Welcome to a delightful twist on a classic vegetable dish. Asparagus Delight brings together the crisp freshness of asparagus with the savory goodness of smoked bacon, all baked to perfection.
Asparagus: The star of the show, asparagus offers a fresh, slightly grassy flavor that pairs beautifully with bacon. Trim off the woody ends for a tender bite.
Smoked Bacon: Adds a smoky, savory depth to the dish. When baked, it crisps up nicely, wrapping the asparagus in a delicious salty hug.
Olive Oil: Provides a light coating to help the seasoning adhere and adds a touch of richness.
Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of both the asparagus and bacon. Use sparingly, as the bacon will add some saltiness too.
Ground Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and complexity to the dish.
Garlic Powder: Infuses the asparagus with a gentle garlic flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
These asparagus bundles make a great side dish for roasted chicken or grilled steak. They also work well as a party appetizer. Arrange them on a platter with a dipping sauce like hollandaise or a balsamic reduction for extra flair.
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your asparagus and bacon cook evenly and come out perfectly crispy.
Next, take your fresh asparagus and trim off the tough, woody ends. A quick way to do this is to hold each stalk and bend gently until it snaps — it will naturally break at the right spot. Gather the asparagus into little bundles of three or four stalks each.
Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the bundles. You don’t need much; just enough to lightly coat them. Then, season them with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Be gentle with the salt if your bacon is particularly salty.
Now, wrap each bundle with a slice of bacon. If your bacon isn't holding, use a toothpick to secure it in place. This step is key for keeping everything together while it bakes.
Place your wrapped bundles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. The parchment will make cleanup a breeze and prevent sticking. Pop them into your preheated oven.
Bake for 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for the bacon to be crispy and the asparagus to be tender. Keep an eye on them towards the end to avoid burning.
Once baked to crispy perfection, remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. This allows the bacon to set a bit, making them easier to handle. Serve warm and enjoy!
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