Ina Garten’s Perfect Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus Recipe

Prosciutto wrapped asparagus transforms ordinary vegetables into a sophisticated culinary masterpiece that elevates any dining experience.

Delicate spears of green get embraced by salty, thin Italian cured meat in a tantalizing combination of textures and flavors.

Each bite promises a crisp, savory sensation that feels both elegant and comforting.

The rich, silky prosciutto adds a luxurious touch to the fresh, tender asparagus, creating a harmonious blend of rustic and refined elements.

Minimal ingredients come together to produce a stunning dish that will intrigue your guests and spark conversation around the table: prepare to wow everyone with this effortless recipe.

Creative Add-Ons for Wrapped Asparagus

• Green Herb Fusion: Wrap asparagus bundles with prosciutto and sprinkle fresh chopped basil and thyme before baking for an enhanced herbal flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Spin: Replace Gruyère with crumbled feta cheese and add lemon zest to create a bright, tangy Mediterranean-inspired version of the dish.
• Spicy Prosciutto Crunch: Dust asparagus bundles with red pepper flakes and add grated parmesan cheese for a spicier, more robust flavor experience.
• Smoky Bacon Alternative: Substitute prosciutto with thinly sliced bacon for a smokier, more robust alternative that provides a different textural dimension to the original recipe.

End of the Prosciutto Asparagus Guide

Prosciutto-wrapped asparagus whispers elegance from Ina Garten’s culinary repertoire.

Mediterranean flavors dance across delicate green spears embraced by salty prosciutto slices.

Gruyère cheese melts into golden pools, creating luxurious texture and depth.

Truffle butter elevates this simple appetizer into gourmet realms of sophisticated dining.

Kitchen masters and casual cooks alike can craft this impressive dish with minimal effort.

Curious palates will discover pure deliciousness – so grab those ingredients, share this recipe with friends, double-tap if this sparks your cooking passion, and let culinary magic unfold!

Why Prosciutto Asparagus Always Impresses

• Elevate Simple Veggies: Transform ordinary asparagus into an elegant, restaurant-worthy dish with minimal effort, creating a stunning appetizer that looks impressive but takes just minutes to prepare.
• Flavor-Packed Texture Party: Enjoy the perfect combination of crisp, tender asparagus and salty, delicate prosciutto, delivering a delightful contrast that makes each bite exciting and memorable.
• Gourmet Touch with Minimal Skill: Master a sophisticated recipe that requires basic cooking techniques, allowing home cooks to create a luxurious-tasting dish without advanced culinary training, complete with truffle butter and Gruyère cheese for maximum flavor impact.

What You’ll Need for Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus

• Asparagus: Fresh, green vegetable with tender tips and crisp texture, best when thick and straight.
• Truffle Butter: Luxurious dairy product adding rich, earthy flavor to the dish.

• Prosciutto: Delicate, thin Italian dry-cured ham for wrapping asparagus, provides saltiness and elegant presentation.
• Gruyère Cheese: Swiss cheese with nutty flavor, melts beautifully and adds creamy texture.

• Olive Oil: High-quality cooking oil for brushing and drizzling, enhances overall flavor.
• Fleur de Sel: Delicate, hand-harvested sea salt with subtle mineral taste.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground for mild heat and aromatic depth.
• Salt: Standard ingredient for boiling water and enhancing vegetable flavor.

How to Make Prosciutto Asparagus the Easy Way

Step 1: Prepare Oven

Warm your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure the rack is centered for even cooking.

Step 2: Blanch Asparagus

• Large pot
• Water
• Salt
• Asparagus
• Ice water

Fill pot with water and add salt. Bring to rapid boil. For thick asparagus, gently peel bottom half with vegetable peeler. Submerge asparagus in boiling water for exactly 2 minutes. Immediately transfer to ice water bath to lock in vibrant green color. Let chill for 2-3 minutes. Drain and pat completely dry with clean kitchen towel.

Step 3: Create Asparagus Bundles

Group 6-8 asparagus spears with tips aligned. Carefully wrap each bundle with prosciutto slice, securing middle tightly. Aim for neat, uniform bundles.

Step 4: Prepare Baking Dish

Select rectangular baking dish large enough to hold bundles in single layer. Generously brush dish with olive oil, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 5: Season and Bake

• Truffle butter
• Olive oil
• Fleur de sel
• Black pepper
• Gruyère cheese

Arrange bundles seam-side down, tips pointing same direction. Melt truffle butter with olive oil in small saucepan. Drizzle warm mixture over bundles. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and grated Gruyère. Bake for 12-15 minutes until butter sizzles and cheese turns golden brown.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Transfer hot bundles to serving platter. Enjoy while warm and crispy.

Tips for Perfectly Wrapped Asparagus

• Select Peak Season Asparagus: Choose bright green, firm spears with tight tips during spring for maximum flavor and sweetness.
• Trim Woody Ends Precisely: Cut off the tough bottom inch of each stalk at an angle to ensure even cooking and tender texture.
• Blanch with Precision: Boil asparagus quickly for 2-3 minutes to maintain vibrant color and crisp-tender bite without overcooking.
• Dry Prosciutto Completely: Pat prosciutto slices dry before wrapping to help them crisp up beautifully and adhere smoothly to asparagus.
• Serve Immediately Warm: Present these elegant bundles right after baking to enjoy maximum crispness and melted cheese goodness.

How to Store Your Prosciutto Asparagus

• Prep Ahead: Assemble prosciutto-wrapped asparagus bundles up to 24 hours before serving. Keep them tightly covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator's coldest section to maintain optimal freshness and prevent moisture buildup.
• Cold Storage: Place prepared bundles in a single layer inside an airtight glass container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. These delicate appetizers will stay crisp and delicious for 2-3 days when refrigerated properly.
• Freezing Strategy: Carefully arrange partially cooled bundles on a flat baking sheet lined with wax paper, ensuring they don't touch. Flash freeze for 30 minutes, then transfer to a vacuum-sealed freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Frozen prosciutto-wrapped asparagus will maintain quality for up to 2 months when stored correctly.

Ina Garten Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus offers an elegant Italian-inspired appetizer that combines crisp asparagus with salty prosciutto. Sophisticated yet simple, this Barefoot Contessa recipe delivers delectable flavors you can quickly prepare for impressive gatherings or sophisticated snacking.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables:

• 2 pounds medium-sized asparagus, bottom thirds discarded

Meats and Cheese:

• 6 slices of Italian prosciutto
• 2 ounces grated Gruyère cheese

Seasonings and Oils:

• 1 tablespoon kosher salt (for boiling water, additional for seasoning)
• 3 tablespoons good olive oil (divided)
• 2 tablespoons white truffle butter
• 0.75 teaspoon fleur de sel
• 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot by filling it with water and adding of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
2. If the asparagus stalks are thick, use a vegetable peeler to gently remove the tough outer layer from the bottom half of each spear, ensuring even cooking and tender texture.
3. Carefully submerge the asparagus into the boiling water and cook for exactly 2 minutes, maintaining their vibrant green color and crisp texture.
4. Immediately transfer the blanched asparagus to a large bowl filled with ice water, which will halt the cooking process and preserve the bright green hue. Let the spears chill for 2 to 3 minutes.
5. Drain the asparagus and thoroughly pat them dry using clean kitchen towels or paper towels to remove excess moisture.
6. Create bundles by gathering 6 to 8 asparagus spears together, ensuring the tips are aligned, and wrap each bundle securely with a slice of prosciutto around the middle.
7. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius).
8. Select a rectangular baking dish large enough to accommodate the bundles in a single layer. Generously brush the dish with 1½ tablespoons of olive oil to prevent sticking.
9. Arrange the asparagus bundles in the prepared baking dish, positioning them seam-side down with the tips facing the same direction.
10. In a small saucepan, gently heat the truffle butter and an additional 1½ tablespoons of olive oil until the butter completely melts and combines.
11. Drizzle the warm butter and oil mixture evenly over the asparagus bundles, ensuring they are well-coated.
12. Sprinkle ¾ teaspoon of fleur de sel, ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, and the grated Gruyère cheese over the bundles.
13. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, until the butter is sizzling and the cheese melts and develops a golden-brown color.
14. Remove from the oven and serve immediately while hot, enjoying the aromatic and elegant dish.

Notes

• Selecting Superior Spears: Handpick medium-sized asparagus with vibrant green color and firm stalks, ensuring maximum flavor and perfect texture for your dish.
• Prepping Thick Stems: Gently remove the tough outer layer of thick asparagus stalks using a vegetable peeler, revealing the tender inner core ready for cooking.
• Chilling Shock Technique: Plunge boiled asparagus into an ice bath immediately, preserving its bright green hue and maintaining a crisp, fresh crunch.
• Wrapping with Precision: Carefully wind prosciutto around each asparagus spear, creating a snug bundle that crisps beautifully and locks in delicious flavors.
• Broiling to Golden Perfection: Watch closely as the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden-brown topping that adds irresistible texture and rich, caramelized taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 175
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg