Your friends and family will love this prosciutto-wrapped asparagus cream cheese appetizer. It’s a tasty low-carb dish that requires only three ingredients!
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One of the comments that I often receive is that eating low carb can be very expensive. It is true that high-quality ingredients tend to cost more than everyday brands. But it doesn’t have to be that way!
This prosciutto-wrapped asparagus recipe uses affordable ingredients and still gives you a delicious appetizer or side dish that stays within your macros.
Why you'll love it
Whether you are making something for Easter brunch or just want a side dish recipe low in saturated fat, this prosciutto-wrapped asparagus is perfect for you.
It is so easy to cook that you will wonder why you haven't made this recipe many times before. You will love prosciutto-wrapped asparagus because all the layers work so well together.
First, you have the crispy and salty prosciutto, then the rich cream cheese, all leading up to the earthy-but-sweet asparagus. It is perfection on a plate and a combination that is unmatched!
Keep reading to learn how to make this elegant appetizer.
Ingredients
I plan to make this prosciutto-wrapped asparagus cream cheese appetizer for our family Thanksgiving dinner. It’s so easy to make and requires only three ingredients!
Asparagus spears
The main ingredient is fresh asparagus, but you can use frozen as well.
Usually, the dish is made with fresh asparagus. But, if you don't know how to cook frozen asparagus into a tasty appetizer, this recipe will show you.
And, it’s much easier to prepare the appetizer using a frozen bag of vegetables.
Prosciutto slices
You will also need some sliced prosciutto. It is a cured meat that is sliced super-thin.
Cream cheese
Finally, you will need some full-fat cream cheese. If you don't have cream cheese, you can use ricotta cheese instead.
Please note: Check out the recipe card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients used to make this low-carb recipe.
Tips
- Use more than one slice of prosciutto. If you want to use multiple slices of prosciutto, go ahead. Since they are cured, using more than one won't affect the cooking time.
- Sprinkle pepper on the cream cheese. This will give the roasted recipe a bolder flavor.
- Brush the prosciutto with olive oil. This is optional, but it will make the prosciutto crispier.
- Soften the cream cheese. It is so much easier to spread when you let it sit at room temperature for a bit first.
Instructions
Making prosciutto-wrapped asparagus is easier than you might think. You just wrap everything up and place it in the oven.
Prepare the asparagus
Before you make the recipe, you need to prep the asparagus. First, remove the woody ends - the thick part at the bottom of the spears.
When making these with fresh asparagus spears, it’s best to quickly boil them for 1-2 minutes. However, with the frozen spears, you just pop the bag into the microwave for a minute.
If you have thick asparagus spears, then adjust the time. Thin asparagus spears cook quicker.
Spread cream cheese
Spread a thin layer of cream cheese on each slice of prosciutto.
Wrap the prosciutto around the asparagus
Use one slice of prosciutto per asparagus. Place the asparagus spear on top of the cream cheese and prosciutto and begin to wrap it.
Bake it
Place the wrapped asparagus on a prepared baking sheet. I like to use parchment paper to line the pan.
Then, bake it in the oven.
Garnish and serve
For a little more flavor, add lemon zest and freshly ground black pepper on top.
Serve immediately on a serving platter because this wrapped asparagus appetizer tastes best served warm.
️ Serving suggestions
The best way to serve this prosciutto-wrapped asparagus is along with your favorite main course. It will taste delicious with a savory keto glazed ham.
If you are going to serve this for brunch, then make a ham and broccoli quiche too! It is another effortless recipe that tastes amazing with asparagus.
I think that the cream cheese flavor will taste amazing with a shrimp spaghetti squash alfredo. Both have the same rich and creamy flavors.
FAQs
Before we get to the printable recipe card for prosciutto-wrapped asparagus, here are some questions people often ask about how to make it.
Prosciutto is a dry-cured ham that is sliced super thin. It has a very unique and salty taste that many people enjoy on a charcuterie board.
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
The best way to make fresh asparagus last longer is to store them in a glass of water standing up like a bouquet of flowers.
Yes, you can roast or cook the asparagus ahead of time. Keep them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Yes, you can actually pan fry this recipe if you don't want to bake it in the oven. Use low heat. This will make the prosciutto even crispier.
You can tell when asparagus is fully cooked because it will be tender, crisp, and bright green.
Asparagus becomes soggy when you overcook it. If it is soggy, you cooked it too long, so cut the cooking time back next time.
Related recipes
If you enjoyed this prosciutto-wrapped asparagus recipe, then I have more amazing keto appetizer ideas you should try next. They are some of my favorites!
- Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers are a classic appetizer for game days and birthday parties.
- Bang Bang Cauliflower has an amazingly huge flavor profile and converts people who don't think they like cauliflower.
- Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings tastes like you bought them from your favorite sports bar.
- Oven Roasted Asparagus is a classic side dish that goes with almost every meal.
- Low-Carb Zucchini Fries are coated in grated parmesan cheese and only have 2 grams net carbs in each serving.
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Recipe
Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
Video
Ingredients
- 8 ounce asparagus fresh or frozen
- 10 slices dry-cured ham prosciutto
- 6 ounces cream cheese softened
Instructions
- Microwave asparagus for one minute on high to thaw if using frozen.
- Cut each prosciutto slice in half crosswise.
- Spread cream cheese onto each half slice of prosciutto.
- Wrap cream cheese topped prosciutto around each asparagus spear.
- Place wrapped asparagus onto a parchment paper lined baking pan.
- Bake at 400°F for about 15 minutes or until meat has browned.
Notes
Low Carb Sweeteners | Keto Sweetener Conversion Chart
Nutrition
Additional Info
Notes on Nutritional Information
Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs are not included in carb counts as it has been shown not to impact blood sugar. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.
Copyright
© LowCarbYum.com - Unauthorized use of this material without written permission is strictly prohibited unless for personal offline purposes. Single photos may be used, provided that full credit is given to LowCarbYum.com along with a link back to the original content.
First published on November 14, 2016. Post updated on April 28, 2022, with additional recipe information and new photos.
Julie Andrew
Made these 2 days ago and fell even more in love with asparagus . Thank u for the great recipe. I will make these often.
Valerie Ann MacKenzie
Hello Lisa:
I have been enjoying looking at your recipes.
However, I have a question for you. I live in Canada and I want to know if I would be able to get these items at Amazon?
Lisa MarcAurele
I'm not sure what Amazon has in Canada, but you can use substitutes.
AMBB1
What the hell...first of all who uses frozen...and even if not, who bakes asparagus for 15min @ 400, unless you never want to have to chew your food...??? FRESH/FRESH/FRESH
Oh and...400 for 15 try a fresh sear on both sides, chill for 5 then plate and serve.
Lisa MarcAurele
Feel free to make adjustments as needed. My family actually loved how the recipe turned out.
Katie
15 minutes on 400 worked perfectly for me! I made them yesterday and my son asked me to make them again today! Thank you!!
carole
how can there be ZERO dietary fibre in this recipe Asparagus has fibre ? Also in 3 spears of asparagus there are 1.8 carbs. In my Opinion the information you have seems to be wrong ?
Lisa MarcAurele
It's negligible in one spear which is what the data is for.
Kathryn
Absolutely delicious. I’m so happy I found this recipe. Works best with thicker asparagus.
Megan
Just made these and they are by far the best thing I’ve ever tasted! I will never eat asparagus the same again!! Perfect for the Keto diet!!!! And talk about easy & quick!
Lisa
Glad they worked out for you Megan!
Lori Walla
These look amazing! I can't believe it never occurred to me....
In your recipe you used frozen asparagus. Do you think fresh asparagus would work just as well? I really hate using frozen asparagus.
Hope you're still reading these! Thanks and keep up with your great blog.
Lori
Lisa
Fresh works too.
Lovin' asparagus
hi there,
looking for a recipe with asparagus that I can serve cold? Does this one taste good cold?
Lisa
It does and I have eaten it right from the fridge.
Alison M.
Ooo I will have to give these a try! They look so tasty... and expensive! lol One of my favorite things about Aldi is their selection of foods you'd typically consider gourmet at other stores (ex. cheeses, spreads, types of fish, etc.), but they are always budget friendly! We scored these delicious herb crusted, wild caught, salmons there last week for $6 and they tasted amazing! 🙂
Lisa
Don't you just love those ALDI deals?
Erica
This was a huge hit at the holidays! I’ll definetly make it again
Lisa
My family loved it too!
Susan
These look so good and seem so easy I'll have to try this
Lisa
These are super easy to make!
MELISSA IRVIN
I made these last night and they were so delicious. I used fresh asparagus. My husband said this is his favorite way to eat asparagus from now on!
Lisa
I agree with your husband!
Carolsue
I could eat a bushel of these! They look SOOO good.
Lisa
They really are that good!