Simple ingredients, big dinner-party energy.
I once touted that “Everything is better when it’s wrapped in bacon.” And while that saying still rings true, some things are even BETTER when they’re wrapped in prosciutto!
Years ago, I first made this Bacon Wrapped Asparagus recipe, and while they were definitely delicious, they didn’t quite compare to the flavors of their leaner and saltier Italian counterpart.
See, with this cured and thinly sliced delicacy of a meat, there’s not much else you need to do to get them to taste incredible!
A little oil, a light dash of salt (remember that prosciutto is already pretty salty!), and a sprinkle of pepper. Pop them in the oven, and in less than 20 minutes you’ll have a jaw-dropping side dish or party app to serve with just about any meal.
Ingredients and Substitutions
For the exact measurements and detailed instructions, please see the recipe card below.
- Salt and pepper. You don’t need much, just a few pinches is enough. More seasoning can always be added at the end, but it can’t be taken away!
- Asparagus. Look for 1 pound of medium-thickness asparagus stalks. Larger ones will work as well, but size will affect both cooking time and how many stalks go into each prosciutto bundle.
- Prosciutto. Aim for thinly sliced prosciutto at roughly 12 slices to ½ pound of weight, just barely thick enough to not break when gently handled. Jamón or thinly-sliced bacon can also work as a substitution.
- Oil. A cooking oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado or safflower oil, is the best option for this dish because of the high temperature at which the asparagus is roasted. Olive oil will also do if it’s all that’s available.
Step-by-step Instructions
Please see the recipe card below for the full instructions, ingredient amounts, and a printable recipe.
Trim the asparagus.
Snap off the woody ends of the asparagus by gently bending each spear where the color shifts from green to pale. Repeat with the remaining spears, keeping only the tender stalks.
You can also cut them with a knife, but snapping helps remove just the tough ends without trimming too much.
Step
Lay each slice of prosciutto flat and place 2 asparagus spears crosswise on top. Gently roll them up to create a bundle.
For thin to medium spears, wrap 2–3 per slice; for thicker spears, use 1 per slice. Aim for about 10–12 bundles per pound of asparagus for the best balance.
Arrange and brush.
Place an oven-safe wire rack on a large baking sheet and spray with non-stick spray. Arrange the asparagus bundles with a little space between them. The rack allows air to circulate so they crisp evenly without flipping, while the pan catches any drippings.
If you don’t have a rack, use a parchment-lined baking sheet and flip the bundles halfway through (avoid foil—it sticks).
In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, salt, and pepper, then lightly brush the mixture over the bundles on both sides.
Bake in the oven.
Depending on the thickness of the asparagus stalks, roast at 425°F for 12-15 minutes, or until the asparagus has turned bright green and is fork tender. Ideally, the prosciutto should be cooked in the middle and lightly crispy on the outside.
Season with an additional light sprinkling of salt and pepper, if needed, being careful not to over salt the prosciutto. Serve on a platter, and enjoy!
Alternative Method: Cook in the air fryer.
You can also make this in the air fryer. Preheat a 6-quart air fryer to 380°F for 3 minutes. Arrange the bundles in the basket without touching and cook for 6–7 minutes, until tender. Thinner spears will cook faster than thicker ones.
FAQs
Prosciutto is a variety of uncooked, unsmoked, and dry-cured Italian ham, which is extremely salty. Generally sliced very, very thin, the meat is delicate, and a common feature on charcuterie boards even in its uncooked form.
Due to the crispy nature of the fresh-baked prosciutto, it’s generally recommended to eat the bundles fairly fresh out of the oven. However, they can still very safely be eaten even cold or at room temperature.
While it isn’t recommended to freeze prosciutto wrapped asparagus after cooking, it’s perfectly acceptable to use frozen asparagus to make this recipe! Simply thaw and dry off any stems before using them.
Store leftovers in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the refrigerator for 3–5 days. Freezing isn’t recommended—the asparagus freezes fine, but the prosciutto can lose its texture and flavor. To reheat, warm the bundles in a 400°F oven or toaster oven until heated through and lightly crisp again.
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Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus Recipe
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Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus
- ½ pound prosciutto thinly sliced
- 1 ½ tablespoon oil olive or avocado
- ⅛ – ¼ teaspoon salt to taste
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
- Wrap 2-3 medium-sized asparagus spears in 1 piece of prosciutto. If you have larger asparagus, wrap 1 piece of prosciutto around 1 asparagus. You should end up with roughly 12 bundles.1 pound asparagus, ½ pound prosciutto
- Place a wire rack on a large baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil and then spray the rack with non-stick cooking spray.
- Add the asparagus bundles to the rack in a single layer, trying not to let any of the sides touch.
- Whisk together the oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl and then brush over the bundles.1 ½ tablespoon oil, ⅛ teaspoon black pepper, ⅛ – ¼ teaspoon salt
- Bake at 425 for 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the asparagus. You’ll know they’re done cooking when the asparagus turns bright green and is fork tender.
- Serve immediately with additional salt and black pepper, to taste. Enjoy!
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Video
Notes
- Air Fryer: Preheat to 380 degrees for at least 3 minutes. Cook prosciutto wrapped asparagus for 6-7 minutes or until asparagus is bright green and tender.
- Grill: This recipe is also delicious directly grilled over medium-low heat, giving an extra layer of rich, smoky flavor.
- Garnish: A sprinkle of fine parmesan cheese, a fresh squeeze of lemon, or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar can take this recipe to the next level by contrasting the fatty, salty prosciutto.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
More Asparagus Recipes
This is just one of many delicious ways to prepare asparagus, so experiment with these other amazing recipes to find your next favorite:
