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Looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s both fancy-looking and super easy to make? Sometimes the simplest combinations end up being the biggest hits at parties, and that’s exactly what you get with prosciutto wrapped asparagus. When you’re short on time but still want to serve something that’ll make your guests think you spent hours in the kitchen, this recipe comes to the rescue. It only needs a handful of ingredients, takes just minutes to put together, and always manages to disappear from the serving plate faster than you’d expect.
Ingredient Substitutions
Prosciutto can be replaced with thinly sliced turkey bacon for a leaner option or smoked salmon for a pescatarian alternative. Both provide similar saltiness and wrap easily around asparagus. Adjust cooking time slightly for these substitutes.
Asparagus can be swapped with green beans or long, thin strips of zucchini for a different vegetable option. These alternatives maintain a similar shape and texture when wrapped. Cook time may vary based on the chosen vegetable’s thickness.
Olive oil can be substituted with avocado oil or melted ghee for different flavor profiles and smoke points. Use the same amount as called for in the original recipe. These alternatives provide similar healthy fats and help achieve the desired browning during cooking.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 8-10 minutes |
| Total Time | 18-25 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 400-450
- Protein: 20-25 g
- Fat: 30-35 g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20 g
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus, ideally with thick stalks
- 3 to 3.5 ounces prosciutto, sliced
- 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Black pepper, to taste
- Lemon zest, if desired
- Grated parmesan cheese, if desired
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
While the oven is warming up, line a large sheet pan with parchment paper and set it aside.
This will prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Prepare the Asparagus
Rinse the asparagus under cold water and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
Snap off the tough, woody ends of each asparagus spear.
Set the prepared asparagus spears aside.
Step 3: Wrap the Asparagus with Prosciutto
Take slices of prosciutto and cut them in half lengthwise.
Wrap each asparagus spear with one strip of the sliced prosciutto.
As you wrap, gently tug the prosciutto to create tension, ensuring a tight wrap around the asparagus.
Lay each wrapped asparagus spear on the lined sheet pan.
Step 4: Season and Drizzle with Olive Oil
Drizzle 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the wrapped asparagus spears.
Sprinkle a pinch of black pepper on top to taste.
The olive oil will help crisp the prosciutto and enhance the flavor.
Step 5: Bake the Asparagus
Bake the asparagus in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes.
The asparagus should be bright green and easily pierced with a fork, while the prosciutto should become crisped around the edges.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Once baked, carefully transfer the asparagus to a serving platter.
For an added burst of flavor, top with some lemon zest and freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Serve immediately while hot, and enjoy this delicious appetizer or side dish!
