Asparagus Baked with Burrata and Prosciutto
Asparagus Baked with Burrata and Prosciutto
Spring is asparagus season, and this dish is always best with fresh in-season asparagus. In-season, asparagus is tender and sweet. While steamed or baked asparagus is divine on its own, adding a few simple ingredients creates something equally exciting — for a first course or main dish. This dish is also great when you want to transform leftover asparagus into something new. Here is a simple recipe with some variations.
Ingredients
Asparagus
Bacon, prosciutto, or pancetta
Burrata, fresh mozzarella, or Parmesan cheese
Olive oil
Instructions
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Prep the Asparagus:
Choose between steaming or roasting to prepare the asparagus.- To steam: Place a steaming rack in a pot with water just below the rack. Heat until steaming. Add the asparagus, cover, and steam until tender. Check doneness by piercing with a knife.
- To roast: Preheat the oven to 350° F (175° C). Toss asparagus lightly with olive oil and spread on a baking sheet. Roast until tender, which will result in a slightly caramelized flavor.
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Assemble:
Once cooked, wrap the asparagus in bacon, prosciutto, or pancetta. Place them in a baking dish. Top with burrata, fresh mozzarella, or a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. -
Bake:
Drizzle the wrapped asparagus with a bit of olive oil and bake at 400° F (200° C) until the cheese melts and turns golden. For an extra touch, broil for 1-2 minutes to brown the cheese a little. -
Serve:
Serve warm as a first course, or as a simple main dish.
Notes
- Make Ahead: You can steam or roast the asparagus in advance and refrigerate until you’re ready to assemble and bake.
- Cheese Variations: Burrata adds a luxurious creaminess, while mozzarella is kid-approved and always a hit. Parmesan brings a sharper, nutty flavor if you prefer something different.
- Cooking Times: Prosciutto and pancetta cook quickly. If using bacon, bake the asparagus until the bacon begins to crisp before adding the cheese.
