Irresistible Ham and Asparagus Roll Ups

I’ll never forget the first time I wrapped tender asparagus in thin slices of ham and popped them in the oven – it was one of those happy kitchen accidents that became a staple at every gathering. The combination of salty ham with fresh asparagus is already a winner, but when you add a creamy mascarpone spread with a hint of orange zest, you’ve got yourself an appetizer that disappears in minutes. These little roll-ups are ridiculously easy to make and always get rave reviews from my guests.

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 550-650
• Protein: 24-30 g
• Fat: 44-52 g
• Carbohydrates: 12-16 g

Ingredients

For the asparagus:

• 12 asparagus spears (trimmed to 5-inch lengths)
• 3 tbsp parmesan (I prefer Sartori for its nutty flavor)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

For the filling:

• 1/2 cup mascarpone (I use BelGioioso for a smoother texture)
• 1 1/2 tsp orange zest (freshly grated for better aroma)
• 1/2 tsp honey
• 1/8 tsp salt

For assembly:

• 12 slices ham

Step 1: Prepare the Mascarpone Filling

• 1/2 cup mascarpone
• 1 1/2 tsp orange zest
• 1/2 tsp honey
• 1/8 tsp salt

In a small bowl, combine the mascarpone, freshly grated orange zest, honey, and salt.

Stir until smooth and well combined.

The mascarpone should have a light, creamy texture with visible flecks of orange zest throughout.

Set aside at room temperature while you prepare the asparagus—this allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

I like to use fresh orange zest rather than bottled because it has a more vibrant aroma and brighter flavor that really shines through in this simple dish.

Step 2: Roast the Asparagus

• 12 asparagus spears
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp parmesan
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Preheat your oven to 450°F.

On a baking sheet, toss the trimmed asparagus spears with olive oil, 3 tablespoons of parmesan, and salt and pepper until evenly coated.

Arrange them in a single layer and roast for 8 to 10 minutes until the asparagus is tender-crisp and the cheese is lightly golden.

Remove from the oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet—this prevents them from becoming too soft when you roll them up later.

Step 3: Assemble the Roll-Ups

• 12 slices ham
• mascarpone filling from Step 1
• roasted asparagus from Step 2

Lay out a slice of ham on a clean work surface.

Spread about 2 teaspoons of the mascarpone filling from Step 1 across the surface of the ham, leaving a small border at the edges.

Place one cooled asparagus spear from Step 2 horizontally across the ham, then tightly roll the ham around the asparagus, creating a compact roll with the asparagus poking out slightly at each end.

I find that spreading the filling on the ham first creates better adhesion and prevents the filling from squishing out when you roll.

Repeat with the remaining ham slices and asparagus spears.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

• assembled roll-ups from Step 3

Arrange the completed roll-ups on a serving platter, seam-side down.

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set slightly and the flavors to meld.

Serve cold as an elegant appetizer or light starter.

Irresistible Ham and Asparagus Roll Ups

Delicious Irresistible Ham and Asparagus Roll Ups recipe with step-by-step instructions.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 22 minutes mins

Servings: 12 pieces

Calories: 600

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

For the asparagus

• 12 asparagus spears (trimmed to 5-inch lengths)
• 3 tbsp parmesan (I prefer Sartori for its nutty flavor)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

For the filling

• 1/2 cup mascarpone (I use BelGioioso for a smoother texture)
• 1 1/2 tsp orange zest (freshly grated for better aroma)
• 1/2 tsp honey
• 1/8 tsp salt

For assembly

• 12 slices ham

Method

 

1. In a small bowl, combine the mascarpone, freshly grated orange zest, honey, and salt. Stir until smooth and well combined. The mascarpone should have a light, creamy texture with visible flecks of orange zest throughout. Set aside at room temperature while you prepare the asparagus—this allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. I like to use fresh orange zest rather than bottled because it has a more vibrant aroma and brighter flavor that really shines through in this simple dish.
2. Preheat your oven to 450°F. On a baking sheet, toss the trimmed asparagus spears with olive oil, 3 tablespoons of parmesan, and salt and pepper until evenly coated. Arrange them in a single layer and roast for 8 to 10 minutes until the asparagus is tender-crisp and the cheese is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet—this prevents them from becoming too soft when you roll them up later.
3. Lay out a slice of ham on a clean work surface. Spread about 2 teaspoons of the mascarpone filling from Step 1 across the surface of the ham, leaving a small border at the edges. Place one cooled asparagus spear from Step 2 horizontally across the ham, then tightly roll the ham around the asparagus, creating a compact roll with the asparagus poking out slightly at each end. I find that spreading the filling on the ham first creates better adhesion and prevents the filling from squishing out when you roll. Repeat with the remaining ham slices and asparagus spears.
4. Arrange the completed roll-ups on a serving platter, seam-side down. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set slightly and the flavors to meld. Serve cold as an elegant appetizer or light starter.