Oh, are you looking for a total showstopper that’s actually ridiculously easy? Because I have *the* appetizer for you. These Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus Spears are my go-to when I want to impress people without breaking a sweat. Seriously, I remember making a batch for a last-minute get-together, and everyone devoured them! They’re so elegant, with that salty prosciutto hugging perfectly tender asparagus. It’s that perfect little bite that screams sophistication but takes like, ten minutes to assemble. Trust me, these are going to disappear faster than you can say ‘appetizer’! You just can’t beat how quick they are too.
Why You’ll Love These Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus Spears
Honestly, what’s not to love? These little guys are a game-changer:
- Super Speedy: Ready in under 25 minutes from start to finish!
- Effortlessly Elegant: They look so fancy, but you barely have to try.
- Flavor Powerhouse: Salty prosciutto meets fresh, tender asparagus – a match made in heaven!
- Minimal Ingredients: Usually, you’ve got everything you need right in your kitchen already.
- So Versatile: Perfect for parties, holidays, or just a fancy weeknight treat.
- Low Carb Friendly: A guilt-free indulgence that fits into so many diets.
Ingredients for Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus Spears
The beauty of these prosciutto-wrapped asparagus spears is how few ingredients you actually need! You want quality here since it’s so simple. I always grab the freshest asparagus I can find – you know, the ones that look bright green and firm. For the prosciutto, the thinly sliced stuff you find in the deli counter is perfect. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 bunch of asparagus – make sure it’s trimmed! We’ll talk about how to do that in a sec.
- 8 slices of prosciutto – you’ll want to slice these in half lengthwise.
- 1 tablespoon of good olive oil – extra virgin is great if you have it.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper – just to taste, you know!
Essential Equipment for Making Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus
You really don’t need much for these beauties! Just a good old-fashioned baking sheet to get them nice and crispy in the oven. Grabbing your favorite mixing bowl for tossing the asparagus is also a good idea. That’s pretty much it – simple tools for a simple, delicious appetizer!
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus Spears
Alright, let’s get these little flavor bombs made! It’s seriously so straightforward, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making them all along. Just follow these simple steps and get ready for some serious compliments.
Preheating and Preparing the Asparagus
First things first, let’s get that oven nice and hot. Crank it up to 400°F (that’s 200°C for those of you who are feeling precise!). While it’s heating, grab your trimmed asparagus spears. Give them a little toss in a bowl with that olive oil – just enough to coat them lightly. Then, sprinkle on some salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t go overboard with the salt, since the prosciutto is already pretty savory!
Wrapping the Asparagus with Prosciutto
Now for the fun part! Take your prosciutto slices and carefully cut each one in half lengthwise. You just want a nice, thin strip to hug each asparagus spear. Starting from the middle of an asparagus spear, wrap one of those prosciutto halves snugly around it. Try to get it nice and even, so it cooks up beautifully curled.
Baking Your Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus
Once all your asparagus spears are beautifully wrapped, arrange them on your baking sheet in a single layer. Make sure they’re not all crammed together – give them a little breathing room so they get nice and crispy. Pop that baking sheet into your preheated oven and let them bake for about 10 to 12 minutes. You’re looking for the prosciutto to get wonderfully crispy and the asparagus to be tender but still have a slight bite, you know? Not mushy at all!
Tips for the Best Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus
Okay, so these prosciutto-wrapped asparagus spears are pretty foolproof, but a few little tricks will make them absolutely *perfect* every single time. First off, getting that prosciutto nice and crispy is key! If you find yours isn’t quite there after the baking time, don’t be shy about popping them under the broiler for the last minute or two. Just keep a super close eye on them, because that beautiful prosciutto can go from crispy to burnt in a blink! My grandma always said, “Watch it like a hawk!”
Another little secret? If you’re feeling a bit fancy or want an extra flavor boost, try sprinkling a little grated Parmesan cheese over the top *before* they go into the oven. It gets all melty and delicious and adds another layer of salty goodness. Trust me, it’s a winner!
Serving Suggestions for Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus
These prosciutto-wrapped asparagus spears are so versatile, they honestly go with almost anything! For a holiday meal, they make a stunning starter alongside your main turkey or ham, and they pair beautifully with some easy side salads. If you’re thinking bigger gatherings or thinking about Thanksgiving side dishes, they’re a perfect start to an easy Thanksgiving feast. And honestly, a crisp white wine or even a light bubbly is just divine with these!
Storage and Reheating Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus
So, you have some leftover prosciutto-wrapped asparagus? Lucky you! To keep them tasting their best, let them cool down completely, then pop them into an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll be good for about 2-3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, a little trick will bring back that lovely crispiness. Pop them back on a baking sheet in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you can; it tends to make things a bit soggy, and we want that delightful crunch!
Frequently Asked Questions about Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus
Got questions about these amazing little bites? I’ve got you covered! Here are some things folks often ask:
Can I substitute bacon for prosciutto?
You sure can! Bacon will work, but it’s a bit thicker and fattier than prosciutto. You might need to cook them a little longer, and the flavor will be much smokier. Prosciutto gives a more delicate, salty crunch that I personally prefer for this recipe.
What is the best way to trim asparagus?
Oh, it’s so easy! Just grab a spear, hold the bottom end, and gently bend it. It will naturally snap where the tough woody part meets the tender part. You can just cut right there, or if you prefer, line up all your spears and cut off the bottom inch or so. Easy peasy!
Can I make Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus ahead of time?
You can totally wrap them ahead of time and keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for a few hours. But honestly, they’re best baked just before serving so the prosciutto gets nice and crispy. If you do prep them ahead, just be ready to pop them straight into the oven when guests arrive!
Nutritional Information Estimate
So, about what you’re looking at nutrient-wise for these delish Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus Spears: Per serving of four spears, you’re roughly getting about 120 calories. It’s a pretty lean app, with around 8g of protein and only 5g of fat. Remember, these numbers are just a general idea, and they can totally change based on the exact size of your asparagus and the specific prosciutto you use!
Share Your Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus Creations!
I just LOVE seeing what you all whip up in your kitchens! If you make these amazing Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus Spears, please tell me all about it in the comments below. Rate the recipe and share a pic if you can! You can also reach out through my contact page. I can’t wait to hear how yours turned out!
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Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus Spears
- Total Time: 22 min
- Yield: 16 spears
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A simple and elegant appetizer featuring fresh asparagus spears wrapped in savory prosciutto.
Ingredients
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 8 slices prosciutto
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the asparagus spears with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Cut each prosciutto slice in half lengthwise.
- Wrap one half slice of prosciutto around the middle of each asparagus spear.
- Arrange the wrapped asparagus on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the prosciutto is crispy and the asparagus is tender-crisp.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a crispier prosciutto, you can broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- You can add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese before baking for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 12 min
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
