Asparagus Rollups Recipe
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 12 appetizers
Description:
These Asparagus Rollups are an elegant do-ahead appetizer that will surely “wow” your guests. Originally discovered in Southern Living, this recipe combines the freshness of asparagus with the creamy richness of cheese and the savory goodness of ham, all wrapped up in a buttery, paprika-kissed package. Perfect for holidays like Christmas, Hanukkah, Thanksgiving, or even brunch gatherings, these rollups can be made in under an hour, making them a convenient and delicious choice for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 24 asparagus spears
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese
- 1/2 cup blue cheese (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
- 12 slices deli ham
- 12 slices white or wheat bread, crusts removed
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- Paprika, for sprinkling
Instructions:
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Prepare Asparagus: Snap off the tough ends of the asparagus and, if desired, remove scales from stalks with a vegetable peeler for a smoother texture.
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Steam Asparagus: Arrange the asparagus in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for 4 to 6 minutes or until crisp-tender. Once done, remove from the steamer and cool on paper towels.
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Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, stir together the cream cheese, blue cheese, mayonnaise, and chopped chives until well combined. Adjust the amount of blue cheese to your taste preference.
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Prepare Bread and Ham: Roll each slice of bread with a rolling pin to flatten it slightly. Spread one side of each slice with about 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture. Top each slice with a slice of deli ham.
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Assemble Rollups: Place two asparagus spears, with their tips pointed toward opposite ends, on one end of each bread slice. Roll up the bread tightly around the asparagus, and place them seam side down on a greased baking sheet.
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Brush and Bake: Brush the tops of the rollups with melted butter and sprinkle with paprika for added flavor and color.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the rollups for 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
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Serve: Once baked, serve the asparagus rollups immediately while they’re warm and delicious. You can also garnish them with additional chopped chives or a sprinkle of paprika for a decorative touch.
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Storage: If you want to make these ahead of time, you can freeze the unbaked rollups for up to 1 month in an airtight container. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before baking them as directed.
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Enjoy: These delightful asparagus rollups are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Enjoy their savory, creamy goodness with friends and family!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 261.6
- Total Fat: 17.3g
- Saturated Fat: 9.5g
- Cholesterol: 54.6mg
- Sodium: 772mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 16.3g
- Dietary Fiber: 1.6g
- Sugars: 1.7g
- Protein: 10.8g
Recipe Notes:
- Feel free to adjust the amount of blue cheese according to your taste preferences.
- These rollups can be made ahead and frozen for future use, making them a convenient option for entertaining.
- Customize the garnishes to your liking, adding chopped herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for extra flavor and visual appeal.
