Best 12 Asparagus Spears Appetizerhors Doeuvres Recipes

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In the culinary world, asparagus spears stand out as a delectable delicacy, often gracing the finest dinner tables and cocktail parties. Their slender, crisp texture and subtly sweet flavor make them a versatile ingredient, capable of transforming simple dishes into culinary masterpieces. This article presents a curated collection of asparagus spear recipes, each offering a unique culinary experience that showcases the vegetable's inherent charm. From the classic roasted asparagus with a hint of garlic and lemon to the tantalizing asparagus wrapped in prosciutto and baked to perfection, these recipes promise to elevate your next gathering, whether it's an intimate brunch or an elaborate dinner party. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that celebrates the beauty and versatility of asparagus spears.

Here are our top 12 tried and tested recipes!

ASPARAGUS APPETIZER - SPEAR ECSTASY



Asparagus Appetizer - Spear Ecstasy image

This is a wonderful light apetizer. I served it at a luncheon and all asked for the recipe. My son-in-law did the "taste test" for me and wanted any left-overs. (Re the capers listed below: it does take 1 tbsp PLUS 1 tsp, drained and chopped) Recipe from Food Network.

Provided by Thellie

Categories     Vegetable

Time 33m

Yield 40 spears, 10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

3/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons chopped red onions
2 tablespoons lemon juice (1/2 lemon)
1 tablespoon capers, drained and chopped, PLUS
1 teaspoon capers, drained and chopped
2 teaspoons dried tarragon
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
2 bunches prox 40 asparagus spears, cut into 4 inch lengths
3 cups ice
6 cups water
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

Steps:

  • To make Dipping Sauce: Mix well the sour cream, mayo, onion, lemon juice, capers, tarragon, onion powder, sugar and pepper together using a whisk.
  • Refrigerate until chilled, about 2 hours.
  • Steam asparagus until fork tender, 6 to 8 minutes.
  • Mix Ice Bath together in large bowl. Plunge asparagus into ice water and let sit until cold.
  • (I personally skipped the water bath and just let steamed asparagus drain in colander until cooled.) Transfer to paper towel to drain.
  • Refrigerate.
  • Serve chilled asparagus with dipping sauce.
  • Note Do Ahead tips: The dipping sauce can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and regrigerated. The asparagus can be prepared 1 day in advance and refrigerated.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 64.5, Fat 5.6, SaturatedFat 2.5, Cholesterol 9.1, Sodium 351.1, Carbohydrate 3.3, Fiber 0.1, Sugar 0.9, Protein 0.8

SPICY ASPARAGUS SPEARS



Spicy Asparagus Spears image

This no-fuss dish gets its zippy taste from Cajun seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes. Even those who don't like asparagus will enjoy these buttery spears.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 20m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
Crushed red pepper flakes to taste
1-3/4 pounds fresh asparagus, trimmed

Steps:

  • In a large skillet, melt butter. Stir in the onion powder, seasoned salt, Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes. Add asparagus spears, stir gently to coat. Cover and cook 5-7 minutes or until crisp-tender, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 26 calories, Fat 2g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 7mg cholesterol, Sodium 210mg sodium, Carbohydrate 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

ASPARAGUS APPETIZERS



Asparagus Appetizers image

A wonderful appetizer to have on hand that can be made ahead of time, frozen, and used as needed.

Provided by DALEPFEFFER

Categories     Appetizers and Snacks     Vegetable

Time 1h45m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 6

20 thin slices sandwich bread, crusts removed
¾ pound butter
4 ounces blue cheese, at room temperature
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, at room temperature
1 egg, beaten
20 fresh asparagus spears

Steps:

  • Trim crusts from bread, and flatten slightly with a rolling pin.
  • In a bowl, stir blue and cream cheeses together with the egg until well blended and creamy. Spread a thin layer of cheese mixture over each slice of bread. Roll one asparagus spear inside each, and fasten with a toothpick.
  • Melt butter in a small saucepan. Roll each asparagus wrap in butter to coat. Place on a baking sheet small enough to fit into the freezer, and freeze for one hour, or until butter hardens and wraps are somewhat firm. Remove pan from freezer, discard toothpicks, and cut each wrap in half crosswise. Store in a resealable plastic bag in the freezer until ready to use.
  • To serve, preheat oven to 400 degrees F (205 degrees C).
  • Arrange frozen asparagus wraps on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until lightly browned. Check occasionally, and turn if necessary, for even browning and to prevent burning. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 462.5 calories, Carbohydrate 18.6 g, Cholesterol 125 mg, Fat 40.3 g, Fiber 1.5 g, Protein 8.3 g, SaturatedFat 24.9 g, Sodium 650.6 mg, Sugar 2 g

PROSCIUTTO-WRAPPED ASPARAGUS SPEARS



Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus Spears image

Categories     Cheese     Mustard     Vegetable     Appetizer     Cocktail Party     Easter     Wedding     Condiment     Ham     Asparagus     Spring     Shower     Prosciutto     Party     Boil     Gourmet     Sugar Conscious     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     No Sugar Added

Yield Makes 30 hors d'oeuvres—and count on at least 3 per person!

Number Of Ingredients 4

30 medium-thin asparagus stalks
4 ounces peppered Boursin cheese, softened
1/4 pound thinly sliced prosciutto
1/4 cup honey mustard

Steps:

  • Trim the asparagus stalks so that the spears are 5 inches long. In a deep skillet bring 1 1/2 inches salted water to a boil and cook the asparagus until they are crisp-tender, about 2 minutes. In a colander drain the asparagus and rinse under cold water. Drain the asparagus well on paper towels.
  • In a bowl mash the Boursin with a fork until it is smooth. Cut 1 slice of prosciutto lengthwise into 1-inch strips and spread each strip with about 1/2 teaspoon Boursin. Spread about 1/4 teaspoon mustard over the Boursin and wrap each strip in a spiral around an asparagus spear, trimming any excess. Make more hors d'oeuvres with the remaining prosciutto, Boursin, mustard, and asparagus spears in the same manner.

CRUNCH CRAZY ASPARAGUS SPEARS



Crunch Crazy Asparagus Spears image

Provided by Guy Fieri

Categories     side-dish

Time 35m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 pound medium asparagus (about 20 spears)
2 egg whites
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
2 cups panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika
Extra-virgin olive oil

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
  • Prepare the asparagus by trimming off the tough woody stem.
  • Set up a breading station by whipping the egg whites and mayonnaise together (the mayonnaise helps the whites stick to the asparagus). Sprinkle with some salt and pepper.
  • In a separate, dish add the panko, Parmesan, Italian seasoning and paprika. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and mix. Dip each asparagus spear in the egg wash and then coat evenly in the seasoned panko breadcrumbs. Place the spears on a wire rack over a baking sheet and lightly drizzle with some olive oil (this will help them crisp up).
  • Bake until golden and crispy, 15 to 17 minutes. Serve immediately.

ASPARAGUS SPEARS WITH SESAME



Asparagus Spears with Sesame image

Provided by Alex Guarnaschelli

Time 1h30m

Yield 6 to 8 small servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

3 tablespoons sesame oil
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons sugar
Kosher salt
1 pound fairly thin pencil asparagus, ends trimmed, cut into 2-inch pieces
4 tablespoons sesame seeds

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, white wine vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar. Set aside.
  • Prepare an ice bath: Fill a large bowl halfway with ice cubes and add some cold water. Place a colander squarely inside the ice bath. The colander will keep you from having to pick the asparagus out from amongst the ice cubes in the ice bath.
  • Add salt until the boiling water tastes like seawater. Add the asparagus to the boiling water and cook for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes - you want them to be crunchy. If the asparagus are thin, cook for only 1 minute. Remove the asparagus from the water with a strainer and transfer them to the colander inside the ice bath. Allow them to cool completely for a few minutes and then place them on a kitchen towel to drain any excess moisture.
  • Toss the asparagus, sesame seeds, and the sauce together and refrigerate for 1 hour, or until ready to serve.

GRILLED ASPARAGUS SPEARS



Grilled Asparagus Spears image

Provided by Bob Blumer - Host of Surreal Gourmet and Glutton for Punishment

Categories     side-dish

Time 15m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 3

1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and peeled (see Cook's Note)
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Preheat a grill.
  • Place asparagus on a plate. Drizzle oil over the asparagus and turn spears until they are coated. Sprinkle with salt and turn again.
  • Grill asparagus for 5 minutes over a hot grill. Each minute or so, roll each spear 1/4 turn. Asparagus should begin to brown in spots (indicating that the natural sugars are caramelizing) but should it not be allowed to char. Dripping oil may cause flare-ups. Keep a glass, or spray bottle of water handy to spritz on coals, if necessary.
  • Remove from grill and serve immediately (eating spears with your fingers enhances the experience).

PROSCIUTTO-WRAPPED ASPARAGUS SPEARS



Prosciutto-wrapped Asparagus Spears image

Categories     Appetizer     Asparagus     Prosciutto     Boil

Yield Makes 30 hors D¿oeuvres count on at least 3 per person!

Number Of Ingredients 4

30 medium-thin asparagus stalks
4 ounces peppered Boursin cheese, softened
1/4 pound thinly sliced prosciutto
1/4 cup honey mustard

Steps:

  • Trim the asparagus stalks so that the spears are 5 inches long. In a deep skillet, bring 1 1/2 inches of salted water to a boil and cook the asparagus until they are crisp-tender, about 2 minutes. in a colander, drain the asparagus and rinse under cold water. Dry the asparagus well on paper towels.
  • In a small bowl, mash the Boursin with a fork until it is smooth. Cut 1 slice of prosciutto lengthwise into 1-inch strips and spread each strip with about 1/2 teaspoon Boursin. Spread about 1/4 teaspoon mustard over the Boursin and wrap each strip in a spiral around an asparagus spear, trimming any excess. Make more hors d'oeuvres with the remaining prosciutto, Boursin, mustard, and asparagus spears in the same manner.

ROASTED ASPARAGUS SPEARS



Roasted Asparagus Spears image

The tips of roasted asparagus should be just crisp and the stalks golden brown and tender.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dinner Recipes     Dinner Side Dishes

Number Of Ingredients 4

2 thin bunches asparagus, ends trimmed
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving
1 teaspoon coarse salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Spread out asparagus spears in a large shallow roasting pan. Drizzle with olive oil; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Shake roasting pan gently so asparagus is completely coated in oil.
  • Roast in oven until spears are just tender. Cooking time will depend on thickness of asparagus, about 10 minutes for medium-thick asparagus. Pencil asparagus will take much less time; thick stalks will take more. Shake pan halfway through cooking time to keep spears from sticking. Just before serving, drizzle asparagus with olive oil and adjust seasoning.

PAN-FRIED ASPARAGUS



Pan-Fried Asparagus image

This garlic asparagus dish is a Northern Italian side dish. My family loves it! Even the kids!

Provided by Kim

Categories     Side Dish     Vegetables     Asparagus

Time 25m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 6

¼ cup butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon coarse salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound fresh asparagus spears, trimmed

Steps:

  • Melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Cook garlic in butter for a minute, but do not brown. Add asparagus, and cook for 10 minutes, turning asparagus to ensure even cooking.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 187.8 calories, Carbohydrate 5.2 g, Cholesterol 30.5 mg, Fat 18.4 g, Fiber 2.4 g, Protein 2.8 g, SaturatedFat 8.3 g, Sodium 524.6 mg, Sugar 2.1 g

BUTTER-BRAISED ASPARAGUS



Butter-Braised Asparagus image

For the first-of-the-season asparagus, keep it simple with butter, lemon and sweet herbs. For the best texture, peeling the stalks really makes a difference.

Provided by David Tanis

Categories     easy, quick, vegetables, side dish

Time 20m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 1/2 pounds large or medium asparagus
6 tablespoons butter
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon snipped chives
1 tablespoon roughly chopped parsley or chervil
1 teaspoon chopped tarragon, plus more for garnish
1 tablespoon chopped dill, plus more for garnish (optional)

Steps:

  • Snap off and discard the tough bottoms of the asparagus spears. If using large, thick asparagus, peel the lower ends with a vegetable peeler.
  • Put butter in a wide skillet over medium-high heat. Add asparagus in one layer and season with salt and pepper. Add 1/2 cup water, cover, and bring to a simmer. Cook until the asparagus is firm-tender, about 3 minutes. Take care not to overcook them; they should still be bright green. (They will continue to cook a bit once the heat is off.) Remove the asparagus from the pan and place on a serving platter.
  • Turn heat to high and simmer briskly until most of the liquid has evaporated, a minute or so. Add lemon juice and zest to the buttery juices. Turn off heat and stir in chives, parsley, tarragon and dill, if using. Check seasoning. Spoon the sauce over the asparagus, garnish with a few herb leaves, and serve.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 190, UnsaturatedFat 5 grams, Carbohydrate 8 grams, Fat 18 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 4 grams, SaturatedFat 11 grams, Sodium 467 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams, TransFat 1 gram

ASPARAGUS APPETIZER ROLL-UPS



Asparagus Appetizer Roll-ups image

This is a wonderful warm appetizer for springtime entertaining. It's perfect for showers and also makes a tasty first course for Easter dinner.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Appetizers

Time 25m

Yield 1 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 container (8 ounces) spreadable cream cheese
8 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
2 tablespoons chopped green onion
12 slices white bread, crusts removed
24 fresh asparagus spears, trimmed
1/4 cup butter, melted
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, bacon and green onion. Flatten bread slices with a rolling pin; spread tops with cream cheese mixture. Trim asparagus 2 in. longer than bread. Place two spears on each slice; roll up bread and place seam side down on a greased baking sheet. Brush with butter; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. , Bake at 400° for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts :

Tips:

  • Choose fresh, bright green asparagus spears for the best flavor.
  • Trim the asparagus spears by snapping off the tough ends.
  • Blanch the asparagus spears in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp.
  • Immediately transfer the asparagus spears to an ice bath to stop the cooking process and preserve their bright green color.
  • Pat the asparagus spears dry before assembling the appetizers.
  • Use high-quality ingredients for the fillings, such as fresh herbs, cheeses, and meats.
  • Get creative with the fillings! There are endless possibilities, so have fun and experiment.
  • If you are making the appetizers ahead of time, store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before serving.

Conclusion:

Asparagus spears are a delicious and versatile appetizer that can be enjoyed in many different ways. With their bright green color and crisp texture, they are perfect for spring and summer gatherings. Whether you are looking for a simple and elegant appetizer or something more creative and elaborate, there is sure to be an asparagus spear recipe that you will love. So next time you are looking for a healthy and delicious appetizer, give asparagus spears a try!

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