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Appetizer Italian

3-Ingredient Asparagus and Prosciutto Bundles

Asparagus and Prosciutto Bundles with melted parmesan cheese on top.
Asparagus and Prosciutto Bundles with melted parmesan cheese on top.

Hello there, my name is Lila and I’m excited to share with you a recipe that is near and dear to my heart. I come from Taiwan, where asparagus is not a common vegetable, but I first discovered it during a study abroad program in Italy. Since then, I’ve been obsessed with this spring vegetable, and I’m always on the lookout for new ways to prepare it. When I stumbled upon the recipe for Asparagus and Prosciutto Bundles, I knew I had to try it.

Headshot of a young Asian woman with dark hair styled in a messy bun, against a colorful graffiti-covered wall.

Lila is a freelance graphic designer and an avid traveler. She grew up in a small town in Taiwan and moved to the United States for college. Lila is fluent in Mandarin and English, and enjoys learning new languages. She also loves hiking and has summited several peaks in the Pacific Northwest.

Lila currently resides in the United States and grew up in Taiwan.

The recipe for Asparagus and Prosciutto Bundles originated in Italy, where asparagus has been enjoyed for centuries. It’s said that the Romans were the first to cultivate asparagus, and it quickly became a delicacy enjoyed by nobles and commoners alike. Legend has it that Julius Caesar coined the phrase ‘faster than cooking asparagus’ to describe something that could be done quickly. In the centuries since, asparagus has become a staple of Italian cuisine, and it’s easy to see why.

In today’s world, where we’re all looking for ways to eat healthier and more sustainably, asparagus is the perfect choice. It’s low in calories and high in nutrients, making it a great addition to any diet. Plus, it’s a seasonal vegetable, so you can feel good about supporting local farmers and reducing your carbon footprint. The recipe for Asparagus and Prosciutto Bundles is a great way to enjoy this vegetable while still indulging in some delicious Italian flavors.

It’s great to see how people from all over the world are embracing asparagus and using it in creative ways. Elias Patel and Gianluca Rossi, two foreigners who now live in the US and love to travel and hike, have already shared some amazing recipes with asparagus on this blog. As for me, I’ll continue to experiment with this versatile vegetable and look forward to trying out new recipes. Let’s get cooking!

Asparagus bundles being grilled on a hot grill pan, with visible grill marks on the prosciutto.

What you need

These 3-Ingredient Asparagus and Prosciutto Bundles are the perfect combination of savory and tangy flavors. This recipe showcases the tender and fresh asparagus of the season, wrapped in a salty and savory prosciutto and baked until crispy and golden. It’s an easy-to-make appetizer that’s sure to impress your guests. All you need to do is trim the woody ends off the asparagus spears, wrap each spear tightly with a slice of prosciutto, and bake until the asparagus is tender and the prosciutto is crispy. Sprinkle finely grated parmesan cheese over the top of the bundles, and serve warm. These bundles are perfect for any occasion, from a casual dinner party to a fancy holiday gathering. Give this recipe a try and discover the deliciousness of asparagus and prosciutto together!

Ingredients:

  • Asparagus – Tender and fresh asparagus is the star of this recipe. Look for bright green spears with tightly closed tips. If asparagus is out of season or unavailable, green beans or broccolini can be substituted.
  • Prosciutto – Thinly sliced prosciutto provides a salty and savory contrast to the fresh asparagus. If prosciutto is not available, thinly sliced ham or bacon can be used as a substitute.
  • Parmesan cheese – Finely grated parmesan cheese adds a sharp and tangy complement to the savory and salty prosciutto. If parmesan cheese is not available, pecorino or romano cheese can be used as a substitute.

Utensils:

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper – Optional. Can be used to line the baking sheet for easier cleanup.
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Grater

Asparagus, the star of the recipe

Asparagus is a spring vegetable, typically harvested in the US from late February through June. Its tender, fresh flavor and vibrant green color make it a perfect representation of the season. Asparagus is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as fiber, folate, and antioxidants. Asparagus is also low in calories, making it a great choice for anyone watching their weight. As a hiker and outdoor enthusiast, Lila loves asparagus because it’s a seasonal vegetable that can be found at farmers markets and local stores during her travels. It’s easy to prepare and can be cooked in a variety of ways, making it a versatile addition to any meal. In this recipe, asparagus is wrapped in prosciutto and baked until tender and flavorful. The result is a delicious appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion.

Raw asparagus spears laid out on a rustic wooden cutting board.

Prosciutto, the perfect complement

Prosciutto is a thinly sliced, dry-cured ham that originated in Italy. It has a salty and savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the fresh taste of asparagus. Prosciutto is a good source of protein and contains vitamins B6 and B12. It’s also high in sodium, so it should be consumed in moderation. Lila loves prosciutto because it’s a staple in Italian cuisine, which she fell in love with during her study abroad program. She enjoys the way it adds depth and complexity to dishes, and how it can be used in a variety of recipes. In this recipe, prosciutto is wrapped around asparagus spears and baked until crispy and golden. The result is a delicious appetizer that’s sure to impress your guests.

Thin slices of prosciutto arranged in a cascading pattern on a gray plate.

What to serve it with?

I love serving these Asparagus and Prosciutto Bundles as a side dish to a hearty Italian meal. They pair perfectly with classic dishes like spaghetti carbonara or chicken parmesan. As a graphic designer and avid traveler, I’ve spent a lot of time in Italy and have developed a deep appreciation for their cuisine. These bundles bring back fond memories of eating fresh, seasonal dishes with friends and family while enjoying the beautiful scenery. The savory and tangy flavors of the bundles complement rich pasta dishes and add a touch of elegance to any meal. I love how easy they are to make and how versatile they can be. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking for a quick and easy appetizer, these bundles are sure to be a hit!

Classic Italian pasta dish, spaghetti carbonara, served in a white bowl with crispy bacon and Parmesan cheese.

Summary

And there you have it, my delicious 3-Ingredient Asparagus and Prosciutto Bundles! I hope you enjoyed making this recipe as much as I enjoyed creating it. Do you have any fun variations you like to add to this dish? Maybe a special spice or herb that really makes it pop? Let me know in the comments below! As someone who loves experimenting in the kitchen, I’m always excited to hear about new flavor combinations and techniques. So don’t be shy, share your thoughts and let’s get cooking together!

Here’s the recipe:

Asparagus and Prosciutto Bundles with melted parmesan cheese on top.

3-Ingredient Asparagus and Prosciutto Bundles

Lila Chen
Experience the perfect combination of savory and tangy flavors in these easy-to-make bundles that showcase the tender and fresh asparagus of the season.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment Paper
  • chef’s knife
  • cutting board
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • grater

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Asparagus
  • 4 oz Prosciutto
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven – Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, if desired. Make sure to preheat the oven so that it’s hot and ready to go when you’re finished preparing the bundles.
  • Prepare the asparagus – Trim the woody ends off of the asparagus spears and discard them. Cut the asparagus spears in half crosswise. To trim the asparagus, hold the spear at the bottom and bend it until it snaps. The point where it breaks is where the woody part ends and the tender part begins.
  • Wrap the asparagus in prosciutto – Take a slice of prosciutto and wrap it tightly around an asparagus spear. Place the wrapped spear on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining asparagus and prosciutto slices. Make sure to wrap the prosciutto tightly around the asparagus so that it stays in place during baking.
  • Bake the bundles – Bake the asparagus and prosciutto bundles in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender and the prosciutto is crispy. Watch the bundles closely towards the end of the baking time to make sure that the prosciutto doesn’t burn.
  • Garnish and serve – Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the bundles cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle finely grated parmesan cheese over the top of the bundles and serve warm. For an extra kick of flavor, try drizzling the bundles with a balsamic reduction or a sprinkle of lemon zest before serving.

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