12 Easy Asparagus Appetizers To Refresh Your Palate In 2023

Sometimes, easy asparagus appetizers are the only things you need to get your appetite pumping. This vegetable’s refreshing and nutritious nature will enhance the rest of your meal experience.

Although many people think you can only roast or pan-fry asparagus, the truth is quite the opposite. You can cook this vegetable in many ways, from making healthy asparagus soup to being more inventive with deep-fried asparagus stalks.

In today’s article, I want to share some of the best asparagus-based recipes in my repertoire. They’re pretty simple to make, so you don’t have to spend much time in the kitchen. It’s time to get right into this list.

Check Out These Different Ways To Start Your Meal With Asparagus

The various selections below will open your mind to the world of asparagus-based delicacies. While some recipes might be familiar, others might surprise you with the unique blend of flavors and aromas.

1. Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

Total time: 22 minutes

I think there’s nothing simpler than a plate of bacon-wrapped asparagus to begin your feast or as an addition alongside sloppy joes for a comforting dinner. The refreshing nature and sweetness of the vegetable blend nicely with the salty and rich texture of the bacon.

For the preparation, you only have to remove the end of the asparagus stalks since the end part can taste somewhat woody if you cook it. Next, coat the asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor.

Pick up three to five stalks and wrap a slice of bacon around them. If the bacon is too loose, you can use a toothpick to hold the bundle together, but remember to take it out before eating. The final step is baking until the bacon turns brown and releases grease all over the asparagus.

Thanks to this recipe, bacon-wrapped asparagus has never been easier.

2. Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus

Total time: 17 minutes

This asparagus-based recipe is similar to the bacon-wrapped version, but in this case, you use prosciutto to materialize a toothsome Italian side option or a standalone appetizer for your dinner.

Unlike bacon which is quite greasy, a slice of prosciutto is much thinner and has much less fat. Plus, due to the dry-curing process, this type of meat has a unique taste, balancing sweet and salty with a slight hint of herbaceousness.

The preparation is nothing too big to handle since you only have to cut off the woody ends of the vegetable. Next, wrap a slice of prosciutto around a few stalks of asparagus. Sprinkle a bit of oil, salt, and pepper before you put the vegetable in the oven.

When the asparagus turns a darker green, you know the dish is ready. Another big difference between this dish and the bacon-wrapped version is cheese, which adds an extra layer of creaminess to the prosciutto.  

3. Prosciutto And Asparagus Tart

Total time: 40 minutes

Another way to turn asparagus into top-of-the-line Italian entrees is with this recipe called prosciutto and asparagus tart.

The components consist of two parts: the tart and the topping. To make the tart, you can make your dough or conveniently get pre-made dough at a grocery store. Make a few cuts on the dough and pierce the middle with force to prevent the pastry from ballooning.

As for the topping, you cut off the fibery ends of the asparagus stalks and layer them on top of the shredded cheese and dough. When the cheese melts in the oven, it will bind the vegetable with the pastry to create a blend of richness and freshness.

Finally, top the asparagus with slices of prosciutto, and you can start baking. The cured meat will infuse herbaceous aromas into the dish to enhance the overall experience.

4. Asparagus Dip

Total time: 15 minutes

Asparagus dip is a genius way for you to enjoy the essence of asparagus alongside a slew of delicacies like breadsticks, nacho chips, and fried vegetables. Just dip the appetizers into the thick sauce, and a whole universe of flavors will explode in your mouth.

So, how do you prepare this special dip? Well, it’s pretty easy because you only have to boil asparagus with garlic until they become tender. Next, add both ingredients into a blender with dijon mustard, seasonings (paprika, salt, and pepper), and the leftover boiling water.

Blend until the liquid becomes as smooth as possible. The result is a spicy and savory dip you can pair with other finger foods. The dish is perfect if you want to switch to a healthier alternative to the fatty cheese dip.

5. Asparagus Fries

Total time: 30 minutes

Are you sick of having to eat French fries all the time? Well, in this case, let me introduce you to a different recipe that can be altered to fit your quick and healthy keto starter list, yet it remains addicting simultaneously. Instead of using potatoes, you can use asparagus instead.

The texture of this dish is much less greasy compared to your standard French fries. The asparagus stalks are inherently crunchy, so when you fry them, that wonderful quality gets enhanced even further. The vegetable is also not too fatty to your taste.

Not just that, under the layer of breadcrumbs, there’s a creamy side of parmesan cheese that makes the taste even more heavenly. With each bite, nuttiness will hit your tastebuds. The melted cheese provides a nice undertone to make the asparagus pop more.

The crunchiness from the asparagus fries will suck you in immediately.

6. Garlic Roasted Asparagus With Cheese

Total time: 25 minutes

This recipe is excellent if you don’t have much time to prepare a starter course. Get a bundle of asparagus stalks, garlic, and cheese (parmesan and mozzarella) from the supermarket. These three components will create a memorable dish for your dinner.

The first step is to coat the asparagus stalks with oil and minced garlic so that they don’t burn in the oven. This step will also help the seasonings to bind with the vegetable. Next, sprinkle salt and pepper to taste.

Bake the asparagus in the oven until the stalks start to soften. Take the tray out and grate both types of cheese onto the asparagus before putting the tray back in.

With the heat inside the oven, the cheese will start to melt and form an elastic layer around the veggie. This process creates an interesting texture that contrasts nicely with the tender asparagus.

7. Asparagus Salad With Walnuts And Parmesan

Total time: 20 minutes

For something a bit healthier, I’d suggest this recipe called asparagus salad with walnuts and parmesan. The way the asparagus stalks complement the nuttiness of the walnuts, as well as the richness of the parmesan cheese, will greatly delight your taste buds.

There are three parts you have to prepare before assembling the salad. The first is the breadcrumbs, which you toast in a heated pan with olive oil. The second part is also toasting the walnuts until they become golden brown.

Finally, remove the end parts of the asparagus to make the salad. Toss every ingredient together in a bowl with red pepper flakes, lemon zest, and lemon juice. The spiciness and acidity can improve the taste even further.

8. Asparagus Pastry Twist

Total time: 25 minutes

This entry is a combination of a pastry and a roasted vegetable dish. The asparagus pastry twist is a fun starter to entice your palate before a meal, or it can be a decent finger food during a game night. 

The huge attraction of this dish is how well the asparagus and the dough work together. The vegetable offers that signature crunchy mouth-feel alongside its freshness. On the other hand, the texture of the dough is very airy and spongy.

Another factor is the addition of parmesan cheese. Before roasting, sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the asparagus pastry. The cheese acts as a binder when it melts, creating a creamy and salty layer on the pastry.

9. Asparagus And Brie Puff Pastry

Total time: 35 minutes

If you want another option for asparagus-based pastry, you’re lucky because this entry will satisfy you. Introducing the asparagus and brie puff pastry, a delicious starter that will attract so much attention and conquer a lot of taste buds.

The preparation for the dish is nothing too fancy. All you have to do is to wrap a sheet of puff pastry around a stick of brie and asparagus. Brush the pastry with egg yolks and toss it in the oven until the dough becomes golden brown.

As the brie melts inside the puff pastry, it will bind everything together, including the asparagus. The melted cheese provides an excellent backdrop to enhance the freshness of asparagus. Alongside that, the crusty pastry has an incredible texture that crumbles in your mouth.

10. Asparagus Tomato And Parmesan Square

Total time: 30 minutes

This finger-licking dish will blow your mind since it has a familiar combination of asparagus and pastry. The only difference between this recipe and the previous two is that this delicacy has a more straightforward preparation.

The ingredient list is relatively short: puff pastry sheets, cherry tomatoes, parmesan cheese, and asparagus. You start by putting the pastry as the base, then layer the asparagus, tomatoes, and cheese on top.

Before baking, brush a bit of pesto, a type of Italian sauce consisting of basil, pine nuts, and garlic. Finally, toss the tray in the oven and let the pastry puff up; that’s when you know the dish is ready to serve.

The taste is simple and rustic, with the umami of the tomatoes adding more depth to this specialty. The cheese ties everything nicely together with its creaminess. 

11. Asparagus Soup

Total time: 30 minutes

For those preferring a light starter before a meal, I can introduce you to this recipe called asparagus soup. The dish doesn’t take up much space in your stomach but, at the same time, still gives you a pretty pleasant experience.

The best words to describe the soup are creamy, refreshing, and smooth. Asparagus already has a nice flavor, but when you add heavy cream to the mix, the overall texture and taste will improve ten folds.

Aside from the asparagus, you also add onions, garlic, and celery to take the essence of this delicacy to a whole new height. To combine most of the ingredients, you use the savory chicken stock as the base to add that signature richness.

This version of vegan-friendly asparagus soup is excellent for everyone.

12. Pickled Asparagus

Total time: 1 day 15 minutes (With one day of pickling time)

Although the pickling time for this recipe is quite long to let the asparagus soak in the goodness of the brine, the preparation is quick. And the best part about this little appetizer is that you can’t stop at just one jar.

Cut off the stern and woody ends with the asparagus until the stalks fit in the jar. Once you put the stalks into the jar, continue adding garlic, shallot, and dill. The next step is making the brine, which consists of vinegar, water, salt, and sugar.

When you submerge the stalks, the acidity from the vinegar will seep into the asparagus and gradually makes the vegetable tangier. The brine also chemically changes the structure of the asparagus, making it crunchier.  

You Can Make Asparagus More Enjoyable

A good meal always starts with an equally eye-catching appetizer. When you want to whip up a quick and refreshing dish, you can always count on asparagus to improve the experience. The vegetable is tasty, fresh, and clean-tasting.

And the best thing about asparagus is that even the pickiest eaters can’t resist the urge to munch on this beautiful vegetable. That’s why you can count on asparagus to make your guests satisfied.

In the comment section below, I’d love to read your interpretation of asparagus appetizers. Otherwise, thanks for reading, and make sure you hit the like button to show some appreciation. You can also share this article with friends and family. Have a nice day!