Grilled Virginia Ham-Wrapped Asparagus

Introduction

Smoky, crisp, and incredibly simple — this Virginia Ham-Wrapped Asparagus recipe lets the fresh asparagus char to perfection on the Arteflame Grill, while the thinly sliced ham crisps up around each spear, sealing in flavor and delivering restaurant-quality results right in your backyard.

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh asparagus, woody ends trimmed
• 1/2 lb thinly sliced Virginia ham
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for griddle)
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional: Lemon zest or shaved parmesan for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the fire bowl.
2. Stack dry firewood on top of the oiled napkins.
3. Light the napkins and let the fire build — the Arteflame grill is ready to cook in about 20 minutes.

Step 2: Prep your asparagus

1. Wash asparagus and trim the tough ends off the bottom.
2. Pat each spear dry.
3. Rub a tiny amount of butter onto each spear for flavor.

Step 3: Wrap asparagus with ham

1. Take one slice of Virginia ham and wrap it tightly around each asparagus spear on a slight diagonal.
2. Secure the ends by pressing gently — the ham should adhere easily.

Step 4: Grill on the Arteflame flat top

1. Add butter to the hotter edge area near the center of the Arteflame flat cooktop griddle.
2. Place the ham-wrapped asparagus onto the flat top using tongs, closest to the center for crispier texture or further out for slower cooking.
3. Let them cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until the ham starts to crisp.
4. Gently roll each spear to crisp the other side evenly.
5. Total grilling time is about 6–8 minutes, depending on thickness.

Step 5: Serve and garnish

1. Remove from grill and plate hot.
2. Optional: Sprinkle with lemon zest or shaved parmesan for an added burst of flavor.

Tips

• Use medium to thick asparagus spears so they don’t overcook before the ham crisps.
• Use the inner hot zones on the cooktop for faster crisping, and the outer areas if you need to slow things down.
• Drizzle with fresh lemon juice for brightness or top with cracked pepper for zing.
• Don’t add salt – the Virginia ham brings enough saltiness.
• Use butter instead of oil to enhance the natural flavors on the Arteflame cooktop.

Variations

1. Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus: Substitute Virginia ham with prosciutto for a saltier, more delicate flavor.
2. Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus: Use thin-cut bacon and grill a bit longer for added crunch and smoky taste.
3. Cheese-Stuffed Ham-Wrapped Asparagus: Insert a thin slice of mozzarella or fontina inside the ham roll for a melty center.
4. Spicy Ham-Wrapped Asparagus: Add crushed red pepper flakes or brush the spears with chili butter before wrapping.
5. Maple-Glazed Virginia Ham Asparagus: Lightly brush the ham with maple syrup halfway through grilling for sweet caramelized notes.

Best pairings

• Grilled ribeye steak (start on center grate, finish on griddle)
• Charred sourdough bread with compound herb butter
• Arteflame-seared fingerling potatoes with rosemary
• Fresh white wine like Sauvignon Blanc
• Lemon-garlic aioli as a dipping sauce

Conclusion

This Arteflame-fired Virginia Ham-Wrapped Asparagus proves you don’t need a lid to enjoy incredible grilled flavor. Thanks to the flat cooktop and powerful heat zones of the grill, you get beautifully seared ham and perfectly grilled asparagus with minimal prep and no cleanup.