Easy Roasted Asparagus with Prosciutto

This crispy tender Asparagus with Prosciutto is made with fresh asparagus spears and thinly sliced cured ham, ready in 25 minutes. The salty prosciutto shrinks and crisps in the hot oven, wrapping tightly around the vibrant green stalks. I always make a double batch because these disappear incredibly fast.

What Makes This Version Different

I used to struggle with wrapping the asparagus securely before I realized the trick is stretching the meat slightly. This helps the salty fat render properly while keeping the spears intact on the baking sheet.

Skipping heavy oils and letting the prosciutto do the heavy lifting for flavor changed my approach entirely. I love how such simple ingredients create something so visually impressive with very little effort.

Asparagus with Prosciutto Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh asparagus, woody ends trimmed
• 4 oz thinly sliced prosciutto (about 8 to 10 slices)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

How To Make Asparagus with Prosciutto

1. 1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2. Prep the Stalks: Toss the trimmed asparagus spears lightly in olive oil and black pepper in a large mixing bowl.
3. 3. Wrap the Asparagus: Take one slice of prosciutto and wrap it in a spiral motion around a single spear, or a bundle of two if they are thin.
4. 4. Roast the Bundles: Place the wrapped stalks seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.
5. 5. Bake to Crisp: Roast for 12 to 15 minutes until the asparagus is tender and the prosciutto is crispy and golden brown.

Recipe Tips

• Choose the right size: Look for medium-thick asparagus spears, as very thin ones will overcook before the meat crisps.
• Cut the slices: If your prosciutto slices are very wide, tear them in half lengthwise to avoid overwhelming the vegetable.
• Secure the seam: Always place the wrapped spears seam-side down on the pan to stop them from unrolling during cooking.

What To Serve With Asparagus

These savory spears pair beautifully with roasted chicken or a thick grilled steak. They also work exceptionally well on a brunch spread alongside poached eggs and hollandaise sauce.

How To Store

Keep leftover wrapped asparagus in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a 350°F oven or air fryer for a few minutes to restore the crispy texture.

FAQs

Can I prepare these in advance?

Yes, you can wrap the spears up to 24 hours ahead of time. Keep them covered in the fridge and bake just before serving.

Do I need to salt the asparagus?

No, the cured meat is naturally very salty. Adding extra salt will usually make the dish overwhelming.

Why did my prosciutto fall off?

Wrapping too loosely or placing the seam facing up can cause unravelling. Stretch the meat gently to help it cling to the stalk as it bakes.

Nutrition

• Calories: 110 kcal
• Total Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 5 g
• Protein: 10 g

Asparagus with Prosciutto

Recipe by Paula

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Total time

25

minutes

Crispy tender Asparagus with Prosciutto uses fresh green stalks and thinly sliced cured ham for a simple appetizer ready in 25 minutes. These savory roasted spears make a wonderful addition to any dinner party or holiday spread.

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh asparagus, woody ends trimmed

• 4 oz thinly sliced prosciutto (about 8 to 10 slices)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper

• 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

• 1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
• 2. Prep the Stalks: Toss the trimmed asparagus spears lightly in olive oil and black pepper in a large mixing bowl.
• 3. Wrap the Asparagus: Take one slice of prosciutto and wrap it in a spiral motion around a single spear, or a bundle of two if they are thin.
• 4. Roast the Bundles: Place the wrapped stalks seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.
• 5. Bake to Crisp: Roast for 12 to 15 minutes until the asparagus is tender and the prosciutto is crispy and golden brown.