Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a show-stopping appetizer that combines the salty elegance of prosciutto, the crisp freshness of asparagus, and the sweet surprise of cantaloupe! This Italian-inspired dish is not just a recipe—it's a culinary experience that will transform your next gathering from ordinary to extraordinary. With just 25 minutes of total preparation time, you'll create a gourmet starter that looks like it came straight from a high-end restaurant kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 8 slices prosciutto
- 1/2 cantaloupe, cut into wedges
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Prepare the asparagus by washing and trimming off the tough woody ends. Pat the asparagus dry with paper towels to ensure proper prosciutto adherence.
- Cut the cantaloupe into thin, uniform wedges approximately 2-3 inches long, ensuring each slice is manageable for wrapping.
- Season the asparagus spears lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Drizzle olive oil over the asparagus and gently toss to coat evenly.
- Take each slice of prosciutto and carefully stretch it slightly to increase flexibility. Cut each prosciutto slice in half lengthwise if they are wide.
- Wrap each asparagus spear diagonally with a strip of prosciutto, ensuring the prosciutto covers most of the asparagus but leaves the tips exposed.
- Preheat a large non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Ensure the pan is hot before adding the wrapped asparagus.
- Place the prosciutto-wrapped asparagus in the hot pan, cooking for 2-3 minutes on each side until the prosciutto becomes crisp and golden and the asparagus is tender-crisp.
- Arrange the cooked asparagus bundles on a serving platter and intersperse with the cantaloupe wedges for a beautiful presentation.
- Drizzle the entire dish with balsamic glaze, creating an elegant and flavorful finish to the appetizer.
- Serve immediately while the asparagus is warm and the prosciutto is crisp, allowing guests to enjoy the contrasting textures and flavors.
Tips
- Pat asparagus completely dry before wrapping to ensure the prosciutto adheres perfectly and crisps up beautifully.
- Use a hot pan to achieve that golden, crispy prosciutto exterior while keeping the asparagus tender-crisp.
- Choose thin to medium-sized asparagus spears for the best texture and easier wrapping.
- If prosciutto slices are too wide, cut them lengthwise for more precise wrapping.
- Serve immediately after cooking to maintain the optimal crispy texture and temperature.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a light sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or basil before serving.
- The balsamic glaze is crucial—it adds a sweet and tangy finish that elevates the entire dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 25mg
