Easy, elegant and impressive, Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus is the perfect make ahead side dish you can pop in the oven 10 minutes before serving. While many recipes for asparagus bundles call for bacon, I prefer making them with prosciutto. I find that, when using bacon, by the time it’s cooked the asparagus is often overdone. You don’t have that problem using prosciutto – you’re asparagus will come out nicely crisp-tender.
Recipe for Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
I love asparagus, especially when it’s roasted, and here are a few reasons why these pretty asparagus bundles are on the top of my list:
- The flavor profile – the saltiness of the prosciutto perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the asparagus, while the roasting process brings out the earthy, nutty flavors of the vegetable.
- The presentation – the green asparagus tied with the red prosciutto makes for an elegant and visually appealing dish, resulting in a sophisticated presentation of a simple vegetable.
- The ease of preparation – this recipe involves only a few ingredients and steps, and can be made ahead of time. You can assemble the asparagus bundles earlier in the day, and then roast them just before serving.
Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus Recipe Ingredients
There are only 4 ingredients in this divine side dish:
- 24 to 32 asparagus spears, tough ends removed
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 8 thin slices of prosciutto
If desired you can add one or two toppings, including:
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Toasted bread crumbs
What kind of asparagus should I use?
Use fresh asparagus, not canned or frozen. I prefer medium-sized or small, but not fat spears. Larger spears will take longer to cook, and you risk over -cooking the prosciutto.
How to Make Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
Here are the 4 easy steps to making these impressive and scrumptious asparagus:
- Prep oven.
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. - Prep asparagus.
Toss the asparagus spears with olive oil to coat and sprinkle with kosher salt. Divide asparagus into 8 bundles of 3 to 4 spears each. Tie a piece of prosciutto around each bundle. Place on a rimmed baking sheet. - Bake.
Bake 10 minutes or until asparagus is crisp-tender. - Garnish, if desired, and serve.
Sprinkle top with Parmesan cheese and/or breadcrumbs, if desired.
Asparagus Wrapped in Prosciutto Recipe Variations
As mentioned above, you can garnish these asparagus bundles if you desire. Here are some ideas:
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Toasted bread crumbs
- Toasted chopped nuts, including almonds, pecans, walnuts or hazelnuts
- Drizzle of balsamic vinegar (the good stuff, if possible)
Storing and Reheating Asparagus Prosciutto
You can prepare these Asparagus Bundles ahead of time, but don’t bake. Cover and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before baking.
If you have any cooked bundles leftover, again cover and refrigerate. They will last up to 4 days. Reheat in a 325 degree preheated oven.
Can I freeze asparagus wrapped in prosciutto?
While these asparagus bundles taste best when fresh, you can freeze any leftovers. Place in an airtight container, or wrap well, and freeze. They will last for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator, then reheat in a 325 degree oven.
What to Serve with Asparagus Wrapped in Prosciutto
Another great benefit to this asparagus dish is that it pairs well with many, many main dishes. Here are some I like to serve it with:
- Slow Roasted Boneless Leg of Lamb
- Poached Salmon
- Roasted Salmon Steaks
- Parmesan Breaded Salmon
- Grilled Tuna Steak
- Asian Pork Tenderloin
- Spicy Rubbed Pork Tenderloin
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Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
Easy and elegant, Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus is the perfect make ahead side dish you can pop in the oven 10 minutes before serving. The contrasting colors of red and green provide lots of color on the plate, and the flavors complement one another perfectly.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 24 to 32 asparagus spears, tough ends removed (see Tip)
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 8 thin slices of prosciutto
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Toasted bread crumbs (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
- Toss the asparagus spears with olive oil to coat and sprinkle with kosher salt. Divide asparagus into 8 bundles of 3 to 4 spears each. Tie a piece of prosciutto around each bundle. Place on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Bake 10 minutes or until asparagus is crisp-tender. Sprinkle top with Parmesan cheese and/or breadcrumbs, if desired.
Notes
Make ahead: Prepare the asparagus but don’t bake it earlier in the day. Cover and store at room temperature.
Tip on asparagus: Asparagus spears have a tough end to them that needs to be removed before cooking. Grab the tough end with one hand (between your thumb and first finger). Grab the tip with your other hand and gently bend the tip end downward, holding the tough end still. The spear will snap in two at the right point, where the tough part stops. Discard tough ends.
- Category: side dish, easy entertaining, gluten free
Yum! I think we might be adding this to the Easter menu too! It looks amazing!