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Enjoy this baked Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus as a delicious appetizer or side dish. It comes together in 20 minutes and can be prepped in advance. This classic appetizer is an easy way to impress your guests!
The best appetizers take less than 20 minutes to prepare. They are also easy to serve and can be prepped in advance. This asparagus wrapped in prosciutto fits all of qualities of an easy appetizer.
This easy recipe works well for a dinner party or special occasion including Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Eve.
You can prep it ahead of time and bake just prior to serving. Instructions to grill or pan fry are also included below. No matter how you choose to cook them, the result is a tender, crispy appetizer packed with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This no-fuss recipe comes together in less than 20 minutes.
- It combines savory prosciutto with tender pieces of asparagus.
- Wrapped asparagus spears are the ultimate finger food, side dish or elegant appetizer!
Ingredients You Need
You can find all of the ingredients for this recipe at your local grocery store any time of the year. Use high-quality ingredients for the best results.
- Asparagus: Use thick pieces of asparagus for the best texture. However, you can also use pencil thin asparagus too, but bundle 2-3 thin asparagus spears together before wrapping in the prosciutto.
- Prosciutto: Thin slices of prosciutto work best. If you want to substitute the prosciutto, you can try bacon or Spanish Serrano ham.
- Olive Oil: Use high quality extra virgin olive oil.
- Spices: You will need garlic powder and black pepper. The prosciutto is already salty, so you won’t need additional salt.
- Optional: Serve with lemon, balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze and fresh parsley.
How to Cook Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus in the Oven
I love to bake wrapped asparagus in the oven because it results in perfectly crisp prosciutto and tender roasted asparagus. It only takes 5 minutes to prep before baking in the oven for 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Oven: Preheat the oven to 425° F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and set aside.
- Prepare the Asparagus: First, you will need to trim the fresh asparagus stalks. Cut off the tough ends of the asparagus. I snap off about 1 inch off of the bottoms. If you haven’t yet, wash and dry the asparagus.
- Wrap with Prosciutto: Cut each slice of prosciutto in half lengthwise. Carefully wrap each spear with prosciutto. If the pieces rip apart a little, that’s okay, just wrap it around the asparagus as well as you can.
- Season the Asparagus: Place the wrapped asparagus on the prepared baking sheet. Brush with olive oil, focusing on the tips, then sprinkle with garlic powder and black pepper.
- Bake: Roast in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender and the prosciutto is crispy. If you want the asparagus or prosciutto more crisp, you can leave them in the oven for a few minutes longer.
Arrange the cooked asparagus spears on a serving platter and sprinkle them with lemon zest. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice, if desired. You can also drizzle balsamic glaze on top.
Grilling Instructions
To grill, be sure to brush well with olive oil and sprinkle with black pepper and garlic powder. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Arrange the asparagus spears in a single layer on the grill and grill for 3 to 4 minutes, turning as they cook.
Pan Frying Instructions
To pan fry, heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet until hot. Add the prepared asparagus, cover and cook for about 5 minutes, turning spears occasionally.
Expert Tips
- Use thicker asparagus – Try to find asparagus spears that are about the size of a small finger, instead of the pencil-thin variety. Thicker spears hold the prosciutto slices better and will create a good asparagus-to-meat ratio.
- Make bundles – If you can’t find the thicker asparagus, you can wrap 3-5 individual spears together with one slice of prosciutto to make a bundle. This makes the perfect serving size for a side dish.
- Make ahead: You can prep the asparagus bundles the day before and store them in the refrigerator. Then bake them just prior to serving.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle freshly shredded Parmesan cheese over the wrapped spears before serving.
- Serve immediately: You will want to serve them nice and crispy straight from the oven. If they sit a while, they will loose the crispy texture.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can serve it cold, at room temperature or reheated in the oven. Reheat in the oven at 400 degrees F until warm and crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can prep it the day before and store in the refrigerator. Bake them right before serving. You can also bake them in advance and reheat in the oven just prior to serving.
Yes, you can serve it cold or warm. I think it tastes best when served warm, but serving it cold works too.
Pair the crispy prosciutto wrapped asparagus spears with other delicious appetizers or serve them as a delicious side dish to your favorite main courses like these Cast Iron Chicken Thighs, Pan Seared Shrimp or Pan Seared Ribeye.
Other Easy Appetizer Recipes
- Baked Mango Habanero Chicken Wings
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Baked Oysters
- Buffalo Shrimp
- Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
Did you try this baked Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus recipe? Leave a recipe rating and review below.
Easy Baked Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
Ingredients
- 1 pound thick asparagus spears
- 6 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Fresh lemon zest, for garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Balsamic glaze, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and set aside.
- Trim the woody ends from the asparagus spears. Cut each prosciutto slice in half lengthwise.
- Carefully wrap each spear with prosciutto and place them side by side on the prepared baking sheet. Brush with olive oil, focusing on the tips, then sprinkle with garlic powder and pepper.
- Roast for 10 to 12 minutes, or until asparagus is tender and the prosciutto is crispy. Garnish with lemon zest and parsley, and serve with lemon wedges and balsamic glaze, if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
We love this as a party appetizer!
My son’s favorite vegetable is roasted asparagus. I made this for him, and now this is the way he wants me to make it from now on. So good.