Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Bundles
Introduction
If you're looking for a delicious and impressive appetizer or side dish, these bacon wrapped asparagus bundles are your answer! Not only are they incredibly easy to make, but the combination of salty bacon and tender asparagus is a match made in heaven. Plus, they look stunning on a platter and will impress any guests.
Ingredients
- 1 lb asparagus spears, trimmed
- 8-10 slices bacon
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Lay a slice of bacon flat on a cutting board. Place 3-4 asparagus spears on top of the bacon and wrap the bacon around tightly. Repeat with the remaining bacon and asparagus spears.
- Brush the bacon wrapped asparagus bundles with the balsamic mixture.
- Arrange the bundles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Variations
- Instead of balsamic vinegar, you can use soy sauce, honey mustard or even maple syrup.
- Add some spice with red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
- Top with some grated parmesan cheese or chopped nuts for added texture.
Tips and Tricks
- Make sure to wrap the bacon tightly around the asparagus so that it doesn't unravel while baking.
- If you have thicker asparagus spears, blanch them in boiling water for a minute or two before wrapping in bacon to ensure they cook properly.
- This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to feed a large crowd.
Conclusion
These bacon wrapped asparagus bundles are a crowd-pleaser and will make your guests think you spent hours in the kitchen. But with just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can have a delicious and impressive appetizer or side dish in no time. So go ahead and give it a try, your taste buds will thank you!