These phyllo asparagus rolls are a fantastic way to enjoy fresh asparagus while adding a satisfying crunch. Wrapped in delicate phyllo dough and baked to golden perfection, they make a fun appetizer for any occasion.
This recipe handles challenges of sogginess, uneven cooking, and lack of flavor often faced in making appetizers with phyllo dough and asparagus.
I’ve faced my fair share of challenges with phyllo dough; it can be tricky to work with, especially if it’s not handled carefully. But that love for perfectly crispy bites keeps me inclined to experiment with it. Honestly, these rolls have become a family favorite, especially when I’m in need of a quick yet impressive appetizer for guests.
This recipe is super reliable, taking only about 30 minutes to whip up from start to finish. With a blend of butter and cheese, the flavors meld beautifully, and the texture is wonderfully crunchy. You might even find yourself adding this to your regular rotation!
If you want to try another easy appetizer that pairs well with any meal, check out my Toasted Coconut Marshmallows.
Table of contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Crispy Texture , The layers of phyllo dough create an exciting crunch that pairs beautifully with the tender asparagus. It’s a satisfying contrast that keeps each bite interesting and enjoyable.
- Fresh Asparagus Flavor , Featuring bright and vibrant asparagus, this appetizer highlights seasonal produce. The asparagus not only tastes great but packs in nutrients that boost your eating experience.
- Quick Prep Time , With just 15 minutes of prep, these appetizers come together without fuss. You’ll spend more time enjoying them than actually making them, making it a breeze for busy days.
- Make-Ahead Option , You can prep these the day before and pop them in the oven when you’re ready to serve. This flexibility is ideal for parties or spontaneous gatherings, as they taste best hot out of the oven.
Phyllo Asparagus Spring Appetizers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cool Time:
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 30-33 minutes
- Yield: 8 pieces 1x
- Category: appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy phyllo asparagus rolls baked to perfection. A delightful vegetarian appetizer.
Ingredients
-
- 16 spears (about 1 bunch) fresh asparagus, young and tender
- 3 sheets phyllo dough, thawed
- 1/3 cup (75g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup (50g) Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- Optional: pinch of freshly grated lemon zest for brightness
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat Your Oven: Set oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). This temperature cooks the rolls evenly, ensuring a crispy, golden finish.
- Step 2: Prepare Phyllo Dough: Carefully unwrap phyllo and remove three sheets, keeping the remainder covered to prevent drying out. Phyllo is delicate and cracks easily if uncovered.
- Step 3: Brush with Butter: Lightly brush one sheet with melted butter using a pastry brush, then layer another sheet on top. Repeat until three sheets are layered. By brushing lightly, you avoid sogginess while creating crisp layers.
- Step 4: Cut the Phyllo: Cut the stacked phyllo sheets into rectangles or triangles of uniform size using a sharp knife or pizza cutter. Uniform pieces ensure even baking and easier rolling.
- Step 5: Add Cheese: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese evenly across the phyllo pieces—about 1 tablespoon per piece is ideal. This adds a savory note close to the asparagus.
- Step 6: Roll It Up: Place an asparagus spear at one end of each phyllo piece and roll tightly. A snug roll prevents filling from spilling during baking. If phyllo tears, gently patch it with a small piece of additional phyllo.
- Step 7: Bake: Arrange the rolled pieces on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until rolls are golden brown and crisp. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking for even cooking. If undercooked, add 5 more minutes, watching for a light golden color.
- Step 8: Enjoy Warm: Let the rolls cool for a few minutes on a rack before serving. They are most flavorful and crisp when warm.
Notes
-
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container and consume within 1 day to maintain crispness.
- Refrigeration: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispness.
- Freezing: Wrap individual rolls in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe container, freeze up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
- Handle phyllo dough gently and keep it covered to avoid drying out.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best melting and flavor.
- If phyllo tears, patch carefully with small phyllo scraps to prevent filling leakage.
- Brush butter sparingly between layers to ensure crispness without sogginess.
- Rotate baking sheet midway for even heat and consistent browning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Ingredient Notes
- Phyllo dough: Use fresh phyllo dough for the best texture. Ensure it’s thawed properly to avoid tears, as it’s delicate and needs gentle handling.
- Asparagus: Go for young, tender asparagus spears. They should be bright green and snap easily when bent, this ensures freshness and better flavor!
- Olive oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil adds richness and helps the phyllo become golden and crispy. Choose an oil with a vibrant flavor for more depth.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic will give a nice punch. Mince it finely for an even distribution of flavor throughout your dish and to avoid large, overpowering bites.
- Parmesan cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting quality. It adds a savory richness that complements both the phyllo and asparagus.
- Lemon zest: Fresh lemon zest brightens up the dish! Use a microplane to extract the zest without the bitter white pith for a burst of citrus aroma.
- Phyllo dough: Use fresh phyllo dough for the best texture. Ensure it’s thawed properly to avoid tears, as it’s delicate and needs gentle handling.
- Asparagus: Go for young, tender asparagus spears. They should be bright green and snap easily when bent, this ensures freshness and better flavor!
- Olive oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil adds richness and helps the phyllo become golden and crispy. Choose an oil with a vibrant flavor for more depth.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic will give a nice punch. Mince it finely for an even distribution of flavor throughout your dish and to avoid large, overpowering bites.
- Parmesan cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting quality. It adds a savory richness that complements both the phyllo and asparagus.
- Lemon zest: Fresh lemon zest brightens up the dish! Use a microplane to extract the zest without the bitter white pith for a burst of citrus aroma.
Recipe Tips
- If phyllo tears while rolling, gently reassemble it with a small piece of additional phyllo to patch the tear before baking.
- When the phyllo dough remains soggy, ensure each layer is brushed lightly with butter to allow air circulation and a crisp texture.
- If your rolls are undercooked, bake an additional 5 minutes while monitoring for a light golden brown color on the phyllo.
- For uneven crispness, rotate the baking sheet halfway through cooking to ensure even heat distribution around the rolls.
- If the cheese does not melt properly, check that it was evenly sprinkled over the phyllo and consider using freshly grated Parmesan for better results.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side of mixed greens or a light Mediterranean pasta salad. You can also complement with a zesty citrus quinoa salad for added freshness.
Use to make a delicious asparagus quiche or add to savory tarts for brunch. Consider incorporating phyllo asparagus into a vegetable platter or charcuterie board as well.
Top with a drizzle of balsamic reduction or a dollop of lemon aioli for a tangy finish. You can also sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or chives for extra flavor.
Recipe variations
- You can use prosciutto slices instead of asparagus to roll with the phyllo sheets for a savory meat-filled version of these appetizers.
- Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder or 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill to the Parmesan cheese before sprinkling over the phyllo triangles for extra flavor.
- Either frozen or fresh asparagus can be utilized; if using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry to prevent soggy phyllo during baking.
- If serving a larger group, double the phyllo sheets to 6 and increase asparagus spears to 32, baking in batches on a greased baking sheet.
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How to Store?
To keep your phyllo asparagus spring appetizers fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
Room Temperature: Place in an airtight container at room temperature and consume within 1 day to maintain crispiness and freshness.
Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to restore phyllo crispness.
Freezing: Wrap individually in plastic wrap, place in a freezer container, and freeze up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
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