Introduction
Asparagus and Prosciutto Wraps are a match made in heaven, and today I’m excited to share this simple yet elegant side dish with you. The combination of fresh asparagus, crispy prosciutto, and nutty Parmesan cheese is a winner. This recipe is not only easy to make but also impressive enough to serve at any gathering.
The best part about this recipe is that it requires minimal ingredients and effort, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The delicate flavor of asparagus paired with the salty, crispy prosciutto and a squeeze of lemon juice will leave your taste buds dancing.
So, let’s dive into the world of Asparagus and Prosciutto Wraps and explore what makes this dish so special. With its easy preparation and elegant presentation, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a staple in my kitchen because of its simplicity and the fact that it’s ready in under 30 minutes. The combination of asparagus, prosciutto, and Parmesan cheese provides a delicious and well-balanced flavor profile that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Not only is this dish delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients. Asparagus is a great source of vitamins and minerals, while prosciutto provides a boost of protein. This recipe is also relatively low in calories, making it a great option for those looking for a healthier side dish.
Whether you’re a fan of asparagus or just looking for a new way to prepare it, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. The crispy prosciutto and melty Parmesan cheese add a nice texture and flavor contrast that elevates this dish to the next level.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh asparagus
- 6 slices of prosciutto
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
When it comes to prosciutto, you can substitute it with other cured meats like bacon or pancetta. However, keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly. For a vegetarian or vegan version, you can omit the prosciutto altogether or substitute it with a plant-based alternative.
Fresh asparagus is essential for this recipe, as it provides the best flavor and texture. If you can’t find fresh asparagus, you can use frozen asparagus as a substitute, but be sure to thaw it first and pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Parmesan cheese is a key ingredient in this recipe, as it adds a nice salty flavor and creamy texture. You can substitute it with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano, but keep in mind that the flavor may vary slightly.
Equipment Needed
To make this recipe, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools, including an oven, baking sheet, parchment paper, and paper towels. You’ll also need a cutting board and knife to prepare the asparagus and prosciutto.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Rinse asparagus under cold water, then pat dry with paper towels.
- Wrap each asparagus spear with prosciutto, leaving a small space between each wrap.
- Place the prosciutto-wrapped asparagus on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the prosciutto is crispy and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and serve immediately.
Visual Guide & Tips
As you prepare the asparagus and prosciutto, make sure to handle them gently to avoid damaging the delicate spears. When wrapping the asparagus with prosciutto, leave a small space between each wrap to allow for even cooking.
Once you’ve placed the prosciutto-wrapped asparagus on the baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. This will help bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients and add a nice sheen to the dish.
As the asparagus bakes in the oven, the prosciutto will start to crisp up and turn golden brown. This is a sign that the dish is almost ready. Remove it from the oven and serve immediately, garnished with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Expert Tips & Troubleshooting
To ensure that your prosciutto-wrapped asparagus turns out perfectly, make sure to preheat your oven to the correct temperature. This will help the prosciutto crisp up evenly and prevent the asparagus from overcooking.
If you find that your prosciutto is not crisping up as expected, try increasing the oven temperature or baking the asparagus for a few more minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning the prosciutto.
Another common issue is that the asparagus may become too tender or mushy. To avoid this, make sure to not overcook the asparagus. Check on it after 10-12 minutes of baking and remove it from the oven when it’s tender but still crisp.
What Went Wrong?
Don’t worry if your prosciutto-wrapped asparagus doesn’t turn out perfectly the first time. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Overcooking the asparagus: This can make it tender and mushy. To avoid this, check on the asparagus after 10-12 minutes of baking and remove it from the oven when it’s tender but still crisp.
- Not preheating the oven: This can affect the texture of the prosciutto and the asparagus. Make sure to preheat your oven to the correct temperature before baking.
- Not handling the asparagus gently: This can damage the delicate spears and affect the presentation of the dish. Handle the asparagus gently when preparing and wrapping it with prosciutto.
Storage & Freezing
To store leftover prosciutto-wrapped asparagus, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Simply wrap the asparagus tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag.
When you’re ready to serve, simply thaw the frozen asparagus overnight in the refrigerator and bake it in the oven until crispy and golden brown.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about prosciutto-wrapped asparagus:
- Q: Can I use frozen asparagus instead of fresh?
A: While fresh asparagus is preferred, you can use frozen asparagus as a substitute. Just be sure to thaw it first and pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. - Q: Can I substitute prosciutto with another ingredient?
A: Yes, you can substitute prosciutto with other cured meats like bacon or pancetta. However, keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly. - Q: How do I prevent the asparagus from becoming too tender or mushy?
A: To prevent the asparagus from becoming too tender or mushy, make sure to not overcook it. Check on it after 10-12 minutes of baking and remove it from the oven when it’s tender but still crisp. - Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Simply prepare the asparagus and prosciutto, then store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. - Q: Can I freeze this recipe?
A: Yes, you can freeze this recipe. Simply wrap the asparagus tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to serve, thaw the frozen asparagus overnight in the refrigerator and bake it in the oven until crispy and golden brown. - Q: What’s the best way to serve this recipe?
A: This recipe is perfect as a side dish or appetizer. You can serve it on its own or paired with your favorite main course. Try serving it with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Conclusion
And there you have it – a simple yet elegant side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Asparagus and Prosciutto Wraps are a match made in heaven, and with this recipe, you can create a delicious and impressive dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your creations with me on social media. Did you make this? Pin it on Pinterest or tag me on Instagram @EvasRecipes! I’d love to see your take on this recipe and hear about your favorite ways to prepare asparagus.
Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Rinse asparagus under cold water, then pat dry with paper towels.
- Wrap each asparagus spear with prosciutto, leaving a small space between each wrap.
- Place the prosciutto-wrapped asparagus on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the prosciutto is crispy and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and serve immediately.