Asparagus Appetizers: 13 Twists and Turns to Make Your Party Come to Life

There are two ways of organizing a get together with appetizers and drinks.

One: You go nuts at the store buying a ton of gourmet food, and spend hours online researching the perfect asparagus appetizers recipe.

“Ah, yes! Now’s the time to make Jacques Pepin’s turducken!”

“Ohhh! How about an eggs Florentine roulade!”

“Heeyyy, I’ll make Julia Child’s cheese soufflé!”

And you feel pretty good about yourself, because it’s going to be a stellar spread.

Or, you just look at what you have in the larder and refrigerator and make a menu from that.

And of course – it’s the happiest day – when you discover asparagus in the crisper.

Asparagus, the world’s most elegant vegetable.

Asparagus does it all

It cooks quickly, and brings an inimitable taste of freshness to every appetizer. Like Ginger Rogers, it dances backwards and in high heels.

It does goat yoga. It can restore a 1962 Pontiac Grand Prix, and make it look effortless.

And, best of all, it pairs perfectly with everything you want in an appetizer spread too.

Cheese, dough, herbs, meat, other vegetables, and grains.

It also loves to absorb flavors, both sweet and savory. So, a little balsamic vinegar checks both of those boxes.

And it loves Asian flavors too, so don’t be shy about giving it all the sesame and soy love you can.

So, there’s a reason that you grin when you find that hidden treasure in the crisper.

And if you only have half a bundle in the fridge or several bundles of leftover asparagus, you can’t go wrong when you’re planning drinks and food with friends.

So, grab a few bundles from the grocery store or food stand.

Roasted, steamed, broiled, or puréed, asparagus shines wherever – and however – it’s prepared.

Asparagus Appetizer Ideas: Our List to Get the Party Started!

When we think of asparagus appetizers we think of colors, textures, and contrasting – or similar flavor profiles.

Asparagus just wants to be petted and adored, and those are the ideas we’ve laid out for these asparagus hors d’oeuvres.

From stunning sushi rolls that will make your guests agog, to perennial favorites like the perfectly caramelized piece of prosciutto wrapped around a crisp-tender piece of asparagus, to Asian beef-wrapped asparagus – you’re going to find inspiration for a cocktail party, or a game day, or just a weeknight meal with a soupçon of festiveness.

We’re not going to claim we have it all, but we do have a lot.

1. Crescent Wrapped Asparagus

Herby creamy cheese and flaky crescent rolls make the perfect wrapping for crisp tender asparagus.

Imagine greeting your guests at the door, taking their coats, and ushering them into the living room where you have a platter of these piled high.

Their eyes will light up like a kid on Christmas morning.

“Are these, for me?”

“Yes, Virginia. There is a Santa Claus.”

Get all the delicious tips on how to make these addictive appetizers from Susie over at Simply Sated.

2. Asian Beef-Wrapped Asparagus

Beef and asparagus. Asparagus and beef. Where have we heard those combinations before? Oh, on our takeout menu from the restaurant down the block!

But, you could up the ante and turn those flavors into a delicious appetizer in your own place.

Marinate the meat in some tamari, sesame oil, and scallions, and sprinkle the asparagus with a gentle shower of Chinese 5-spice powder or other seasonings.

Then gently roast or blanch the asparagus, roll the meat around the asparagus, and grill or broil those little packets of flavor to perfection.

Then step back from the table and smile broadly.

You’ve won the night.

3. 1-Minute Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus

Asparagus doesn’t have better pals than prosciutto and parmesan.

The salty, crispy, broiled prosciutto wrapped around the parmesan and asparagus just makes everyone want to nosh.

And nosh.

And then pour a tipple of wine and luxuriate around the fireplace while music gently plays in the background.

Your guests will be raving about your hospitality and appetizers for weeks.

What’s not to love at the mere mention of classic prosciutto appetizers?

Bonus: These are the perfect make-ahead asparagus appetizers. Just pop them in the broiler when your guests arrive.

Check out this video from Seonkyoung Longest and learn the tricks to make this iconic appetizer.

4. Asparagus and Spreadable Cheese Toast with Roasted Peppers

Gather ye herbs and gourmet peppercorns while ye may.

For they long to be on breaded crusts adorned with savory cheese, with sweet peppers and your belly will say, “yay!”

For what could be richer than a cocktail in one hand and a one-bite nosh in the other?

It’s a feast for the eyes and nose, and will fill your mouth with wonder!

(Seriously though, some simply roasted asparagus and bell peppers on a good baguette with peppery cheese will make your whole table shine.)

5. Asparagus Tomato Parmesan Squares

We can’t speak for everyone, but when it comes to the word appetizers, the first thing we think of is “puff pastry.”

And then our brain feels like we’re hearing the ticking of a roller coaster cart going up a big incline. So exciting!

As we travel down the roller coaster and our hair is blowing behind us, we joyfully think: “Pesto!”

Then, as we go back up the roller coaster and back down toward the loopty-loop, we think: “Cheese!”

And then, when we safely land on the platform and we’re giddy and gleeful, we think: “Asparagus and tomatoes!”

Whew. That was a wild ride.

And it ends with one of our favorite asparagus appetizer ideas.

Check out Ellen’s recipe for a delightfully simple and rousing appetizer over at Confessions of an Overworked Mom for all the goodness.

6. Puréed Asparagus Soup

Hey, if it’s good enough for Padma on Top Chef, it’s good enough for us!

Serve a brilliantly seasoned asparagus soup in small cups, and watch it evaporate in front of your guest’s eyes.

“Wait, I had a full cup a minute ago? Where did it go?”

“It disappeared in between sips of your merlot. You’ve gotta watch those soups, they’re always in flight!”

Load it up with tons of fresh herbs like dill or even mint, and behold the rustic simplicity of everyone’s favorite spring vegetable.

7. Puff Pastry Tarts with Asparagus, Mozzarella, and Zucchini

Grab that fluted pizza cutter, and get ready to watch a puff pastry appetizer shine.

You can imagine how the flakes of pastry are just going to explode in pure joy on the table, right?

A little shower of flakey crumbs, and then when you slide the pieces of this creamy and decadent tart onto plates you’ll practically hear your guests salivate from across the buffet.

Of course, we could ignore what our mothers taught us – and we could just keep these bits of delectability your ourselves.

Sharing can be overrated.

8. Brie Asparagus Phyllo Tarts

We love pairing brie with other yummy foods.

And in our humble opinion, triple cream brie makes the world go ‘round.

We mean, the name says it all.

Triple.

Cream.

Brie.

So, of course it’s creamy and decadent, and you might hide some for after the guests go home so you can indulge all by yourself. That’s cool.

We don’t judge, we might even do the same thing ourselves.

But, when you spread the brie love around in little bites, it does make it easier to share.

And when everyone is indulging in soft warm brie with caramelized onions and buttery sautéed asparagus enveloped in crispy phyllo shells – well, the sun shines a little more brightly.

Grab the recipe from Shawn at I Wash You Dry here.

9. Quiche with Salmon and Asparagus

Oh, heck yeah. What would be more lip-smacking than smoked salmon atop of an eggy asparagus quiche?

Salty.

Elegantly simple.

And stunning.

You can make the quiche in a large tart pan and slice it, or you could *squee* make them in little mini-muffin tins for the ultimate in appetizer wow factors.

Whichever works for you is definitely going to work for everyone else.

So, pull out that favorite cookbook and start whisking some eggs.

10. Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

♪Brunch, I hear you calling, and I think you’ll be alright. Me and the boys are playin’, and we’re making asparagus wrapped in bacon ♪

Okay, that 1970s KISS song doesn’t have anything to fear from our songwriting skills.

However. C’mon.

Bacon-wrapped asparagus is something whose praises should be sung – and sung loudly.

Smoky and salty, with perfectly cooked asparagus, this would be perfect as a brunch appetizer brunch with a glass of champagne.

It’s no doubt one of the best ways to season asparagus day or night!

 

11. Parmesan Puff Pastry Wrapped Asparagus

Swirly, twirly, puff pastry wrapped around asparagus is an incredibly elegant presentation.

Just look at it.

You want to pick it up like a children’s toy, just to watch the dough go up and down, up and down when you roll it between your hands.

But, remember. This is elegant, so wait until no one is looking before you indulge in whimsy.

Grab the recipe from Julie at Appetizer Addiction to learn the technique.

12. Asparagus Sushi Squares with Caviar

Imagine the look on your guests’ faces when you yell, “voila!” and uncover a platter of these sushi squares.

They might place their collective hands on their chests and yell en masse, “Oh, my!”

Some may faint.

Some may weep in pure joy.

We’re not soothsayers, so we can’t fully predict how the evening will start off.

But, we can confidently say this: You will get a standing ovation. So, start practicing those bows.

13. Baked Asparagus Fries

What’s the word on the street about these asparagus fries?

Well, we’d like to tell you, but we can’t hear over all the delightful crunching sounds echoing up and into our windows.

I guess that answers the question, doesn’t it?

Everyone loves crunchy and crispy asparagus coated in panko and parmesan.

They’re perfect with a cold beer while watching the game.

Grab the fun recipe from London at Evolving Table.

Asparagus Appetizers: Settin’ Yourself Up for Success!

So, we took a deep dive into some of the possibilities for asparagus appetizer recipes, but there are a few more things to consider when pulling these together into a full meal or making your cocktail party presentation really shine.

When serving appetizers, it’s almost as much fun to picture how they will be presented to your guests as it is to come up with the recipes themselves.

It’s a truism that we eat with our eyes, but this is even more true when it comes to appetizers.

Do you have your grandparent’s platters?

Do you want to hit lawn sales and look for silver under a patina of dirt that just begs to be lovingly cleaned and brought back to life?

What about chilling pieces of granite in the refrigerator for a few hours to place your cold asparagus appetizers on? Talk about a stuffing presentation!

The world is your oyster when it comes to a beautiful presentation.

Also, don’t be shy about getting the kids involved! Give them sturdy plates or silver platters and let them make the rounds of the room.

You’d be amazed how much they love to play “server.”

Grab Your Partner, Spin ‘Em Round!

Whether asparagus is laden in a special sauce, wrapped in bread product, upscale meat, or cheese – it’s sure to be the perfect opening to your evening.

And don’t be shy about letting the appetizer set the tone for the meal to follow.

Partner your main meal to your appetizers, or partner your appetizers to the main meal.

Either way, you want your asparagus to be complemented.

For instance, the twirled puff pastry-wrapped asparagus would be an amazing starter for a perfectly seasoned and grilled piece of succulent steak.

Throw some potatoes dauphinoise, and a crisp salad in a lemon vinaigrette, and you have the perfect midweek meal. Or date night. Or dinner party.

In any of those scenarios the juiciness of the steak, and the richness of the potatoes will play off the acidity of the vinaigrette.

And then when you start the evening off with the crisp appetizers filled with the bright earthiness of asparagus? Well – that’s a pretty special combination.

Also, just think how amazing those sushi rolls topped with caviar would be as an opening to a meal of soy and sake-brushed grilled salmon with puckery pickles on the side?

That would be eyepoppingly delicious.

Hopefully these ideas get your imagination going and inspire a beautiful and delectable spread of asparagus appetizers recipes.

With such a perfect ingredient at the center, it’s hard to go wrong.