STEP 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will allow the asparagus to roast at a high temperature, which helps achieve a crisp texture on the prosciutto while keeping the asparagus tender inside.

STEP 2: Prepare the Asparagus

Trim the tough, woody ends off the asparagus. You can do this by gently bending the asparagus near the bottom; it will naturally snap at the right spot. Alternatively, use a knife to cut about 1 to 2 inches from the base. Rinse the asparagus thoroughly to remove any dirt and pat dry with paper towels.

STEP 3: Wrap the Asparagus

Take one slice of prosciutto and lay it flat on a cutting board. Place 2 asparagus spears at one end of the prosciutto slice and roll the prosciutto around them, wrapping it tightly but not too tight—just enough to secure the asparagus. Repeat this process until all the asparagus spears are wrapped.

STEP 4: Season the Asparagus

Place the wrapped asparagus on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper. If you like, add a pinch of salt, though the prosciutto already adds plenty of saltiness to the dish. For an extra burst of flavor, you can zest some lemon over the asparagus before roasting.

STEP 5: Roast in the Oven

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the prosciutto becomes crispy and the asparagus is tender. The asparagus should be fork-tender, but still slightly firm to the bite. Keep an eye on the prosciutto, as it can burn quickly.

STEP 6: Serve

Once roasted, remove the asparagus from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. If desired, sprinkle a little parmesan cheese on top for added richness. For a final touch, serve with fresh lemon wedges on the side for a bit of zesty brightness.