are spaced apart in a single layer and NOT touching (you don’t want them to steam!). Optional: Sprinkle the parmesan cheese evenly over the bundles.
- Roast: Transfer the baking sheet to the middle rack of the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until asparagus is tender-crisp.
- Meanwhile, make asparagus dipping sauce: In a small mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients for the lemon dipping sauce. Season with 1/8 teaspoon salt and generous pinch of ground black pepper. Whisk until well combined. Taste and adjust for seasoning. (If you prefer a sweet lemon sauce, add a bit of honey.)
- Serve: Remove asparagus bundles from the oven and immediately transfer to a serving platter. Sprinkle with more parmesan. Serve with lemon dipping sauce and lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy!
Notes
- Asparagus: Look for asparagus spears in similar thickness for even cooking. Try to avoid spears that are too thick or they will take too long to bake.
- To stretch your budget: Use one (3 ounce) package of sliced prosciutto and cut or tear each slice in half, lengthwise.
- Parma ham is prosciutto from the Parma region of Northern Italy.
- Bacon: You can swap out the prosciutto for thin-cut bacon; however, you will want to bake your bundles on a wire rack so the fat drips down onto the pan.
- Crispy bundles: If you prefer your asparagus bundles crispy, insert a wire rack onto your baking pan and place the bundles on the rack before baking. The wire rack will ensure the fat from the meat drips down onto the pan.
Nutrition
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How to wrap individual asparagus spears with prosciutto
This looks splendid! A perfect Spring dish.
These look delicious! I was never an asparagus fan, up until a couple years ago. I would eat all thesse up! Pretty pictures!
Thank you Vanessa! I wasn’t a fan of asparagus until a few years ago, either! These spears are really good. But then again, they are wrapped in Prosciutto. lol Can’t really go wrong with that! The dipping sauce with them though, really makes it yummy! Thank you so much for stopping by my blog. I LOVE your blog, so I’m honored you visited my humble little site! Cheers!
Asparagus my all time favorite veggie. And this recipe kids flavored up a notch. Yummy!!!