Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus with Balsamic Glaze

DifficultyBeginner

A sophisticated starter featuring tender asparagus wrapped in salty prosciutto and drizzled with a sticky, reduced balsamic glaze.

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Yields4 Servings
Prep Time15 minsCook Time15 minsTotal Time30 mins
Main
 1 bunch asparagus (20–24 medium-thin spears), woody ends trimmed
 12 slices prosciutto, halved lengthwise
 1 tbsp olive oil
 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
 Optional: pinch of garlic powder or lemon zest
For the Balsamic Glaze
 ½ cup balsamic vinegar
 2 tsp honey or brown sugar (to balance the tang)
Prepare the Balsamic Glaze
1
  1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine:

    • ½ cup balsamic vinegar

    • 1–2 teaspoons honey or brown sugar

  2. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.

  3. Let it cook down for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

  4. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly — it will thicken more as it rests.

Wrap the Asparagus
2
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil.

  2. Rinse and trim asparagus. Pat dry.

  3. Wrap each spear tightly with ½ slice of prosciutto, spiraling from base to tip.

  4. Arrange wrapped spears on the prepared baking sheet.

  5. Drizzle with olive oil and season lightly with black pepper.

Roast the Asparagus
3
  1. Roast in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until:

    • Prosciutto is crisped at the edges

    • Asparagus is tender but not mushy

  2. Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for extra crispness.

Serve & Glaze
4
  1. Arrange asparagus on a platter.

  2. Drizzle with balsamic glaze or serve glaze on the side for dipping.

  3. Optional garnishes:

    • Lemon zest

    • Parmesan shavings

    • Toasted pine nuts or crushed almonds

Variations
5
  • Use pancetta or serrano ham instead of prosciutto.

  • Swap balsamic for lemon aioli or fig jam drizzle.

  • Add a thin layer of goat cheese under the prosciutto for creaminess.

  • Make it bite-sized by cutting spears and wrapping in thirds with toothpicks.

Pairing Suggestions
6
  • Wine: Sparkling rosé, Sauvignon Blanc, or Pinot Grigio

  • Cocktail: Aperol spritz, gin & tonic, or vermouth over ice

  • Non-alcoholic: Sparkling citrus water or rosemary lemonade

Ingredients

Main
 1 bunch asparagus (20–24 medium-thin spears), woody ends trimmed
 12 slices prosciutto, halved lengthwise
 1 tbsp olive oil
 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
 Optional: pinch of garlic powder or lemon zest
For the Balsamic Glaze
 ½ cup balsamic vinegar
 2 tsp honey or brown sugar (to balance the tang)
Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus with Balsamic Glaze