My Spring Market Find
I saw the first asparagus at the market today. Those bright green spears made me so happy. They mean spring is truly here. I bought a big bunch to make my favorite easy asparagus side dish.
I thought of this roasted asparagus recipe. It feels fancy but is so simple. Wrapping them in prosciutto is my little trick. It makes any meal feel special. Do you get excited for spring vegetables too?
A Little Cheese Story
Let me tell you about the goat cheese. My grandson used to call it “the fuzzy cheese.” He meant the tangy flavor. I still laugh at that. Now he loves this goat cheese asparagus combo.
Schmearing it on the prosciutto is the fun part. The creamy cheese melts so nicely in the oven. The prosciutto and goat cheese become best friends. This matters because good food is about happy mixes. What’s a food mix you thought was weird but now love?
Why We Snap the Ends
You must snap the woody ends off the spears. Just bend each one near the bottom. It will break at the perfect spot. This is my favorite kitchen trick.
It ensures every bite is tender. No one likes a tough, stringy piece. This simple step makes your oven roasted asparagus perfect. *Fun fact: Asparagus grows so fast, you can almost watch it!* That’s why the ends can be so woody.
The Magic in the Oven
Watching these roast is a treat. The prosciutto wrapped asparagus sizzles gently. The prosciutto gets crispy. The asparagus gets soft and sweet. Doesn’t that smell amazing?
This is why I love simple spring vegetable recipes. Heat brings out the natural goodness. You don’t need to do much. Let the oven do the work for you. This matters because good cooking should be relaxing, not hard.
The Fancy Final Touch
After baking, I add two things. A sprinkle of parmesan. Then a drizzle of balsamic glaze asparagus style. The glaze is like sweet, dark syrup.
It makes the dish look beautiful. That sweet and salty taste is everything. It turns basic veggies into an elegant side dish. It shows you care. Will you try the balsamic drizzle? It’s in most stores now.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Asparagus spears | 12 (just under 1 lb) | Thick spears, woody ends snapped off |
| Prosciutto | 6 slices | Cold |
| Goat cheese | 3 oz | Softened to room temperature |
| Black pepper | To taste | |
| Olive oil | 1-2 tbsp | For drizzling |
| Grated parmesan | ½ tbsp | |
| Balsamic glaze | To taste | For drizzling after baking |
Instructions
Step 1: First, get your oven hot at 400 degrees. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup so easy. I always do this for my roasted asparagus recipes. It saves my favorite pans.
Step 2: Cut your prosciutto slices in half. Schmear a little goat cheese on each piece. Add a pinch of black pepper. This prosciutto and goat cheese combo is magic. (Keep the prosciutto cold, it’s much easier to handle!)
Step 3: Now, wrap each spear! Place one at the edge and roll it up. Lay them all on your sheet. Drizzle lightly with olive oil. This helps everything get perfectly golden. Do you snap or cut your farmers market asparagus? Share below!
Step 4: Bake for 10-15 minutes. You want fork-tender asparagus and crispy prosciutto. The smell is amazing! This oven roasted asparagus is such an elegant side dish. It looks fancy but is simple.
Step 5: Take them out and let them rest a minute. Finish with parmesan and balsamic glaze asparagus. That sweet tang is the best part. This easy asparagus side dish is always a hit. I still smile when I make it.
Creative Twists
Swap goat cheese for creamy ricotta. Add lemon zest over the top before baking. Use thin asparagus for a quicker roast. Which one would you try first? Comment below!Serving & Pairing Ideas
This prosciutto wrapped asparagus shines next to roast chicken. For a light spring meal, pair it with a simple salad. You can also serve it over lemony pasta. These are my favorite spring vegetable recipes for a reason. Which would you choose tonight?
Keeping Your Springtime Bites Fresh
Let’s talk about keeping your roasted asparagus recipe tasty for later. This easy asparagus side dish stores well. Let the bundles cool completely first. Then, place them in a single layer in a container. They will keep in the fridge for two days.
You can also freeze them before baking. Wrap each bundle tightly. They can freeze for a month. This is perfect for batch cooking. I remember my first time trying this. I was so proud to have a ready-made elegant side dish in my freezer. It made a busy week feel special.
Reheat them in a hot oven to keep the prosciutto crisp. This matters because good planning turns cooking from a chore into a gift for your future self. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Little Fixes for a Perfect Plate
Even simple recipes can have little hiccups. Here are three common issues and their easy fixes. First, soggy prosciutto. Make sure your asparagus is very dry before wrapping. A damp spear steams the meat.
Second, goat cheese that won’t spread. Let it soften fully on the counter. I once tried to use it cold. It just tore my delicate prosciutto! Third, asparagus that is tough. Always snap off the woody ends. They are naturally bitter.
Fixing these small things matters. It builds your cooking confidence. It also makes the flavors of prosciutto and goat cheese truly shine. Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Quick Questions, Answered
What is the best way to wrap prosciutto around asparagus?
Start with a dry asparagus spear. Place it at the end of the prosciutto half. Roll it up snugly, like a little blanket. The prosciutto will stick to itself. This method makes perfect prosciutto wrapped asparagus every time. A tight wrap helps everything cook evenly.
Can you prepare prosciutto wrapped asparagus ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it ahead. Wrap the bundles and place them on your baking sheet. Cover the sheet and put it in the fridge. You can do this a few hours before baking. This makes it a fantastic easy asparagus side dish for guests. Just drizzle with oil before it goes in the oven.
What main dish goes well with prosciutto wrapped asparagus?
This oven roasted asparagus pairs with many things. It is lovely with roast chicken or seared salmon. It also goes well with pasta dishes. The salty prosciutto and creamy goat cheese make it versatile. It turns a simple meal into something special. It is one of my favorite spring vegetable recipes.
Is it better to roast or grill prosciutto wrapped asparagus?
Roasting is easiest for most people. Your oven gives even heat. This crisps the prosciutto perfectly. Grilling works too, but watch it closely. The prosciutto can burn over direct flames. For a surefire crispy result, I always use my roasted asparagus recipe in the oven.
What type of balsamic is best for drizzling on asparagus?
Use a thick balsamic glaze. It is sweet and syrupy. It will not make your dish watery. A regular vinegar is too thin. You can find glaze at most grocery stores. A little drizzle of balsamic glaze asparagus is the perfect finish. *Fun fact: a true aged balsamic is thick enough to coat a spoon!*
How do you keep prosciutto from getting soggy on asparagus?
Dry asparagus is the key. Pat the spears very dry after washing. Also, do not add oil until right before baking. A hot oven, around 400 degrees, will crisp it up. These steps guarantee your prosciutto wrapped asparagus stays deliciously crisp. Which tip will you try first?
From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you love making this dish. It always reminds me of the first tender asparagus at the farmers market. Cooking should be joyful, not stressful. I love hearing your stories and seeing your creations.
Tell me all about your kitchen adventures in the comments. Have you tried this recipe? I read every note you leave. Now, go enjoy those beautiful spring flavors.
Happy cooking!
—Elena Rutherford
Prosciutto Wrapped Roasted Asparagus with Balsamic
Description
Prosciutto Wrapped Roasted Asparagus
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut each slice of prosciutto in half, widthwise. Take about 1 tsp of goat cheese, and carefully schmear it over the surface of each prosciutto half. Season goat cheese with a pinch of black pepper.
- Place an asparagus spear at the edge of one prosciutto half, roll tightly to wrap the asparagus with prosciutto. Place on prepared baking sheet, and repeat with remaining prosciutto spears. Drizzle the asparagus with olive oil, making sure to drizzle over both the asparagus and the prosciutto. Bake for 10-15 mins until the asparagus is fork tender and the prosciutto has started to crisp up.
- Transfer prosciutto to a serving platter. Finish by sprinkling with grated parmesan and a drizzling of balsamic glaze, to taste. Enjoy!