Crispy Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus with Lemon Zest
Equipment
- Baking sheet A standard rimmed sheet pan works best. Lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat makes cleanup easier.
- Sharp knife For halving prosciutto and trimming the woody ends of the asparagus.
- Microplane or fine grater For zesting the lemon.
- Tongs or spatula To turn the asparagus mid-bake if you want even crisping on all sides.
- Paper towels To pat dry the asparagus before wrapping, ensuring crispiness.
Ingredients
- 1 bunch of fresh asparagus approx. 20 medium-thick spears; look for uniform size
- 10 slices of prosciutto halved lengthwise
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest from 1 lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a touch of heat
- Optional garnish: grated Parmesan or crumbled goat cheese
Instructions
Prep the Asparagus
- Snap off the woody ends of each asparagus spear. You can bend the bottom third until it naturally breaks or use a knife. Rinse and pat dry with paper towels.
Zest the Lemon
- Using a microplane, zest your lemon and set the zest aside. You’ll add this after baking for maximum flavor.
Wrap with Prosciutto
- Slice each prosciutto slice lengthwise to create thinner strips. Wrap one strip around each asparagus spear in a spiral, starting just below the tip and working your way down. The prosciutto should slightly overlap to hold itself in place.
Arrange on Baking Sheet
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the wrapped asparagus in a single layer with a little space between each. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with black pepper (and red pepper flakes, if using).
Bake
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 12 minutes, until the prosciutto is crisp and the asparagus is tender but still bright green. Thinner spears may only need 10 minutes, while thicker ones may need 14.
Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle the lemon zest over the asparagus immediately after removing from the oven. Optional: Add freshly grated Parmesan or crumbled goat cheese for extra flair. Serve warm or at room temperature.
- These come out of the oven looking elegant and smelling fantastic—ideal for passing around as christmas appetizers finger foods or displaying on a larger platter for a christmas eve appetizers spread.