Spearcarrier
Spearcarrier features tender asparagus and ham rolled into bundles, topped with a creamy, cheesy sherry-flavored sauce on crispy toasted bread, perfect for elegant appetizers or light meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place 2 to 3 asparagus spears on one end of each ham slice and roll up to form 6 bundles.
- Heat cream cheese and milk in a saucepan over low heat, stirring often until smooth.
- Blend in sherry, onion salt, and nutmeg until well combined.
- Butter the toasted bread slices, trim crusts, and cut each slice diagonally.
- Place one ham bundle on each toast point.
- Spoon 2 tablespoons of hot cream cheese sauce over each ham bundle and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Broil for 2 to 3 minutes until warm and browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked ham instead of regular cooked ham. If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese and omit the sherry. To enhance the dish, add fresh herbs like chives or parsley to the cream cheese mixture. For a crunchier texture, try adding crushed crackers as a topping before broiling.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delicious ham and asparagus bundles as an appetizer or a light lunch paired with a fresh garden salad or a bowl of soup, such as Mama'S Clam Chowder. They also make a wonderful addition to a brunch spread, complementing items like an E-Z Baked Omelet or Three Cheese Potatoes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the bundles in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through, ensuring the bread stays crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spearcarrier contains roughly 1824 calories, with 32g protein, 205g carbohydrates, and 102g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (151% of the Daily Value), iron (87% of the Daily Value), and calcium (85% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 921mg per serving (40% 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
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the ham with roasted red peppers or marinated artichoke hearts. Use the same cream cheese sauce and serve it over toasted bread for a delicious alternative that retains the original dish's essence.
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).