Cream of Asparagus Soup with Crispy Prosciutto is a smooth, elegant soup that highlights fresh asparagus while remaining light and comforting. This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight but refined enough to serve as a starter for a dinner party. With peak asparagus in spring, the bright green flavor really shines through, and a few finishing touches—crème fraîche, snipped chives, and a crisp prosciutto crumble—turn it into a restaurant-worthy bowl at home.
This asparagus soup is blended until perfectly velvety and finished with a touch of crème fraîche for richness and brightness. If you prefer a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and skip the prosciutto or swap it for toasted nuts or croutons. The method is straightforward: sauté aromatics, simmer asparagus until tender, blend until silky, and garnish for contrast and texture.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup diced yellow onion (about ½ onion)
- 1 cup sliced green onion (about 4 green onions)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 lb asparagus, ends trimmed, cut into 1″ pieces
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- ¼ cup crème fraîche (or Greek yogurt as a substitute)
- 4 slices prosciutto, optional for serving
- Freshly chopped chives, for garnish
Step-by-Step
Step One: Sauté the Aromatics
In a medium soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, warm the butter and olive oil until the butter is melted. Add the diced yellow onion, sliced green onion, and minced garlic. Season with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onions soften and become translucent, about 4 minutes.
Step Two: Cook the Asparagus
Add the chopped asparagus to the pot and cook, stirring, until the stalks begin to soften, roughly 3–4 minutes. This step concentrates the asparagus flavor before simmering.
Step Three: Add Broth and Simmer
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer, cover, and cook until the asparagus is very tender, about 15–20 minutes. The exact time depends on the thickness of your asparagus.
Step Four: Crisp the Prosciutto (Optional)
If using prosciutto, preheat the oven to the highest broil setting. Arrange prosciutto slices in a single layer on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Broil on the middle rack, watching closely, until the prosciutto is crisp—about 3–5 minutes. Remove and let cool; it will continue to crisp as it rests. Break into small pieces for topping.
Step Five: Blend the Soup
When the asparagus is tender, remove the pot from heat. Working in batches if necessary, transfer the soup to a high-powered blender and add the crème fraîche (or Greek yogurt). Blend until completely smooth and silky. Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in the pot. Return the blended soup to low heat, taste, and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper.
Step Six: Garnish and Serve
Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Add a small dollop of crème fraîche to each bowl, scatter freshly chopped chives, and crumble one of the prosciutto crisps on top for crunch and saltiness. Finish with a grind of black pepper. Serve immediately.
Tips, Variations, and Storage
- Vegetarian option: use vegetable broth and omit prosciutto; top with toasted breadcrumbs or toasted almonds for texture.
- Crème fraîche substitute: plain Greek yogurt works well—temper it with a bit of hot soup before blending to avoid curdling.
- Make-ahead and storage: cool completely and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stove; add a splash of broth if the soup has thickened.
- Serving ideas: this soup pairs nicely with a crisp green salad or crusty bread and makes an elegant first course for spring menus.
Whether you’re celebrating spring asparagus or simply want a cozy, refined soup, this Cream of Asparagus Soup with Crispy Prosciutto balances freshness, creaminess, and texture. Try it as written or adapt it to your dietary preferences.
Photography and styling by Eat Love Eats.