Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus

Prosciutto-wrapped asparagus is a savory, salty dish that's great anytime as a side or appetizer. The prosciutto crisps up beautifully and broiling concentrates its salty, porky flavor. The asparagus ends up with a crisp-tender, just-right texture after its brief stint under the broiler.

Don't be fooled by its elegant appearance; there's perhaps no easier recipe in your cookbook than this one. Even better, you can wrap the asparagus the day before, and just finish them off the in the oven right before serving.

Learn how to make prosciutto-wrapped asparagus, and swap out your typical side dish with this all-new family favorite.

Ingredients for Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus

In addition to being incredibly easy, this recipe for prosciutto-wrapped asparagus has a really short ingredient list. Just six ingredients are all you'll need:

• Asparagus: This is one time when you may really want slightly bigger asparagus. They will remain crisp-tender after broiling while the prosciutto cooks. Smaller, thinner asparagus spears may get overcooked and be limp before the prosciutto is crisp.
• Olive oil: Coat the asparagus in a bit of oil for a better broil.
• Salt and pepper: For seasoning. If you find prosciutto salty enough, skip the salt.
• Garlic cloves: Garlic helps elevate all the flavors of this dish so it's meaty, savory, and tangy in one.
• Prosciutto slices: Look for thin-sliced meat, or ask the deli counter to make the slices paper thin. If the pieces are very large, you could cut them in half so they won't overwhelm the asparagus.

How To Make Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus

This recipe is proof easy can be beautiful. Here's a brief outline of the process; the full recipe for prosciutto-wrapped asparagus is below, with step-by-step photos:

• Step 1. Prepare the asparagus: Place trimmed asparagus spears on a broiler-safe baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic. Toss to coat.
• Step 2. Wrap asparagus: Wrap each asparagus spear (or a bundle; see below) with prosciutto at a diagonal angle. Place them back on the baking sheet, evenly spaced.
• Step 3. Broil asparagus: Place the baking sheet in an oven preheated to broil, and cook 6 to 8 minutes. Flip asparagus halfway through. Serve immediately.

How To Serve Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus

Prosciutto-wrapped asparagus is often featured as an appetizer at restaurants. It's easy and light, but really hits all the flavor notes. You can follow that lead and place a platter of the spears out for guests at a party before dinner is served. We also would love it on a charcuterie board, alongside other vegetables, meats, and cheeses.

But this vegetable dish is equally beloved as a side dish to roast chicken, smoky pork tenderloin, or a classic roast beef, and it doesn't need to be for holidays only. It's a great way to add a little fanciness to a weekday.

Tips for Making Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus

When you're ready to roll up your own asparagus spears, keep these tips in mind.

• Thicker equals better: Usually, we tell you to cook with pencil-thin spears because they're more tender and easier to eat, but in this case, thicker spears are good. They won't overcook under the broiler while the prosciutto crisps. Just be sure to trim off any woody ends.
• Bundle thin spears: If all you can find at the grocery store is thin asparagus, make a bundle of two to three spears, and wrap those in a piece of prosciutto.

Make-Ahead Tips

Roll the spears in the meat a day ahead. Then, let them warm up slightly while the oven broiler preheats. Broil them to crisp when you're ready to serve.

Variations for Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus

Get creative with your asparagus! Whether you're serving these as a side or a snack, here are a few fun ideas for dressing the spears up:

• Drizzle balsamic vinegar or a balsamic glaze over the asparagus after they're out of the oven.
• For a cheesy upgrade, lay each prosciutto piece flat, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and then roll the asparagus. It'll melt nicely in the oven for a more savory, nutty flavor.
• Serve with a dipping sauce like aioli or garlic butter.

How To Store Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus

Put any leftovers in an airtight container, and store in the fridge up to 2 days. You can reheat in the microwave, but the prosciutto and asparagus may be limp. Instead, try reheating under the broiler or in an air fryer. These methods can crisp up the prosciutto again without cooking the asparagus too much.

Better yet, chop up the leftovers, and add them to this asparagus quiche.