Description
Delightful Asparagus Puff Pastry Bundles combine tender asparagus stalks wrapped in savory prosciutto and melted Gruyere cheese, all encased in flaky, golden puff pastry. This elegant appetizer or light meal is quick to prepare and perfect for entertaining or a sophisticated snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Cheese
- 1 bunch asparagus (about 12–16 ounces), ends trimmed
- 8 ounces Gruyere cheese, shredded
Meat
- 12 slices prosciutto
Pastry and Others
- 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a sheet pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and easy cleanup.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets into one large rectangle roughly twice their original size. Trim the edges to square them off evenly, then cut the dough into 6 equal squares using a pizza cutter or sharp knife.
- Season Asparagus: Toss the trimmed asparagus stalks with extra virgin olive oil, and season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
- Assemble Bundles: Place one slice of prosciutto on each puff pastry square. Fold the prosciutto in half if needed so that it fits neatly. Layer 3-4 asparagus stalks (depending on their size) on top of the prosciutto, then sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of shredded Gruyere cheese evenly over them.
- Wrap and Seal: Carefully lift two opposite corners of the pastry squares, bring them around the asparagus and press to seal, forming a neat bundle. Brush the surface of each puff pastry bundle with the beaten egg wash to get a golden, shiny finish. Optionally, sprinkle a bit more salt and pepper over the bundles for extra seasoning.
- Bake: Place the bundles on the prepared sheet pan and bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and fully puffed.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve immediately to enjoy the warm, flaky puff pastry with melted cheese and savory asparagus inside.
Notes
- Make sure to thaw the puff pastry completely before rolling to avoid cracking.
- You can substitute Gruyere with other melting cheeses like Swiss or Fontina if desired.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the prosciutto or replace it with a vegetarian alternative.
- To ensure even baking, try to keep all asparagus stalks roughly the same size within each bundle.
- Brush the edges of the puff pastry with egg wash to help seal the bundles tightly.
- Serve these bundles warm, as the puff pastry is best enjoyed fresh from the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
Keywords: asparagus puff pastry, prosciutto bundles, Gruyere cheese appetizer, easy baked appetizers, puff pastry recipes
