Ah, Christmas time! There’s something magical about the twinkling lights and the aroma of festive treats wafting through the air. One of my absolute favorite appetizers to whip up during the holidays is Christmas Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus. It’s such a delightful combination of flavors and textures, with the salty prosciutto perfectly complementing the tender, vibrant asparagus. I remember making this dish with my grandmother every year, and the excitement of serving it to family and friends was always a highlight. If you’re looking for a stunning yet simple appetizer that’s sure to impress, you’ll absolutely love this one! Plus, it’s low in calories, making it a guilt-free indulgence for all those holiday feasts!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound asparagus, trimmed (Look for thin, fresh spears for the best texture!)
- 8 ounces prosciutto, thinly sliced (The saltiness of prosciutto is what makes this dish shine!)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (This helps the asparagus roast beautifully and adds flavor.)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (A little kick that complements the prosciutto perfectly!)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (Just a hint of garlic to elevate the flavors.)
How to Prepare Christmas Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
Let’s get this festive appetizer rolling! First, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is super important because a hot oven means crispy prosciutto and perfectly tender asparagus. While that’s warming up, grab a baking sheet and lay out your trimmed asparagus. Drizzle them with the olive oil, and don’t be shy—give them a nice coating! Sprinkle on the black pepper and garlic powder to add that extra zing.
Now, for the fun part! Take a slice of prosciutto and gently wrap it around each asparagus spear, making sure to cover it nicely but not too tightly—it should still have room to breathe! Once all your spears are wrapped, place them on the baking sheet in a single layer. Pop them in your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the asparagus is tender and the prosciutto is delightfully crispy. Trust me, the smell will be absolutely heavenly! Serve them warm and watch your guests devour every last bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festively delicious – perfect for holiday gatherings and impressing your guests!
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it a stress-free addition to your menu.
- Low in calories, so you can indulge without the guilt during the holiday season.
- Beautifully colorful and elegant, adding a touch of sophistication to your appetizer spread.
- Customizable with different herbs or dipping sauces to suit your taste!
Tips for Success
To really nail your Christmas Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus, here are my top tips! First, be sure to choose thin asparagus spears; they cook more evenly and get that perfect tenderness. Also, don’t rush the wrapping process—make sure the prosciutto hugs the asparagus nicely, but not too tight! This helps it crisp up beautifully without overcooking the asparagus. And remember, keep an eye on them while they bake; ovens can be sneaky! If they start to brown too quickly, just cover them loosely with foil. Trust me, these simple tweaks will elevate your dish to holiday stardom!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up your Christmas Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus! For a burst of flavor, try adding some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme alongside the garlic powder. You can even sprinkle a bit of grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking for that extra cheesy goodness! Want to mix it up a bit? Use thinly sliced vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers instead of asparagus for a colorful twist. And if you’re a fan of spice, consider adding a dash of red pepper flakes for a little heat. The possibilities are endless, and each variation brings a new level of yum to your holiday table!
Serving Suggestions
These Christmas Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus are delightful on their own, but they really shine when paired with a few tasty accompaniments! Try serving them alongside a zesty lemon aioli or a creamy balsamic dip for an extra layer of flavor. They also go wonderfully with a crisp salad or a charcuterie board filled with cheeses and cured meats. Honestly, they’re so versatile that they can elevate any festive spread!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have any leftovers of your Christmas Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus, don’t worry! Just place them in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, the best way to reheat is in the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and place the asparagus on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This will help maintain that delightful crispiness of the prosciutto. Microwaving works too, but it may not give you that same fabulous texture!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note: the nutritional information for Christmas Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. The values provided here are estimates and not meant to be precise measurements. Always check your labels for the most accurate info!
FAQ Section
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep your Christmas Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus by wrapping the asparagus in prosciutto a few hours in advance. Just cover them and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This makes your holiday entertaining so much easier!
What can I serve with these appetizers?
These festive bites pair wonderfully with a variety of dipping sauces like aioli or a balsamic reduction. They also complement a charcuterie board beautifully, adding an elegant touch!
Can I use other meats instead of prosciutto?
Yes! If you want to switch it up, try wrapping your asparagus in bacon or even turkey bacon for a leaner option. Just be mindful that cooking times might vary slightly.
How do I know when they’re done baking?
You’ll know your Christmas Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus are ready when the asparagus is tender and the prosciutto is crispy. Keep an eye on them as ovens can behave differently!
Can I freeze leftovers?
While it’s best to enjoy them fresh, you can freeze any leftovers. Just wrap them tightly and store in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge and reheat in the oven for that perfect crispiness!
Christmas Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus: 5 Ways to Impress
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A festive appetizer featuring asparagus wrapped in prosciutto.
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
- 8 ounces prosciutto, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the asparagus on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with black pepper and garlic powder.
- Wrap each asparagus spear with a slice of prosciutto.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the asparagus is tender and prosciutto is crispy.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Choose thin asparagus for better texture.
- Can be served with a dipping sauce.
- Best enjoyed fresh out of the oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pieces
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Christmas, Prosciutto, Wrapped, Asparagus, Appetizer