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Get It Now- Why You’ll Love My Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
- Ingredient Notes
- How To Make Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
- Tips For Wrapping And Cooking
- Recipe Variations
- Storage Instructions
- Serving Suggestions
- More Classic Asparagus Recipes
- My Favorite Pan For This Recipe
- Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus Recipe card
- Recipe Reviews
One of the oldest healthy recipes on my site is my bacon wrapped asparagus, and even though it’s almost 10 years old, it’s still the appetizer I probably turn to most often. One day when I was preparing to make it, I realized I was out of bacon — and so this prosciutto wrapped asparagus recipe was born. It’s an easy swap to make and just as delicious!
Why You’ll Love My Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
- Perfectly tender asparagus – No soggy spears here! And I love the earthy, slightly sweet taste.
- Savory, salty prosciutto with crispy edges – Prosciutto doesn’t get as crunchy as much as bacon does, but you can still get edges that are a little crispy.
- Only 5 simple ingredients – I pared this recipe down to a handful of basic ingredients, all while keeping the gourmet look and taste.
- Easy to wrap and cook – Anyone can master this fancy dish. My kids love to help me with it. Plus, it’s ready in just 20 minutes!
Ingredient Notes
This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for asparagus wrapped in prosciutto, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below.
- Fresh Asparagus – Medium to thick asparagus stalks work best, as they are less prone to overcooking by the time each strip of prosciutto is done. Trim the woody ends, either using a knife or by bending each spear and snapping near the base. If you have thin spears, it’s better to saute the asparagus instead, or make prosciutto wrapped bundles (see variations below).
- Prosciutto – Cut the slices in half lengthwise for less fuss when wrapping. If you have enough prosciutto, choose the halves that have the fat attached, as they stay on better and don’t unravel from the asparagus as easily.
- Olive Oil – This adds flavor and helps the seasonings stick. Feel free to substitute with avocado oil or another neutral cooking oil.
- Sea Salt & Black Pepper
How To Make Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
This section shows step-by-step photos together with the instructions, to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below.
- Season. Drizzle the asparagus with the olive oil. Sprinkle with the sea salt and black pepper to taste.
- Wrap. Grab a (halved lengthwise) slice of prosciutto and wrap it around an asparagus stalk, without overlapping. Place seam side down on a greased or non-stick wire rack fitted over a baking sheet (this is the set I use). Repeat with all the asparagus and prosciutto.
- Bake. Place in the oven and roast until tender and bright green, flipping halfway through.
- Crisp up (optional). If desired, place the prosciutto wrapped asparagus under the broiler, until the prosciutto is slightly darker and a little crispy on the edges.
Tips For Wrapping And Cooking
This prosciutto wrapped asparagus recipe was pretty easy to make, but I discovered a few simple tips and tricks:
- Handle the prosciutto gently. It tears apart easily after slicing it in half, and gets worse if it’s warm from your hands or being at room temperature for too long. It’s easier to work with if you get the kind that has wax paper between the slices, and keep it in the fridge until right before wrapping. Also, I had better luck using kitchen shears to slice it lengthwise.
- Don’t stretch or overlap the prosciutto. Stretching will cause it to unravel as it roasts. Minimal overlap will keep it crispier and ensure even cooking.
- Use a wire rack. Layering one over a baking sheet improves air flow. Again, this promotes even cooking.
- If you broil, monitor closely. I like to broil at the end, but make sure you check on it to avoid burning.
Recipe Variations
- Seasonings – I kept it simple with just salt and pepper, but you can also add season with other herbs and spices, like garlic powder or Italian seasoning.
- Lemon – Add a tablespoon of lemon juice along with the olive oil, or try a teaspoon of lemon zest. You can also simply squeeze a wedge of fresh lemon over the prosciutto wrapped asparagus spears after cooking.
- Parmesan Cheese – Sprinkle on halfway through cooking, or simply as a garnish at the end.
- Balsamic – Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze as a final touch.
- Bundles – I like wrapping each stalk individually for the best flavor balance in each bite, but you can take a shortcut and wrap 4-6 asparagus spears together in a bundle instead. (I recommend this method if your stalks are thinner.)
Storage Instructions
- Store: Although this recipe for prosciutto wrapped asparagus tastes best fresh (and you probably won’t have leftovers!), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days if needed. I don’t recommend freezing, as the texture will become mushy.
- Meal prep: You can wrap the asparagus, cover, and refrigerate for 1-2 days, until ready to bake.
- Reheat: The best way to reheat leftovers is to broil them until crispy and hot.
Serving Suggestions
I’ve served this prosciutto wrapped asparagus recipe in two main ways, either as an appetizer or a side dish. Here are some of my favorite pairings with it to round out a meal or spread:
- Steak – For a quick dinner, you can’t go wrong with air fryer steak, but if you’re in the mood for something fancy, make a tomahawk steak (great as a date night dinner for two!) or filet mignon (my personal fave!).
- Seafood – I love making elegant dishes like butter poached lobster and seared scallops with prosciutto wrapped asparagus when the occasion calls for it. But let’s be real, I make air fryer salmon or tilapia more often, as simple weeknight staples.
- Appetizer Spread – These are fun as part of an appetizer spread! For a balance of protein and veggies, I like to pair these with some air fryer salmon bites or sirloin tips for a balance of protein and veggies.
More Classic Asparagus Recipes
This veggie cooks so fast and goes with so many dishes! Enjoy it more ways with these easy recipes:
My Favorite Pan For This Recipe
I use this baking pan with rack, as it really helps with airflow. Plus, it’s non-stick and durable, so it has lasted me for years.
Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
Prosciutto wrapped asparagus is the ultimate appetizer or side dish! Make it in only 20 minutes, with simple ingredients.
Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions below to start a kitchen timer while you cook.
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Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C). Place an oven-safe wire rack (either greased or non-stick) onto a baking sheet (this is the set I use).
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Trim the woody ends of the asparagus. Drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper to taste.
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Cut the prosciutto slices lengthwise to make narrower strips. Wrap each prosciutto strip around each asparagus stalk, without overlapping. Place seam side down onto the wire rack.
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Bake for 5 minutes. Use tongs to turn over. Bake for 3-5 more minutes, until the asparagus is tender and bright green.
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Optional step: If desired, place under the broiler for 2 minutes to make the prosciutto darker and a little crispy.
Did You Like It?
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Recipe Notes
Serving size: 4 stalks
Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see our nutrition policy.
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9 Comments
Laurie
0Can you cook this in the air fryer instead or will that cause the asparagus to overcook?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Laurie, Yes, you could use an air fryer.
Grampah Pete’s Ipad
0Is bacon an ok substitute for the prosciutto? Would it require changes in the other directions?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi, Here is a recipe to bacon wrapped asparagus.
Keri
0I’ve been doing practice runs of my Easter menu for a large family meal, and this recipe has definitely made the final cut. It’s elegant enough for a big holiday meal, easy to make and tastes amazing. Thanks for this brilliant idea!
Maggie
0I made this as a side dish with dinner tonight and the kids were so excited to see “bacon”! It was easy to make and so good! I’m going to be making this for Easter too!
Joise
0The asparagus was cooked to perfection, and the prosciutto added a nice crispy texture. I loved how easy they were to make it’s perfect for a quick and tasty appetizer!
Anna
0I also mostly use bacon for this, but I luckily had the ingredients so I tried it yesterday! I put some garlic powder and parmesan cheese for extra flavor. It was so delicious!
Ashley
0My kids loved it! Followed the recipe and everyone absolutely enjoyed them. These prosciutto wrapped asparagus is very easy to make and so flavorful and for sure I’ll be making this more often!