Gourmet Grilled Asparagus with Creamy Boursin & Crispy Prosciutto: The Ultimate Easy Appetizer
Imagine a bite that’s so incredibly delicious, it brings an instant smile to your face. This is that recipe. Tender grilled asparagus, generously coated with creamy Boursin cheese, all wrapped in a delicate, crispy, and salty slice of prosciutto. So creamy, so soft, so tasty – it’s an appetizer ready in no time, and one you’ll undoubtedly make again and again.
There’s an old saying in my neighborhood, used to describe food that’s utterly divine, so good you can’t get enough: “Like an angel peeing over your tongue.” While perhaps not the most elegant phrase, it perfectly captures the blissful sensation of a truly exceptional dish. And here, my friends, is one such recipe that promises a taste sensation with every single bite.
Following up on my 4 delicious sandwiches to impress, which I shared yesterday, today we dive into these exquisite asparagus bites. They are not just delicious; they are a savory highlight for any high tea de luxe. But don’t limit them to high tea alone! These elegant appetizers are equally perfect for a birthday celebration, a chic cocktail party, or simply a sophisticated snack for an evening with friends. In fact, this recipe is incredibly versatile and suitable for almost any occasion where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. I urge you to try it for yourself – you absolutely won’t be disappointed.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
What makes these grilled asparagus bites so special? It’s the harmonious combination of textures and flavors. The asparagus spears offer a tender, slightly earthy crunch, a perfect base for the rich and aromatic Boursin cheese. Boursin, with its distinct blend of garlic, herbs, and smooth creaminess, melts subtly into the warm asparagus, creating a luxurious mouthfeel. Then, there’s the prosciutto – thin slices of cured ham that crisp up beautifully in the oven, adding a delightful saltiness and a delicate crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the soft interior. This trio creates an appetizer that is both simple in its components yet complex in its overall taste profile.
Moreover, this recipe shines for its simplicity and speed. In just a few easy steps, you can transform fresh ingredients into a gourmet-level appetizer that looks as impressive as it tastes. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, you’ll find this recipe straightforward and rewarding. It’s the kind of dish that elevates any spread, making your guests feel truly special.
The Star Ingredients: Asparagus, Boursin, and Prosciutto
Fresh Green Asparagus
Asparagus is more than just a delicious vegetable; it’s a powerhouse of nutrition, especially vibrant in the spring. Rich in vitamins K and A, folate, and antioxidants, asparagus is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and its role in digestive health. For this recipe, choosing fresh, firm, and bright green asparagus is key. Look for spears with tight, closed tips, indicating freshness. When preparing, the easiest way to trim asparagus is to hold an end in each hand and gently bend the spear until it naturally snaps. This ensures you remove the woody, tough bottom part, leaving only the tender section.
Creamy Boursin Cheese
Boursin is a soft, creamy Gournay cheese, famously known for its “Garlic & Fine Herbs” variety. Its smooth texture and intense, savory flavor make it an ideal companion for the subtle taste of asparagus. Unlike some other soft cheeses, Boursin maintains its creamy consistency without becoming overly greasy when heated, providing that luscious, melting sensation. If Boursin is not available, you can experiment with other flavored cream cheeses or a mixture of goat cheese and fresh herbs, but Boursin truly adds a unique and undeniable richness that is hard to replicate.
Crispy Prosciutto
Prosciutto, an Italian dry-cured ham, adds a layer of sophisticated saltiness and a wonderful crispy texture when baked. Its thinness allows it to become delightfully brittle, providing a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the tender asparagus and creamy Boursin. When selecting prosciutto, opt for thinly sliced, high-quality varieties for the best results. The fat marbling in good prosciutto renders beautifully, enhancing its flavor and crispiness. If you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative, thin slices of grilled halloumi or even a delicate puff pastry could be used, though the distinct salty, meaty flavor of prosciutto is a significant part of this dish’s charm.
Make-Ahead and Preparation Tips
One of the fantastic aspects of this recipe is its flexibility for make-ahead preparation, making entertaining much less stressful. You can prepare the asparagus wraps in advance and simply bake them just before serving. This means more time enjoying your guests and less time fussing in the kitchen!
Preparation Strategy
1 day in advance:
- Prepare the asparagus spears by snapping off the woody ends.
- Spread the Boursin cheese thinly on each prosciutto slice.
- Wrap each asparagus spear with the Boursin-coated prosciutto.
- Arrange the prepared wraps on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Do not bake yet.
- Cover the baking sheet tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator until ready to use. This step ensures the flavors meld slightly and the asparagus stays fresh.
Half an hour before serving (e.g., for high tea or cocktail party):
- Preheat your oven to the specified temperature (180 degrees Celsius).
- Uncover the baking sheet and spread the asparagus appetizers evenly.
- Bake the asparagus in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the prosciutto is crispy and the asparagus is tender-crisp.
- Let them cool slightly for a few minutes before serving to avoid burning tongues and allow the flavors to settle.
Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions
These grilled asparagus and prosciutto wraps are incredibly versatile. For a high tea, serve them alongside other delicate savory bites like finger sandwiches and mini quiches. When hosting a cocktail party, they make an excellent passed appetizer, easily enjoyed in a few bites. For a more casual gathering, arrange them on a platter with a sprinkle of fresh cracked black pepper or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an extra touch of elegance.
Pairing beverages is also a delight. A crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio beautifully complements the saltiness of the prosciutto and the creaminess of the Boursin. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with a hint of lemon or a light herbal iced tea works wonderfully. The balance of flavors ensures they’ll be a hit no matter the accompaniment.
Variations to Explore
While the classic combination is divine, feel free to get creative with this recipe:
- **Cheese Alternatives:** Experiment with different soft cheeses like goat cheese (chèvre) for a tangier profile, or a mild cream cheese mixed with your favorite herbs.
- **Herb Enhancements:** Add a pinch of fresh thyme, rosemary, or dill to the Boursin for an extra layer of flavor.
- **Spicy Kick:** A tiny sprinkle of red pepper flakes on the Boursin before wrapping can add a subtle heat.
- **Vegetarian Option:** For a meat-free version, consider wrapping the asparagus with thin slices of grilled halloumi cheese (which will crisp up nicely) or a delicate sheet of puff pastry. You could also omit the wrap and simply serve grilled asparagus with a dollop of Boursin.
- **Lemon Zest:** A final grating of lemon zest over the finished appetizers can brighten all the flavors.
Chef’s Notes and Tips for Success
- **Don’t Overcook Asparagus:** The goal is tender-crisp asparagus, not mushy. The 20-minute baking time is a guideline; thinner spears might cook faster. Keep an eye on them.
- **Room Temperature Boursin:** Ensure your Boursin cheese is at room temperature before spreading. This makes it much easier to apply a thin, even layer without tearing the prosciutto.
- **Even Spreading:** A thin layer of Boursin is sufficient. Too much can make the wraps messy and prevent the prosciutto from crisping properly.
- **Parchment Paper is Your Friend:** Always line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking, especially from the melting Boursin and prosciutto, and makes cleanup a breeze.
- **Crispy Prosciutto:** For extra crispy prosciutto, ensure the oven is fully preheated and don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Air circulation is key for achieving that perfect crunch.
Did you make this delicious recipe? Tag #byandreajanssen via Instagram! I love to see what your creation looks like and regularly share the most beautiful photos from you! Did you like this recipe? Then leave a rating on the recipe card below! Your feedback helps other home cooks and me enormously.
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📖 Recipe
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Andréa
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Equipment
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A conventional oven is used. When using a convection oven (with air fan) decrease the temperature with 30 °F / 20 °C
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Baking tray
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Parchment paper
Ingredients
- 12 green asparagus
- 100 grams boursin (Garlic & Fine Herbs)
- 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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Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350°F).
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
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Lay a slice of prosciutto flat on a clean surface.
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Carefully spread a thin, even layer of Boursin cheese over the prosciutto slice.
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Take one green asparagus spear. To trim, hold the end in one hand and the middle in the other, then carefully snap the asparagus. It will naturally break at the point where the woody part meets the tender section.
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Place an asparagus spear at one end of the prosciutto slice and carefully roll it up.
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Place the wrapped asparagus seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat this process for all remaining asparagus spears and prosciutto slices.
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Bake the asparagus in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until the prosciutto is crispy and golden, and the asparagus is tender-crisp.
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Allow them to cool slightly for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your gourmet appetizer!
Nutrition
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