Elegant yet easy asparagus, pancetta and puff pastry bundles—featuring fresh asparagus, crispy pancetta, and parmesan wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Perfect for spring, Easter, or entertaining anytime.

Asparagus pancetta puff pastry bundles on a serving platter

You know I have a sweet tooth, but with spring’s return of fresh produce, my cravings sometimes shift savory. The other day I dreamed up this little appetizer to use up all of the asparagus in my fridge— combining it with pancetta, frozen puff pastry and Parmesan cheese—  and couldn’t wait to make it a reality.

These asparagus puff pastry bundles are a delicious combination of flavors and textures. And they couldn’t be easier to assemble and bake!  Perfect for Easter or any special occasion, they’re an effortless way to impress without the fuss.

Asparagus pancetta puff pastry bundles on a baking sheet

Why you should try this recipe

  • This recipe comes together quickly, with easy assembly and a short bake time.
  • Using store-bought puff pastry keeps it completely fuss-free. 
  • Fresh asparagus, crispy pancetta and sharp parmesan cheese create a delicious savory flavor combination.
  • The flaky pastry adds a satisfying buttery crunch to every bite.
  • These bundles are elegant and impressive!

“I make these every year for Easter. Everyone loves them. Making a double batch this year!⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐” —from reader Diane

“Made these with our Christmas dinner. Used prosciutto. Everyone raved about how good they were.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐” —from reader Michelle

Puff pastry prep for asparagus pancetta puff pastry bundles
Ingredients for asparagus pancetta puff pastry bundles

Ingredients you’ll need

  • Fresh asparagus: Thicker stalks work better in this recipe.
  • Parmesan cheese: Gruyère, asiago, or even sharp cheddar will also work.
  • Pancetta (Italian salt-cured pork belly): Bacon, prosciutto, or thin deli ham are fine substitutes.
  • Puff pastry: Frozen store-bought is great, but you can also make your own puff pastry if you want to be extra!
  • Olive oil, salt and pepper: For seasoning asparagus.
  • Egg wash: Made from whisked egg and water.
Ingredients for asparagus pancetta puff pastry bundles and one bundled asparagus pancetta puff pastry
Asparagus pancetta puff pastry bundles before baking

How to make asparagus pancetta puff pastry bundles

  1. Cut puff pastry into squares. Thaw it in the fridge overnight or on that counter for a few hours, then roll out, and cut into 9 squares.
  2. Prep asparagus and other ingredients.  Toss asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper for a light seasoning. Slice cheese and pancetta if needed.
  3. Assemble. Brush each pastry square with egg wash, then layer on pancetta, asparagus, and parmesan and wrap up. Brush with more egg wash.
  4. Bake. Bake in a 425°F oven for about 12 minutes until the pastry is golden and puffed.
  5. Serve and enjoy! These bundles are best served within a few hours of baking, either warm or at room temp.
Freshly baked asparagus pancetta puff pastry bundles on a serving platter

Recipe tips

  • I do not recommend frozen asparagus, as it won’t have the same firm texture and bundles may come out mushy and/or soggy.
  • Don’t skip the egg wash. It does more than just add color—it also works to bind the puff pastry together to keep them from popping open in the oven.
  • Can I prepare these ahead of time? You can assemble and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking, but for best results they should be baked and enjoyed the same day..

baking tip:What is the best store-bought puff pastry?

There are two main brands of store-bought puff pastry available in the United States: DuFour and Pepperidge Farm. DuFour is made with all-butter and has slightly better flavor and texture, but it’s found most often in specialty food stores like Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s. Pepperidge Farm is widely available at most grocery stores, but it’s made with shortening and doesn’t have quite the same flavor.

DuFour is recommended by most chefs, but honestly I’ve had delicious results with Pepperidge Farm puff pastry too.

More Baking Tips »

More elevated spring recipes

Asparagus pancetta puff pastry bundles on a serving platter
5 from 6 reviews

Asparagus Pancetta Puff Pastry Bundles

Servings: 9 bundles
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Bundles of asparagus, pancetta, parmesan cheese baking in puff pastry. Use frozen puff pastry to make this a super simple appetizer.
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Ingredients
 

  • 1 small bunch asparagus , woody ends removed (about ½ lb)
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese , grated or thinly sliced
  • 8 slices pancetta , see Note (about 2 oz)
  • 1 sheet puff pastry , thawed if frozen
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 large egg + 1 tablespoon water , for egg wash

Equipment

Sheet pans
Baking sheet pan
pastry brush
Pastry brush
a box of pre cut parchment paper baking sheets
Parchment baking sheets

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
  • Out a lightly floured surface, roll the puff pastry out to a large rectangle about about twice its size. Square off edges and cut into 9 squares.
  • Toss asparagus in olive oil and sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper.
  • To make the bundles, take a square of puff pastry and brush with egg wash. Place slice of pancetta on top, followed by 3-4 stalks of asparagus (depending on size) and parmesan cheese. Wrap pancetta around asparagus, then wrap with the puff pastry. Make sure the puff pastry overlaps some and press to seal. Brush puff pastry with more egg wash.
  • Bake until puff pastry is golden and puffed, about 12 minutes. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use can substitute prosciutto, bacon or deli ham for the pancetta, if desired.
Calories: 234kcal, Carbohydrates: 13g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 18g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 10g, Trans Fat: 0.02g, Cholesterol: 28mg, Sodium: 202mg, Potassium: 54mg, Fiber: 0.4g, Sugar: 0.3g, Vitamin A: 66IU, Vitamin C: 0.1mg, Calcium: 39mg, Iron: 1mg
Cuisine: American, Italian, Mediterranean
Course: Appetizer, dinner, Snack
Author: Annalise Sandberg
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Have you tried this recipe?I’d love to hear about it! Leave a rating and review below, or take a photo and tag it on Instagram @completelydelicious with #completelydelicious.

This recipe was originally posted March 2014.