Over the years, I have found that combining vegetables with savory flavors can create an unforgettable appetizer, and one of my all-time favorites is Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus with Parmesan. Not only is this dish visually appealing, but it also packs a punch of taste that will surely impress your guests. In this tutorial, I will walk you through the steps to prepare this delicious and simple recipe.
Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus with Parmesan
Tender asparagus spears wrapped in smoky bacon, roasted to perfection, and topped with grated Parmesan cheese. A savory appetizer or side dish that's sure to impress.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 35 min
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh asparagus spears, trimmed
- 8 slices smoky bacon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Divide the asparagus spears into bundles of 3-4 spears each, depending on their thickness.
- Wrap each bundle tightly with a slice of smoky bacon, starting at the bottom and spiraling up to the tip. Place the bacon-wrapped bundles seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the bundles and season with black pepper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender.
- Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the hot bundles.
- Serve warm as an appetizer or side dish.
Nutrition
- Calories: 180 calories
- Fat: 14g
- Carbs: 4g
- Protein: 10g
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Facebook PinterestFirst, let’s gather the ingredients you will need:
- 1 pound of fresh asparagus
- 8-10 slices of bacon
- ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- Salt (to taste)
Now that you have everything ready, let’s get started with the steps:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your bacon-wrapped asparagus cooks evenly and becomes crispy.
Step 2: Prepare the Asparagus
Wash the asparagus thoroughly and trim off the woody ends. I usually cut about 1-2 inches from the bottom. Tender asparagus is key to a better bite!
Step 3: Season the Bacon
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, black pepper, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to create a seasoning blend. This will add an incredible flavor not only to the bacon but also to the asparagus.
Step 4: Wrap the Asparagus
Take a slice of bacon and wrap it around each asparagus spear, starting from the bottom and spiraling upwards. Leave the tip unwrapped, as it adds a nice look to the final dish. Once wrapped, place your bacon-wrapped asparagus on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This helps to catch any drippings and makes for easier cleanup.
Step 5: Sprinkle with Parmesan
Before placing your baking sheet in the oven, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese generously over the wrapped asparagus. The cheese will melt and create a delightful, crispy layer as the dish bakes.
Step 6: Bake
Put the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. The bacon should be crispy and the asparagus tender. You might want to check halfway through to ensure everything is cooking evenly.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Once done, take the baking sheet out of the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Serve the Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus with Parmesan on a beautiful platter and garnish with extra Parmesan, if desired. This fantastic dish is perfect for parties, holidays, or simply enjoying a savory snack any time of the day.
I hope you enjoy making and indulging in this delightful recipe. Happy cooking!
