Ham and Asparagus Roll-ups: A Quick and Flavorful Snack
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Description:
These Ham and Asparagus Roll-ups are a delicious and simple snack that combines the savory taste of smoked ham with the light crispness of asparagus, all wrapped up in a creamy low-fat filling. Perfect for a light lunch, a snack, or even a party appetizer, this recipe is quick and easy to make. With only a few ingredients and minimal preparation, you’ll have a tasty treat in under 30 minutes. This low-carb recipe is ideal for anyone looking for a healthy, satisfying snack that’s full of flavor and protein.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Smoked ham | 9 slices |
| Low-fat cream cheese | 5 tbsp |
| Asparagus spears | 1 bunch |
| Ground black pepper | To taste |
Nutritional Information (Per Roll-up):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 53.7 kcal |
| Fat Content | 3.1 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 1.4 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 15.3 mg |
| Sodium Content | 317.2 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 1.6 g |
| Fiber Content | 0.6 g |
| Sugar Content | 0.4 g |
| Protein Content | 5.1 g |
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure it’s ready for the roll-ups once you’ve assembled them.
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Prepare the Ham: Lay out your smoked ham slices on a flat surface. Use a paper towel or cloth to pat them dry, removing any excess moisture. This will help ensure that your roll-ups stay intact while baking.
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Spread the Cream Cheese: Take two slices of ham and stack them on top of each other. Using a knife or spoon, spread about 1 teaspoon of low-fat cream cheese evenly over the top of the stacked ham. The cream cheese acts as a binding agent and adds a creamy texture that complements the ham and asparagus.
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Season with Pepper: Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper generously over the cream cheese. The pepper enhances the overall flavor, balancing the richness of the cream cheese and the smokiness of the ham.
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Add the Asparagus: Place one asparagus spear on one edge of the ham stack, ensuring the asparagus is parallel to the ham. This will be the starting point for your roll-up.
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Roll the Ham and Asparagus: Carefully roll the ham and asparagus together, securing the asparagus inside the ham slices. The cream cheese will help hold everything in place as it bakes.
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Arrange in Baking Dish: Place each rolled-up ham and asparagus bundle into a 13×9-inch baking dish. Arrange them neatly in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
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Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. The roll-ups should be heated through and slightly golden on the edges. If you prefer a crispier texture, you can bake for an additional few minutes, but be careful not to overcook the ham.
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Optional Make-Ahead Instructions: If you want to prepare this dish ahead of time, you can assemble the roll-ups the day before. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready to bake, just uncover and follow the baking instructions.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once the roll-ups are finished baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving. These Ham and Asparagus Roll-ups make a fantastic snack, appetizer, or light lunch!
Recipe Notes:
- Serving Size: This recipe makes approximately 15 roll-ups, depending on the size of your ham slices and asparagus spears.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
- Substitutions: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese or herbs. You could use goat cheese or herbed cream cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
Why You’ll Love These Ham and Asparagus Roll-ups:
- Low-Carb and High Protein: With only 1.6 grams of carbohydrates per roll-up and 5.1 grams of protein, these roll-ups are a perfect snack for those following low-carb or ketogenic diets.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe requires only a few simple steps and is ready in less than 30 minutes, making it a perfect go-to recipe for busy days.
- Versatile: These roll-ups can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or a light lunch. They’re also great for meal prep or as part of a party spread.
These Ham and Asparagus Roll-ups are bound to become a staple in your kitchen, offering a healthy and delicious way to enjoy smoked ham and fresh asparagus with minimal effort.
