Looking for a delightful appetizer that will impress your guests? This Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus is the answer! Featuring fresh asparagus spears wrapped in thin, savory prosciutto, this dish is a simple yet elegant addition to any gathering. It’s not just an appetizer; it’s a culinary experience that highlights the perfect combination of flavors in every bite.
These baked prosciutto bundles transform tender asparagus into a standout dish that pairs beautifully with any meal. With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation time, you can create a delicious Asparagus Appetizer that will have everyone asking for seconds. Perfect for parties, this recipe is an easy way to elevate your spread.
Introducing Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus
If you’re looking for a standout appetizer, look no further than Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus. This dish not only captivates the palate but also serves as an elegant centerpiece for any gathering.
The combination of tender asparagus and savory, crispy prosciutto is a perfect match. Asparagus Appetizer fans will appreciate the delightful contrast of flavors and textures in every bite.
These baked prosciutto bundles are ideal for entertaining, making them one of the best easy asparagus recipes for parties. Your guests will be impressed with this simple yet sophisticated dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of meals.
A Closer Look at the Ingredients
The beauty of this Wrapped Asparagus lies in its few, high-quality ingredients. Fresh asparagus, trimmed to perfection, serves as the base of this dish.
Wrapped around each spear is thinly sliced prosciutto, adding that all-important savory punch. A light drizzle of olive oil enhances the flavors, while salt and pepper bring everything to life.
For an added touch, fresh lemon wedges are included for serving, allowing you to enjoy a squeeze of brightness with every bite.
Preparing the Asparagus
Preparation is simple and quick, making it ideal for both novice cooks and experienced chefs. Start by blanching the asparagus—this step is essential to keep the spears bright green and tender.
After just a few minutes in boiling water, plunging the asparagus into ice water halts the cooking, ensuring a crispy texture. This quick technique sets the stage for a delightful experience.
Once cooled, each asparagus spear is wrapped tightly in prosciutto, creating a beautiful contrast that will impress anyone at your table.
Baking to Perfection
Once wrapped, these asparagus spears are ready to hit the oven. Arranging them on a parchment-lined baking sheet allows for even cooking and easy cleanup.
Drizzling olive oil over the assembled spears enhances the roasting process, leading to a crispier texture.
After a quick 12 to 15 minutes in the oven, the prosciutto takes on a golden brown hue, indicating that the dish is ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions
This Prosciutto Appetizer is best enjoyed warm, right out of the oven. Present it on a rustic platter alongside fresh lemon wedges for an appealing visual and flavor contrast.
Guests can easily squeeze the lemon juice over the asparagus, adding a refreshing zing to the savory prosciutto.
These elegant bundles make for a fantastic party side dish, sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Nutritional Benefits
In addition to being a delightful appetizer, this dish also offers nutritional benefits. Each serving provides a balance of protein and healthy fats, making it a satisfying choice.
With only 150 calories per serving, it fits nicely into various dietary preferences.
These prosciutto-wrapped delights bring together wholesome asparagus and savory meat, creating a balanced dish that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Delicious Asparagus Appetizer
This dish features tender asparagus spears enveloped in crisp prosciutto, creating a delightful contrast of textures. The salty, savory flavor of the prosciutto complements the fresh, slightly sweet taste of the asparagus, making it a perfect choice for entertaining or as a side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
- 8 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Blanch the asparagus: Bring a pot of water to a boil, add the asparagus, and cook for about 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and immediately plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain again.
- Wrap each asparagus spear tightly with a slice of prosciutto, starting from the bottom and spiraling up to the top.
- Place the wrapped asparagus on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the prosciutto is crispy and golden brown.
- Serve warm with fresh lemon wedges to squeeze over the top, if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 150kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 2g