There’s something about the crispy, salty bite of prosciutto wrapped around tender asparagus that just hits all the right notes. This Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus Bites Recipe is super simple but feels fancy enough for a get-together or special dinner. You’ll love how it’s quick to pull together and always disappears fast!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve made this Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus Bites Recipe on so many occasions, from casual family dinners to holiday parties. It’s that perfect combination of crunchy, salty, and fresh – plus it’s a total crowd-pleaser with minimal fuss.
- Simple elegance: Only a handful of ingredients create a sophisticated appetizer or side dish.
- Speedy preparation: Ready in 15 minutes, perfect for last-minute entertaining.
- Perfect crunch and flavor: The prosciutto crisps up beautifully while the asparagus stays tender.
- Versatile serving: Works as a snack, side, or party finger food that everyone enjoys.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The magic here comes from just a few simple ingredients that complement each other perfectly. Fresh asparagus gives you that juicy crunch, while prosciutto adds a salty, crispy wrapper that makes every bite irresistible. A drizzle of olive oil helps it all cook evenly, and black pepper seasons it just right.
- Fresh asparagus: Look for firm, bright green stalks with closed tips for the best texture and flavor.
- Olive oil: A light coat helps the asparagus roast beautifully and keeps the prosciutto from sticking.
- Prosciutto (thinly sliced): The key here is thin slices so they crisp up without overpowering the asparagus.
- Ground black pepper: Adds just enough spice to balance the saltiness without needing extra salt.
Make It Your Way
I love to switch things up depending on the season or mood. You can easily customize this Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus Bites Recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs – it’s very forgiving!
- Variation: Sometimes, I swap prosciutto for thinly sliced pancetta or bacon for a smoky twist. It’s just as delicious and adds a new flavor dimension.
- Cheese add-on: If you like, sprinkle a little grated Parmesan or a dab of creamy goat cheese inside before wrapping for extra richness.
- Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes sprinkled on top before broiling wakes up the flavor and adds a subtle heat.
- Make it vegetarian: Try substituting the prosciutto with marinated grilled zucchini slices for a veggie-friendly bite.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Asparagus
First things first, preheat your broiler and line a baking sheet with foil. Rinse your asparagus and pat dry so they roast nicely instead of steaming. Drizzle with olive oil and toss evenly – this helps the spears cook through and keeps everything moist.
Step 2: Wrap ’em Up
Cut each slice of prosciutto in half crosswise. Then, wrap each asparagus stalk with a prosciutto piece, spiraling it around so it’s snug but not too tight. The prosciutto will crisp up as it broils, so don’t overlap too thickly. Season lightly with black pepper.
Step 3: Broil to Crispy Perfection
Pop the sheet pan under the broiler and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side. Keep a close eye on them because prosciutto can go from perfectly crisp to burnt quickly. You want the asparagus tender yet still a bit snappy, and the prosciutto turning golden and crisp at the edges.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Transfer the asparagus bites to a serving platter while warm, and watch them disappear. These are best enjoyed immediately when the prosciutto is at its crispiest and the asparagus perfectly tender.
Top Tip
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make this Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus Bites Recipe turn out perfectly every time. Paying attention to these small details will save you from common pitfalls and keep your bites crisp and delicious.
- Prosciutto Thickness: Always use very thin slices; thicker ones take longer to crisp and can make the wrap chewy instead of crunchy.
- Asparagus Size: Choose medium-thick stalks rather than very thin or thick ones for the best texture balance and even cooking.
- Watch Your Broiler: Broilers vary in heat intensity, so set a timer and check often to prevent burning.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Give each asparagus enough space on the pan to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.
How to Serve Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus Bites Recipe
Garnishes
I often finish these bites with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Sometimes a little grated Parmesan or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives add a lovely pop of color and savory depth.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with light sides like a fresh green salad, roasted potatoes, or a simple risotto. I also love serving it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a quick weeknight meal that feels gourmet.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, try arranging these bites on a long wooden board with bowls of dipping sauces like balsamic glaze or a garlic aioli. You can also skewer a couple of asparagus bites on toothpicks for easy party finger food that impresses every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. They do lose some crispness, but reheating them in a hot oven or toaster oven helps bring back a bit of that crunch.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t ideal for this recipe because the asparagus can get mushy and the prosciutto loses its crisp texture when thawed. I’d recommend making fresh batches instead since it’s so quick to prepare anyway.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop the bites under the broiler for just a couple of minutes to revive the crispiness without overcooking the asparagus. Avoid the microwave, as it makes the prosciutto soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Fresh asparagus is best for Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus Bites because it roasts to a tender-crisp texture, whereas frozen asparagus tends to become mushy and release water when cooked.
If you don’t have a broiler, you can roast the wrapped asparagus in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through to crisp the prosciutto evenly.
Absolutely! A little parmesan or goat cheese inside the prosciutto wrap before broiling adds a creamy, savory flavor that complements the salty prosciutto perfectly.
Yes! This Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus Bites Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it an easy choice for guests with gluten sensitivities or anyone looking for a clean, simple appetizer.
Final Thoughts
This Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus Bites Recipe is one of those little gems that never fails to impress. Every time I make it, friends ask for the recipe because it’s simple, elegant, and downright delicious. I can’t recommend it enough—grab some fresh asparagus, thin prosciutto, and give it a try. You’ll be hooked like I am!
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Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus is a simple yet elegant appetizer or side dish featuring fresh asparagus stalks wrapped in savory prosciutto and broiled to crispy perfection. With just four ingredients, this recipe is easy to prepare, making it perfect for quick entertaining or a flavorful accompaniment to your meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 stalks fresh asparagus
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 slices prosciutto (very thinly sliced)
- Ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the broiler: Set your oven broiler to high and line a sheet pan with aluminum foil to prepare for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the asparagus: Arrange the asparagus stalks in a single layer on the sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil and toss gently to coat all stalks evenly.
- Wrap with prosciutto: Cut each slice of prosciutto in half crosswise, then wrap each piece snugly around an asparagus stalk.
- Season: Sprinkle ground black pepper over the wrapped asparagus to taste.
- Broil: Place the sheet pan under the broiler and cook for 4 minutes per side, flipping carefully halfway through, until the asparagus is tender and the prosciutto edges turn crispy.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately while hot and crisp.
Notes
- Use very thin slices of prosciutto for easier wrapping and crispier texture.
- Trim woody ends off the asparagus if desired for better tenderness.
- You can substitute olive oil with avocado oil for a different flavor profile.
- For added flavor, sprinkle a little grated Parmesan cheese before broiling.
- Serve warm for best texture and taste; leftovers can be reheated briefly in a skillet or oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 7 mg
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