If you’re looking for super easy appetizers that pack a lot of flavor, you’ve come to the right place! I love simple recipes that don’t take much time but still feel special, especially for gatherings or a nice dinner at home. Today, I’m sharing two of my favorite recipes using prosciutto, a thinly sliced Italian ham that adds a wonderful salty crunch.
These prosciutto-wrapped recipes are perfect for anyone wanting a quick bite that tastes amazing. You’ll find recipes for tender asparagus and juicy shrimp, both wrapped in delicious prosciutto. Let’s get cooking!
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Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus Appetizer
This simple prosciutto wrapped asparagus recipe makes a fantastic side dish or a quick appetizer. The salty prosciutto crisps up beautifully around the tender-crisp asparagus spears, creating a perfect texture balance.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Asparagus
- Prosciutto Quality: Look for thinly sliced prosciutto; it crisps better and wraps easily without tearing.
- Asparagus Selection: Choose medium-sized asparagus spears that are uniform in thickness so they cook evenly. Snap off the woody ends before wrapping.
- Baking Time: Don’t overcook the asparagus. You want it tender but still with a little bite, and the prosciutto nice and crispy.
What You Need for Asparagus
- 1 bunch (about 1 lb) fresh asparagus
- 8 slices prosciutto
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Pinch of black pepper (prosciutto is already salty)
⏱️ Time: 20 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 servings (16 spears)
How to Make Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
Step 1: Prep the Asparagus
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash the asparagus and snap off the tough, woody ends. You can bend each spear until it naturally breaks where the tough part ends. Toss the trimmed asparagus with olive oil and a little black pepper in a bowl.
Step 2: Wrap with Prosciutto
Take one slice of prosciutto and wrap it tightly around 2-3 asparagus spears, starting from the middle and working your way up or down. Place the wrapped bundles seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat until all asparagus is wrapped.
Step 3: Bake Until Crisp
Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the prosciutto is crispy and golden brown, and the asparagus is tender-crisp. The exact time depends on the thickness of your asparagus. Serve immediately and enjoy!
📝 Final Note
These are best served warm, right out of the oven. If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, but they won’t be as crispy.
Easy Prosciutto Wrapped Shrimp
These prosciutto wrapped shrimp are quick to make and always a hit at any gathering or as a fancy weeknight meal. The salty prosciutto perfectly complements the sweet shrimp, creating a wonderful combination of tastes and textures.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Shrimp
- Shrimp Size: Medium to large shrimp work best here. Make sure they are peeled and deveined. Leaving the tail on looks nice!
- Wrapping Technique: Wrap the prosciutto tightly around the shrimp to ensure it stays in place during cooking and crisps up evenly.
- Cooking Fast: Shrimp cooks very quickly. Watch them closely to avoid overcooking, which can make them tough.
What You Need for Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail on preferred)
- 8 slices prosciutto, halved lengthwise
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of black pepper
⏱️ Time: 15 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 servings (16 shrimp)
How to Make Prosciutto Wrapped Shrimp
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
If not already done, peel and devein your shrimp. Pat them dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Step 2: Wrap with Prosciutto
Cut each slice of prosciutto in half lengthwise. Take one piece of prosciutto and tightly wrap it around the body of each shrimp, leaving the tail exposed.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat or preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If pan-frying, cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until the prosciutto is crispy and the shrimp turn pink. If baking, arrange shrimp on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes. Serve hot!
📝 Final Note
These shrimp are wonderful on their own or with a simple dipping sauce like marinara or a lemon-garlic aioli. They’re best enjoyed fresh.
