This is a sponsored review
by BlogHer and Kraft.

Elevate Your Plate: Crispy Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus with Creamy Philadelphia Cooking Creme

There are certain dishes that simply exude elegance and sophistication, yet are deceptively simple to prepare. This exquisite asparagus recipe falls perfectly into that category. It’s what I affectionately call “company asparagus”—a nod to those special occasions where you want to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Forget the stuffy formality; this dish is about creating a memorable culinary experience with minimal effort, making it ideal for entertaining, a romantic dinner, or even just elevating a weeknight meal.

The beauty of “company food” lies in its ability to marry high-quality ingredients with straightforward techniques, resulting in a dish that looks and tastes extraordinary. For this recipe, we embrace the natural goodness of fresh, vibrant asparagus, the irresistible saltiness of premium imported prosciutto, and a luxurious, yet simple, cream cheese sauce that brings it all together. The asparagus achieves a perfect tender-crisp texture with a subtle nutty undertone from roasting, while the prosciutto crisps up beautifully, adding a delightful crunch and savory depth.

But the true secret to this dish’s unparalleled elegance and creamy finish is the delightful drizzle of a specially formulated cream cheese sauce. This isn’t just any sauce; it’s crafted using the innovative Philadelphia Cooking Creme, designed to transform ordinary vegetables into a gourmet experience.

Philadelphia Cooking Creme: A Culinary Game Changer

Most of us are familiar with the classic Philadelphia Cream Cheese, a staple in kitchens worldwide. However, Kraft has introduced a fantastic new product that streamlines the creation of creamy sauces and dishes: Philadelphia Cooking Creme. Unlike traditional block cream cheese, this product is specifically formulated for cooking, offering an incredible meltable texture and a range of delicious flavors. For this recipe, I utilized the Italian Cheese & Herb variety, which imparts a rich, aromatic depth to the creamy sauce.

Preparing the sauce is incredibly easy. I simply whisked the Philadelphia Cooking Creme straight from the package with a splash of water to achieve a thinner, pourable consistency, then gently warmed it in the microwave. This simple step elevates the entire dish, providing a smooth, velvety finish that complements the crisp prosciutto and tender asparagus beautifully.

At its core, this elegant asparagus dish requires just three star ingredients: fresh asparagus, premium prosciutto, and the versatile Philadelphia Cooking Creme. Each component plays a crucial role in creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

Why Philadelphia Cooking Creme is Different

The Philadelphia Cooking Creme stands apart from regular cream cheese due to its unique formulation. It’s designed to be used as a convenient base for sauces, soups, and casseroles, effortlessly stirring into dishes to create a creamy texture. It comes in several enticing flavor varieties beyond Italian Cheese & Herb, including Original, Santa Fe Blend, and Savory Garlic, offering endless possibilities for culinary creativity. Its incredible meltability ensures a smooth, lump-free sauce every time, making it a fantastic shortcut for busy home cooks who desire gourmet results.

Selecting and Preparing Your Ingredients

The success of this dish hinges on the quality of its primary ingredients. Here’s a closer look at how to choose and prepare them for optimal results.

Asparagus: The Star Vegetable

When selecting asparagus, look for firm, bright green spears with tightly closed tips. Avoid any spears that appear limp, withered, or have open, flowering tips. Thicker spears tend to be more tender and flavorful for roasting. The most common question when preparing asparagus is how to trim the tough, woody ends. A simple and effective method is to hold one spear and gently bend it. It will naturally snap where the tough, fibrous part ends and the tender, edible portion begins. Use this as a guide to cut the ends off the remaining asparagus spears, discarding the woody parts.

Prosciutto: The Savory Wrapper

Prosciutto, a dry-cured Italian ham, adds a wonderful salty, savory punch and a delightful crispiness when roasted. Opt for very thinly sliced imported prosciutto for the best flavor and texture. Its delicate nature allows it to crisp up beautifully without becoming overly tough. Because prosciutto is inherently salty, wrapping multiple asparagus spears together helps balance the flavors. For thinner asparagus, aim for at least three spears per slice to prevent the dish from becoming too salty.

Once your asparagus is trimmed and your prosciutto is ready, it’s time to assemble. Carefully wrap two or three asparagus spears in each slice of prosciutto. Ensure the prosciutto is wrapped snugly but not overly tight, allowing it to crisp evenly during roasting. The natural fat in the prosciutto means you won’t need to add any oil directly to it, simplifying the cooking process.

Arrange the wrapped asparagus bundles in a single layer on a baking tray. This ensures even cooking and crisping. A light drizzle of olive oil directly onto the tips and exposed ends of the asparagus will enhance their flavor and aid in roasting, while keeping the prosciutto perfectly dry for maximum crispness.

Roast the asparagus for 8-10 minutes in a preheated oven. Keep an eye on it to ensure the asparagus becomes tender-crisp and the prosciutto turns golden and delightfully crunchy. The roasting process brings out the natural sweetness of the asparagus and renders the prosciutto into irresistible savory crisps.

The Finishing Touch: Creamy Philadelphia Sauce

While the asparagus roasts, prepare the Philadelphia Cooking Creme sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together about 1 tablespoon of water with ½ cup of Philadelphia Cooking Creme (I used the Italian Cheese & Herb flavor). The water helps to thin the creme slightly, making it easier to drizzle and ensuring a smooth consistency. Warm this mixture in the microwave on medium power for approximately 45 seconds, or until it’s gently heated and easily pourable. Stir well before serving.

Once the asparagus is perfectly roasted and the prosciutto is crispy, transfer the bundles to a serving platter. Spoon or drizzle the warm Philadelphia Cooking Creme sauce generously over the asparagus and prosciutto. The creamy sauce provides a beautiful contrast to the savory, crispy elements, making each bite a delightful experience. Serve immediately to enjoy the warmth and freshness of this elegant side dish.

Serving Suggestions and Creative Variations

This prosciutto-wrapped asparagus is incredibly versatile. It makes an ideal side dish for a variety of main courses, from roasted chicken or a perfectly seared steak to grilled salmon or a hearty pasta dish. Its elegant presentation also makes it a standout appetizer for parties.

Feel free to experiment with different flavors of Philadelphia Cooking Creme to match your meal. The Savory Garlic blend would add a robust, aromatic kick, while the Original offers a classic, creamy base. For an extra touch of flavor, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a squeeze of lemon juice after drizzling the sauce can brighten the dish even further. A pinch of red pepper flakes could also add a subtle heat if desired. For those looking for an alternative to prosciutto, thinly sliced bacon can be used, though it will require a slightly longer roasting time to achieve crispness.

Why This Recipe Deserves a Spot in Your Repertoire

This Crispy Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus with Creamy Philadelphia Cooking Creme is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. It’s incredibly quick to prepare, requiring minimal hands-on time, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you still want to enjoy a sophisticated meal. The combination of textures—the snap of the asparagus, the crunch of the prosciutto, and the silky smoothness of the cream sauce—creates a truly satisfying eating experience.

Moreover, its elegant presentation makes it an ideal dish for impressing guests without any added stress. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating your family to something special, this recipe delivers on both taste and visual appeal. It’s a healthy, flavorful, and versatile addition to any meal, proving that gourmet cooking can be accessible to everyone.

Conclusion: Simple Elegance on a Plate

In conclusion, this prosciutto-wrapped asparagus recipe, enhanced by the creamy goodness of Philadelphia Cooking Creme, is a true culinary gem. It embodies the essence of simple elegance, proving that you don’t need complex techniques or exotic ingredients to create a truly memorable dish. The harmonious blend of salty, savory, and creamy notes, coupled with the satisfying textures, makes it an irresistible side dish or appetizer that will surely become a favorite in your household.

We encourage you to try this recipe and experience the delightful flavors for yourself. Don’t forget to explore the versatility of Philadelphia Cooking Creme and consider joining the Real Women of Philadelphia community to share your own culinary inspirations! Happy cooking!