Prosciutto Asparagus Puff Pastry Bundles
Ever have those moments where you need a fancy-looking snack but have zero time?
You have guests coming over, or maybe you just want to treat yourself. But the thought of a complicated recipe makes you want to order a pizza instead.
These little asparagus bundles are the answer. They use store-bought puff pastry, which is basically a cheat code for amazing food. You get a crispy, flaky, and delicious appetizer that looks like you spent all day on it.
What You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store. Nothing weird or hard to find here.
- 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 bunch of thin asparagus
- 4-5 slices of prosciutto
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
| Quick Recipe Facts | |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
| Servings | 8 bundles |
Pro Tips
After making these a hundred times, I’ve learned a few things. These small tips make a big difference.
Keep Your Pastry Cold
Puff pastry gets its flaky layers from bits of butter. If the dough gets warm, the butter melts too early. Keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it for the best puff.
Dry Your Asparagus
Wash your asparagus, but make sure to pat it completely dry with a paper towel. Any extra water will turn to steam in the oven and make your pastry soggy. Nobody wants a soggy bottom.
Don’t Crowd the Pan
Give each bundle some breathing room on the baking sheet. If they are too close together, they will steam instead of bake. This helps them get golden brown and crispy on all sides.
Tools You’ll Use
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Knife or pizza cutter
- Cutting board
- Pastry brush
- Small bowl
How to Make Prosciutto Asparagus Puff Pastry Bundles
Step 1: Get Ready
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This stops the bundles from sticking and makes cleanup super easy.
Step 2: Prep the Asparagus
Wash the asparagus and snap off the tough, woody ends. You can do this by gently bending a stalk until it snaps naturally. Toss the spears in a bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Cut the Pastry
Gently unfold your thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into 8 equal squares. A pizza cutter works great for this.
Step 4: Assemble the Bundles
Cut your prosciutto slices in half lengthwise. Lay one piece of prosciutto diagonally across a pastry square. Place 2 or 3 asparagus spears on top of the prosciutto.
Step 5: Wrap Them Up
Fold two opposite corners of the pastry square over the middle of the asparagus. Press down gently to seal them. It should look like a little blanket tucked around the asparagus.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches
In a small bowl, beat the egg with a splash of water. This is your egg wash. Use a pastry brush to lightly coat the top of each bundle. This is what gives them that beautiful shiny, golden look.
Sprinkle each bundle with a little grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 7: Bake
Place the bundles on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed up and deep golden brown.
Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. They are best served warm.
Substitutions and Variations
Don’t have something on the list? No problem. This recipe is easy to change up.
| Instead Of… | Try Using… |
|---|---|
| Prosciutto | Thinly sliced ham, bacon, or salami |
| Asparagus | Green beans, bell pepper strips, or zucchini sticks |
| Parmesan | Gruyère, asiago, or crumbled feta |
You can also add a thin layer of mustard or cream cheese to the pastry before adding the other ingredients. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or dill also works well.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can assemble these bundles a few hours before you need them.
Just place the unbaked bundles on the baking sheet, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and store them in the fridge.
When you’re ready, take them out, brush with egg wash, and bake as directed. You might need to add a minute or two to the baking time.
Meal Pairing and Serving Suggestions
These bundles are great on their own as an appetizer.
If you want to make them part of a meal, they go well with a simple green salad. They are also a nice side dish for grilled chicken or fish.
For a brunch, serve them alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit.
Leftovers and Storage
Got leftovers? Lucky you.
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. This will make the pastry crispy again. Avoid the microwave, as it will make them soft.
FAQs
Q1. Can I use thick asparagus stalks?
Ans: Thin stalks work best because they cook quickly. If you only have thick stalks, you can blanch them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes first. Then, drop them in ice water to stop the cooking. Make sure they are completely dry before using.
Q2. My puff pastry didn’t puff up. What did I do wrong?
Ans: This usually happens if the pastry gets too warm before baking. Always work with cold dough. Also, make sure your oven is fully preheated to the right temperature.
Q3. Can I make these vegetarian?
Ans: Yes, absolutely. Just leave out the prosciutto. You can add a bit more cheese or a spread of herbed cream cheese to the pastry for extra flavor.
Wrapping Up
That’s all there is to it. A simple recipe that delivers big on flavor and looks impressive.
It’s one of my go-to recipes when I need something quick and delicious.
Give these a try the next time you need an easy appetizer. Let me know how they turn out in the comments below. I’d love to hear about any fun variations you come up with.
