Imagine a dish that combines the elegant crispiness of prosciutto, the earthy freshness of asparagus, and the irresistible punch of garlic and Parmesan - all in one bite! This show-stopping appetizer is not just a recipe, it's a culinary experience that will transform your ordinary meal into an extraordinary dining adventure. Whether you're hosting a sophisticated dinner party or looking to impress your family with a gourmet side dish, these Garlic Parmesan Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus spears are about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb asparagus, trimmed
- 8 slices prosciutto
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your asparagus cooks evenly and becomes perfectly tender while the prosciutto crisps up.
- Wash the asparagus thoroughly under cold water. Trim the tough ends of the asparagus by snapping them off or cutting about 1-2 inches from the bottom.
- In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic and olive oil. Mix well to create a garlic-infused oil that will add flavor to the asparagus.
- On a clean cutting board, lay out the prosciutto slices. Each slice should be large enough to wrap around a single asparagus spear.
- Take one asparagus spear and brush it lightly with the garlic-infused olive oil mixture. This will help the prosciutto adhere better and infuse flavor into the asparagus.
- Wrap a slice of prosciutto around the oiled asparagus spear, starting from the bottom and spiraling up to the tip. Make sure to cover the asparagus evenly, but don’t worry if some of the asparagus is still visible.
- Repeat the wrapping process for all asparagus spears, placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased to prevent sticking.
- Once all the asparagus are wrapped, drizzle any remaining garlic-infused olive oil over the top of the wrapped spears. This will enhance the flavor and help with browning.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese generously over the wrapped asparagus, ensuring each spear is well coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Be cautious with the salt, as prosciutto is already salty.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the prosciutto is crispy and the asparagus is tender. You can broil for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end for extra crispiness if desired.
- Once cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the asparagus cool for a minute. This will help the cheese set slightly.
- Transfer the garlic Parmesan prosciutto wrapped asparagus to a serving platter. Serve warm as an appetizer or side dish, and enjoy!
Tips
- Choose fresh, thin asparagus spears for the best texture and most elegant presentation.
- Pat the asparagus dry before wrapping to ensure the prosciutto adheres properly.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet - give each wrapped spear some space for even cooking.
- For extra crispiness, broil the wrapped asparagus for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking.
- Select high-quality, thinly sliced prosciutto for the best flavor and wrapping ease.
- If the prosciutto seems too salty, you can reduce the additional salt in the seasoning.
- Serve immediately after cooking to maintain the crisp texture of the prosciutto and the tenderness of the asparagus.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 25mg
