Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus

Celebrate the arrival of delicious spring vegetables with prosciutto-wrapped asparagus! Whether it's oven-roasted, grilled, pan-fried, air fried, or thinly shaved raw into spring salads, this versatile vegetable is one of Ree Drummond's favorites. A delightful companion to Easter ham, prosciutto-wrapped asparagus is impressive enough to serve as an elegant appetizer and hearty enough for a satisfying vegetable side dish for an Easter lunch or any spring dinner. A few lemon wedges are just the thing to brighten up the flavor.

Do you have to boil asparagus before baking?

Asparagus doesn't need to be boiled or blanched (quickly boiling it) before roasting. Once the tough ends of the asparagus have been trimmed, it is a very tender vegetable and does not need much cooking at all. For most asparagus recipes including this one, make sure to buy asparagus that is on the thicker side. This makes them easier to wrap in prosciutto and ensures that the asparagus is still vibrant and perfectly cooked while the prosciutto gets nice and crispy in the oven. 

Help! My asparagus are too thin.

Have no fear! While thicker asparagus are preferred for wrapping in prosciutto, you can certainly use thin asparagus if that's what you have on hand. Depending on just how thin they are, you may want to bundle the asparagus into groups of two or three to wrap in prosciutto so it's a substantial bite. Keep an eye on the asparagus when you bake them—the thinner they are, the faster they'll cook.

Do you have to trim the asparagus?

Yes, you'll need to do some trimming before wrapping the asparagus in prosciutto. The good news is that it's super easy to do! Just grab a knife, gather the asparagus into a bundle, and lob about two inches off the bottom all at once.

What is the best way to store asparagus?

If you're doing a big shopping trip and don't plan on making the asparagus that night, storing the asparagus properly can make a huge difference. Follow Ree's tip for storing fresh herbs: Take a water glass or other tall container, fill it with a few inches of water, and store the asparagus with the cut ends submerged. Place the container in the refrigerator loosely covered with a plastic produce bag until ready to use. It's best used within three days. 

What prosciutto is best for prosciutto-wrapped asparagus?

Prosciutto di Parma is the most common prosciutto found in the grocery store, with Prosciutto San Daniele and Prosciutto Toscano being more of a specialty item for a charcuterie board. If possible, get prosciutto freshly—and very thinly—sliced from the deli counter. The pre-sliced packaged prosciutto can be on the thicker and less pliable side, making it a little difficult to wrap the asparagus. The deli counter prosciutto is also more economical, leaving room to order extra prosciutto for a charcuterie board.