Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus with Cream Cheese Dip

Ingredients Needed

You only need a few simple ingredients to make this appetizer. Many items can be found at your local store or wholesale market.

• Asparagus
• Prosciutto (choose a good-quality option like Prosciutto di Parma if possible)
• Cream cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Ground black pepper
• Oil (olive or avocado oil spray works well)
• Balsamic glaze (optional, but recommended)

How to make Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus with Cream Cheese

Step 1. Preheat your oven to 450°F. Trim the tough ends from the asparagus. A quick method is to snap one spear where it naturally breaks, then line the others up and cut at that point.

Step 2. Slice the prosciutto sheets crosswise so the pieces are shorter and easier to wrap around the spears.

Step 3. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly oil it. Place a short piece of prosciutto flat and spread about 1/2 tablespoon of softened cream cheese down the center.

Step 4. Center an asparagus spear on the cream cheese and roll the prosciutto around it. Place the wrapped spear on the prepared sheet and repeat until all spears are wrapped.

Step 5. Lightly spray or drizzle oil over the tops and season with a little ground black pepper.

Step 6. Roast on the center rack for about 8–10 minutes without flipping, until the asparagus is fork-tender and the prosciutto is crisp at the edges. Thicker spears may need closer to 10 minutes; thinner spears may be done in 6–7 minutes. Optionally broil for 30–60 seconds to crisp the prosciutto further.

Step 7. Remove from the oven and top with freshly grated Parmesan. If desired, finish with a light drizzle of balsamic glaze for a sweet-tangy finish.

Recipe Notes

Asparagus

• Medium-thick spears (about 22 per pound) usually take around 8–9 minutes to become fork tender. Thin spears cook faster—check at 6–7 minutes to avoid mushiness.
• For very thin asparagus, bundle 2–3 spears together and wrap a single piece of prosciutto around the bundle; cooking time may increase slightly.

Prosciutto

• Use a high-quality prosciutto for best flavor. A 6-ounce pack that yields about 11–12 slices can be sliced in half crosswise to make roughly 22 wraps.
• If slices stick together, separate them at room temperature and peel them off gently using the wax paper between slices when available.

Cream Cheese

• A block of cream cheese softened at room temperature spreads easily and tends to hold up well after roasting. Cream cheese spread also works but may be softer and can spill a bit during baking.
• Some spillover is normal and still tastes great—any cheese that melts onto the tray is easy to scoop up and serve.

Balsamic Glaze

• Balsamic glaze is optional but adds a sweet, tangy finish. Use a glaze rather than plain balsamic vinegar for the best texture and flavor.

Make-Ahead Tips

You can assemble these up to one day ahead (skip the roasting). Keep them covered and refrigerated, then let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking, or add a minute or two to the cooking time if baking straight from cold.

Making a Large Batch

For parties, prep the day before and store rolled spears in a covered dish in the fridge. To speed up assembly, try this shortcut:

• Cut the cream cheese block into small 1/2-tablespoon pieces and let them soften slightly.
• Lightly oil your fingers, then press a cream cheese piece onto the center of an asparagus spear, roll it to shape, lay it on a prosciutto slice, and roll the prosciutto around the spear.

Storing Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can be enjoyed cold or reheated in the oven or air fryer until warmed through.

Hungry for more appetizers? Try these ideas:

• Bacon Wrapped Shrimp stuffed with jalapeños and cheese
• Baked Meatballs with Sweet & Spicy Apricot Glaze
• Crispy Baked Shredded Beef Taquitos