Savory Asparagus, Ham, and Cheese Strudel

The Savory Asparagus, Ham, and Cheese Strudel is a modern twist on the classic Asparagus Strudel, a typical dish from South Tyrol. Prepared like the traditional sweet strudel but reimagined as a savory tart, this rustic appetizer is perfect for a variety of occasions, from dinners with friends to buffet-style aperitifs.

I’ve experimented with many types of Savory Strudels and I have to say they’ve always been a source of great satisfaction. The strudel is incredibly versatile and can be filled with just about anything: fish, meat, or vegetables. For this reason, it truly is a lifesaver recipe: you can prepare it in advance with whatever you have on hand and serve it whenever needed. If you’re a fan of strudels with bold flavors, besides the Asparagus, Ham, and Cheese Strudel, you can also try a Puff Pastry Strudel with sausage, stracchino cheese, and potatoes, or a Savory Strudel with Gorgonzola and pears!

Ingredient notes: In Italy, this strudel is often prepared with puff pastry as the base, which is easy to find in most supermarkets chilled or frozen. For the cheese, varieties like scamorza, fontina, or taleggio are preferred for their meltability and robust flavor. If you can’t find scamorza or fontina, you can substitute with other melting cheeses such as provolone, mozzarella, or even Swiss cheese. Use thinly sliced prosciutto (Italian cured ham); if unavailable, cooked ham or even smoked ham are fine alternatives, though the flavor will be slightly different. For best results, use fresh, tender asparagus. If asparagus is out of season, you can substitute with thin green beans or lightly cooked broccoli stems, though the classic flavor comes from asparagus.