Asparagus And Ham Roll-Ups
Creamy asparagus and ham roll-ups feature tender asparagus wrapped in ham, topped with cheese sauce, making an elegant and flavorful appetizer or main dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place 3 to 4 cooked asparagus spears on each ham slice.
- Roll up like a jelly roll and secure with a toothpick.
- Melt butter in a heavy skillet.
- Stir in flour, salt, and pepper, and cook until thick and pasty.
- Add milk and stir until the sauce thickens.
- Add cheese and heat until the cheese melts.
- Place the ham rolls in a heatproof baking dish.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the rolls.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes or microwave at 80% power for 7 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a sprinkle of garlic powder or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce. If you don't have ham, turkey or chicken slices work well as substitutes. Make sure to pre-cook the asparagus until tender but still crisp for the best texture. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives can elevate the dish further.
Serving Suggestions
These Asparagus and Ham Roll-Ups make a delightful appetizer or light main dish. Serve them alongside a fresh salad, such as Such A Salad, or pair with roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For an elegant touch, garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving to brighten the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the microwave on a microwave-safe plate, covering them with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture. Heat on medium power in 1-minute increments until warmed through to avoid drying out the ham.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Asparagus And Ham Roll-Ups contains roughly 876 calories, with 48g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 68g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (111% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (104% of the Daily Value), and protein (97% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh asparagus instead of cooked?
Yes, you can use fresh asparagus, but you'll need to blanch them first to ensure they're tender. Simply boil them for 2-3 minutes, then plunge them into ice water to maintain their vibrant color and crunch before rolling them in ham.
What cheese works best for the sauce?
Cheddar cheese is a classic choice for the sauce due to its meltability and rich flavor. However, you could also use Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a different taste. Just ensure the cheese is grated for easier melting.
Can this dish be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the roll-ups and the cheese sauce separately ahead of time. Assemble the rolls and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they're cold from the fridge.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).