Asparagus Cordon Bleu
A elegant twist on the classic cordon bleu, featuring tender asparagus spears wrapped in ham and melted cheese, then baked to golden perfection. Perfect for brunch or as a sophisticated side dish.
Ingredients
Main Components:
- 12 medium asparagus spears (trimmed)
- 6 thin slices prosciutto or Black Forest ham
- 4 oz (115g) Gruyère or Swiss cheese, cut into sticks
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp melted butter
Seasonings:
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
Dipping Sauce (Optional):
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp honey
Instructions
- Prep Asparagus: Blanch asparagus in boiling water for 1 minute, then ice bath. Pat dry.Assemble Bundles: Wrap 2 asparagus spears + cheese stick in ½ ham slice.Coat: Mix panko with seasonings and butter. Roll bundles in mixture.Bake: At 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes until golden.Serve: With honey mustard if desired.
Notes
- For vegetarian version: Use smoked tofu instead of ham
- Make ahead: Assemble unbaked bundles, refrigerate up to 4 hours
- Broil last 2 minutes for extra crispiness