Elegant Asparagus & Prosciutto Roll-Ups: Your Ultimate High Tea Appetizer Recipe
Elevate your high tea experience with these exquisite Asparagus Roll-Ups, featuring tender asparagus spears, a delightful kick from Danish Blue cheese, creamy spread, delicate bread, and salty prosciutto. A truly luxurious and easy-to-prepare high tea recipe.
Asparagus, often affectionately known as “white gold” in some culinary circles, takes center stage in this vibrant recipe. While white asparagus is revered for its delicate flavor, we opt for its greener counterpart here – not only for its beautiful color that truly pops in this elegant appetizer but also for its slightly earthier, sweeter notes that complement the other ingredients perfectly. These Asparagus Roll-Ups are more than just a dish; they’re a statement of sophistication and a testament to simple, yet profound, flavor combinations.
Imagine your high tea table adorned with these perfectly rolled, colorful bites. They don’t just add a touch of visual charm; their flavor profile is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. The crisp-tender, juicy asparagus provides a fresh base, beautifully contrasted by the salty, delicate slices of prosciutto. A creamy, savory spread infused with the distinct, spicy notes of Danish Blue cheese binds it all together, encased in soft, flattened bread. Each bite is a journey through layers of delightful flavors – salty, spicy, creamy, and fresh.
One of the best features of this recipe, making it an absolute must-have for entertaining, is its make-ahead convenience. You can prepare these Asparagus Roll-Ups a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully in the refrigerator. This frees up precious time on the day of your event, letting you focus on other preparations or simply enjoying the company of your guests. Just before serving, a quick slice, and they’re ready to impress!
Why Asparagus Roll-Ups Are a High Tea Essential
High tea is a tradition of elegance and delicate flavors, and these roll-ups fit seamlessly into that ethos. They offer a perfect balance of savory notes, are easy to handle (no forks required!), and present beautifully. Unlike many finger foods that require last-minute assembly, the ability to prepare these delightful bites in advance makes them an invaluable addition to any host’s repertoire. Their vibrant green and pink hues also add a delightful splash of color to your spread, inviting guests to indulge.
The Star Ingredient: Asparagus – Green Gold in a New Light
Green asparagus is celebrated for its slightly sweeter and earthier taste compared to its white counterpart, and its stalks are generally more tender, requiring less peeling. When choosing asparagus for your roll-ups, look for firm, bright green stalks with tight, closed tips. The fresher the asparagus, the juicier and more flavorful your roll-ups will be. Steaming them until ‘al dente’ is crucial – this ensures they retain a pleasant crispness, providing a wonderful textural contrast to the other softer ingredients. Overcooked asparagus can become mushy, detracting from the overall experience.
Crafting the Creamy, Flavorful Spread
The heart of these roll-ups, beyond the asparagus itself, is the rich and tangy cheese spread. Combining creamy, room-temperature cream cheese with the assertive, piquant flavor of Danish Blue cheese creates a truly unique and irresistible foundation. Danish Blue, with its semi-soft texture and sharp, salty, blue-veined characteristic, provides that exciting “spicy” kick mentioned in the original recipe. If Danish Blue isn’t available or if you prefer a different intensity, consider other pungent blue cheeses like Gorgonzola or Roquefort. For a milder alternative, a sharp cheddar or even a herbed goat cheese could offer a delightful twist, though it would change the “spicy” element. Mayonnaise adds an extra layer of creaminess and a subtle tang, while finely chopped chives introduce a fresh, oniony note that brightens the entire mixture. Ensure all ingredients are well combined for an even distribution of flavor in every bite.
The Perfect Embrace: Prosciutto and Bread
The choice of prosciutto is key for that desirable salty, umami depth. Its thinly sliced, delicate texture wraps elegantly around the asparagus. Prosciutto di Parma or San Daniele are excellent choices, known for their superior quality and flavor. If prosciutto isn’t your preference, thinly sliced Serrano ham or even a high-quality smoked turkey breast could serve as delicious alternatives, though they would offer a different flavor profile. The bread selection is equally important. Casino bread, often a white sandwich bread with a fine crumb and square shape, is ideal because it rolls flat easily without tearing. This ensures a neat and compact roll-up. You can experiment with other soft white breads, or even a brioche for a touch of sweetness, but always make sure to trim the crusts and roll the slices as thin as possible to achieve that elegant, rollable texture.
Preparation: Master the Art of the Roll-Up
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward preparation, with the added benefit of being a perfect make-ahead option.
- These asparagus roll-ups are wonderfully easy to prepare one day in advance. Once assembled and tightly wrapped, simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- On the day of your high tea or event, all you need to do is remove them from the fridge, unwrap, slice each roll-up in half (or into smaller bite-sized pieces for an even more delicate presentation), and serve immediately. This truly takes the stress out of last-minute catering.
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📖 Recipe: Asparagus & Prosciutto Roll-Ups
RECIPE CARD
Andréa
Pin Recipe
Equipment
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Steam oven or a pan with a steam basket
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Rolling Pin
Ingredients
- 24 green asparagus spears
- 100 grams cream cheese , room temperature
- 50 grams Danish Blue cheese , (or another spicy cheese, crumbled)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon chives , finely chopped
- 12 slices white bread , casino bread is best because of its square shape.
- 12 slices Prosciutto
All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.
Instructions
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Wash the asparagus thoroughly under cold water.
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To prepare the asparagus, gently bend each spear until it naturally snaps. This will separate the tender edible part from the tough, woody end. Discard the woody ends and place the tender spears into a steam basket. Repeat this process for all asparagus spears.
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Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil, then reduce heat slightly to a steady simmer.
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Place the steam basket over the simmering water, ensuring it does not touch the water. Steam the asparagus until it is al dente (tender-crisp) for approximately 6 minutes. The exact time may vary based on asparagus thickness. Alternatively, this step can be done in a steam oven. Test for doneness as per the notes section.
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In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cream cheese (ensure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing), crumbled Danish Blue cheese, mayonnaise, and finely chopped chives. Mix thoroughly with a spatula until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
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Take one slice of white bread and place it on a clean work surface. Using a rolling pin, roll the bread as flat as possible without tearing it. This helps create a compact roll.
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Carefully trim off all the crusts from the flattened bread slice, creating a clean, pliable square.
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Evenly spread a generous layer of the prepared cream cheese and Danish Blue mixture over the entire surface of the flattened bread slice.
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Carefully place one slice of Prosciutto on top of the cheese mixture, ensuring it covers the entire bread slice. If the prosciutto slice is too large, you may gently fold or trim it, or use two smaller pieces to cover.
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Take two steamed asparagus spears. Place them side by side along one edge of the bread slice. To ensure an even roll and minimize waste, position them so that one spear has its tip facing one direction and the other its tip facing the opposite direction. If the asparagus extends beyond the bread, gently trim off any excess that protrudes from the ends of the slice.
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Starting from the side with the asparagus, tightly roll the bread and its fillings into a compact cylinder. Ensure the roll is firm to prevent it from unraveling.
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Place the finished roll-up onto a piece of plastic wrap and wrap it tightly. This helps the roll maintain its shape and allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Repeat for all remaining slices. Let them chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour, or preferably overnight, for best results.
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Just before serving, unwrap the chilled asparagus roll-ups. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut each roll-up in half diagonally or into smaller, elegant bite-sized portions. Arrange beautifully on a platter and serve immediately.
Notes
- To effortlessly break the asparagus: Hold the asparagus spear with one hand in the middle and the other hand near the bottom, about an inch from the cut end. Gently bend it. The spear will naturally snap at the point where the tough, woody section transitions into the tender, edible part. This ensures you only use the best portion of the asparagus.
- To check if the asparagus is al dente: Pierce the thickest part of an asparagus spear with a fork or the tip of a small knife. The utensil should slide in easily with minimal resistance, indicating it’s tender-crisp, but not mushy.
Nutrition
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Serving & Presentation Tips for a Flawless High Tea
Presentation is key for high tea, and these Asparagus Roll-Ups offer endless possibilities. Once sliced, arrange them artfully on a serving platter. Consider garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh chives or a delicate sprig of dill for an extra touch of green and aroma. They pair beautifully with other classic high tea items such as mini sandwiches, scones with jam and clotted cream, and an assortment of petit fours. For beverages, of course, a fine selection of teas is paramount. However, these savory roll-ups also complement sparkling wine or a crisp, dry white wine, making them versatile for various social gatherings beyond traditional high tea.
Creative Variations & Customizations
While this recipe is perfect as is, it also serves as an excellent canvas for culinary creativity:
- Cheese Swaps: As mentioned, other blue cheeses can work. For a less pungent flavor, try a mild goat cheese, Boursin, or even a herbed cream cheese.
- Ham Alternatives: If prosciutto isn’t available, or for a different taste, consider thin-sliced smoked salmon (for a delightful seafood twist), or even finely sliced roasted turkey or ham.
- Herb Enhancements: Beyond chives, fresh dill, parsley, or a hint of tarragon can add wonderful aromatic dimensions to the cream cheese spread.
- Vegetarian Option: Easily adapt this recipe for vegetarians by omitting the prosciutto. You could instead add thin slices of grilled bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or even roasted mushrooms for an umami boost.
- Gluten-Free: For those with dietary restrictions, simply opt for gluten-free sandwich bread, ensuring it’s soft enough to roll without cracking.
These Asparagus Roll-Ups are more than just a recipe; they are an invitation to indulge in elegance and simple, exquisite flavors. Whether you’re hosting a grand high tea, a casual brunch, or simply want to treat yourself to a sophisticated snack, this recipe promises to deliver delight. The combination of crisp asparagus, savory prosciutto, and the bold notes of Danish Blue cheese, all wrapped in soft bread, creates a harmonious bite that is both refreshing and satisfying. Enjoy the process of creating these beautiful appetizers, and savor every delicious moment they bring to your table!
We truly hope you enjoy making and sharing this wonderful recipe. Don’t forget to share your creations and experiences with us!