Name: Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus Appetizer Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 stalks fresh asparagus; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 6 slices prosciutto (very thinly sliced); ground black pepper to taste

There’s something so simple and satisfying about a little salty prosciutto wrapped around crisp, tender asparagus. This Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus Appetizer Recipe is one of those easy throw-together snacks that feel fancy without much fuss — perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself to something deliciously savory.

The image shows a white plate full of green asparagus stalks, each wrapped tightly with thin, reddish-brown slices of cured meat. The asparagus tips are visible at the ends, bright and fresh green, with the meat wrapped from near the stalk base up toward the tips, showing a mix of textures—smooth meat and the slightly fibrous asparagus. Two small sprigs of fresh curly parsley garnish the plate, adding a pop of bright green color. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a gray and white striped cloth partially visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus Appetizer Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus Appetizer Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus Appetizer Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this prosciutto wrapped asparagus more times than I can count, and it never fails to brighten up any gathering. It’s like fancy finger food that comes together in just a few minutes — but tastes like you spent way longer in the kitchen.

Effortlessly Elegant: The salty prosciutto crisps up beautifully, turning simple asparagus into a gourmet appetizer.
Quick to Make: From prep to serving takes less than 20 minutes — perfect for last-minute entertaining.
Minimal Ingredients: Only four main ingredients, so no complicated shopping list or prep work involved.
Always a Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of flavors is universally loved, and it’s a fun, elegant starter everyone enjoys.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus Appetizer Recipe plays a key role in creating that perfect balance of crispy, salty, fresh, and flavorful. When combined, the flavors sing — and keeping it simple lets that prosciutto shine.

Flat lay of twelve fresh green asparagus stalks arranged neatly, six thinly sliced pale pink prosciutto slices delicately folded, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden olive oil, and a small white ceramic bowl containing freshly ground black pepper, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Fresh asparagus: Choose firm, bright green stalks with tips that are closed tightly; thinner stalks cook more evenly and quickly.
Olive oil: A light drizzle helps the asparagus roast nicely and prevents sticking, plus it adds a subtle richness.
Prosciutto (thinly sliced): The magic ingredient — salty, savory, and crisps perfectly under the broiler.
Ground black pepper: Just a touch of pepper adds a subtle kick that complements both asparagus and prosciutto without overwhelming them.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

While I love keeping this recipe classic, I’ve played around with a few tweaks over time that you might enjoy. Don’t be afraid to make it your own — it’s super forgiving!

Variation: I once added a sprinkle of Parmesan before broiling, which gave a lovely nutty crust that paired so well with the salty prosciutto.
Spice it up: Try adding a pinch of chili flakes if you like a little heat; it contrasts nicely with the cured meat.
Seasonal twist: Swap the black pepper for lemon zest in spring and summer for a fresh citrus flair.
Vegetarian option: Use thinly sliced roasted eggplant or zucchini ribbons instead of prosciutto for a similar wrap effect.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus Appetizer Recipe

A close-up view of bright green asparagus spears lined up in rows on a white marbled surface, each spear wrapped with thin slices of light pink prosciutto that have white fat streaks. Near the center, a woman's hand is delicately holding one asparagus spear and wrapping it with prosciutto, showing the texture of the thin meat and the fresh asparagus tips. The scene focuses on the layering of the green asparagus and the soft, slightly translucent meat spiraled around it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Asparagus and Broiler

First things first, preheat your broiler so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready. Line a sheet pan with foil — trust me, this makes cleanup a breeze. Then, lay your fresh asparagus in a single layer and drizzle with olive oil. Toss everything lightly with your hands to coat evenly — this helps the asparagus soften and the prosciutto crisp just right.

Step 2: Wrap the Asparagus

Cut each prosciutto slice in half crosswise, making it easier to wrap around each stalk neatly. Take one piece and spiral it around an asparagus spear — don’t worry if it’s a bit rustic; it still looks charming. Arrange the wrapped stalks back on the foil-lined pan, leaving space so the air circulates while broiling.

Step 3: Season and Broil to Perfection

Give your wrapped asparagus a light sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper — it adds just the right finish. Place the pan under the broiler for about 3-4 minutes per side. Keep a close eye here: you want the asparagus tender but still a little crisp, and the prosciutto golden and crispy on the edges without burning.

Top Tip

From my many times making this recipe, I’ve learned a handful of tricks that keep it foolproof and delicious every time.

Thin Prosciutto Works Best: Thick slices don’t crisp up properly and can make the dish greasy — thin is the way to go.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give each wrapped asparagus some breathing room so they cook evenly and get crisp all around.
Watch the Broiler Closely: It can turn from perfectly crispy to burnt in seconds, so keep an eye and turn quickly.
Use Fresh Asparagus Tips: They cook faster and look prettier when served — plus, they add a nice texture contrast.

How to Serve Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus Appetizer Recipe

prosciutto wrapped asparagus - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually finish with a quick drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil and a scattering of flaky sea salt for that last burst of flavor. A few little lemon wedges on the side are great too — that squeeze of acidity really lifts the dish.

Side Dishes

This prosciutto wrapped asparagus pairs beautifully with light dishes like a crisp green salad or a fresh tomato bruschetta. It also makes a great companion to pasta or grilled chicken for a more filling meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, I like arranging the asparagus bundles standing up in a shallow vase or a pretty tumbler glass. It’s a fun way to let guests grab one easily and adds height to your appetizer spread. Another time, I served them on a wooden board with mixed olives and cheese for a simple but stunning charcuterie platter upgrade.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, prosciutto tends to lose its crispness as it sits, so it’s best eaten fresh when possible. If you do save some, keep the asparagus separate from moist foods to preserve texture.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this appetizer because the asparagus texture changes and prosciutto won’t crisp well after thawing. It’s really a fresh dish best enjoyed right away.

Reheating

To gently reheat, I pop leftovers under a toaster oven or broiler for a couple of minutes — just long enough to warm through and refresh that crispness but not so long that the asparagus gets mushy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen asparagus for this Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus Appetizer Recipe?

Fresh asparagus works best here since it crisps nicely and roasts quickly; frozen asparagus tends to be softer and can get mushy when broiled.

How do I make the prosciutto crispy without drying out the asparagus?

Broiling the asparagus for 3-4 minutes on each side is key — keep a close watch and use thinly sliced prosciutto so it crisps fast without overcooking the spears underneath.

Can I prepare these prosciutto wrapped asparagus ahead of time?

You can prep the wrapped asparagus ahead and keep them covered in the fridge, but I recommend broiling them just before serving for the best crispness and flavor.

What wine pairs well with Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus Appetizer Recipe?

A crisp, dry white like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works perfectly — their acidity balances the salty prosciutto and fresh asparagus beautifully. If you prefer red, try a light Pinot Noir.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus Appetizer Recipe feels like my secret weapon for easy entertaining — it’s simple but makes such a statement. Whether for a casual night in or a stylish dinner party, it hits all the right notes. I hope you give it a try and find it as addictive and enjoyable as I do; it’s one of those recipes I keep coming back to because it’s just that good.