Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Bundles

Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Bundles

I think asparagus is such an elegant vegetable!  One of my favorite ways to serve it is roasted, lightly brushed with olive oil and glazed with a sweet balsamic vinegar.  For special occasion meals, these bacon wrapped bundles are a way to "spruce up" the menu a little.  They have such a pretty presentation, but, are so very simple to prepare.  I've included an optional dipping sauce but, it truly is optional.   Grate the Parmesan-Romano cheese yourself, or if you choose to purchase it, make sure you use a really good quality cheese blend for the best results.

You'll need:
2 lb asparagus, cleaned, woody ends removed
1 lb bacon
1 cup finely grated Parmesan-Romano cheese
olive oil or olive oil cooking spray
garlic salt & freshly ground black pepper
Optional dipping sauce:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2-3 Tbsp Italian dressing
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

Preheat the oven to 425°F.  Spritz a roasting pan with cooking spray.  Set up all of your ingredients before you begin to wrap the bundles.  Brush the asparagus spears lightly with olive oil or spritz with cooking spray.  Season with garlic salt [lightly] and black pepper.  [tip: Go light with the salt. The Parmesan-Romano cheese will add extra saltiness to the bundles]

Bundle the asparagus in three's.  Use one slice of bacon per bundle.  Start wrapping the bacon around the stems tightly beginning at the bottom.  If you choose to use baby asparagus, a half slice of bacon should be enough. Roll in the grated Parmesan-Romano cheese and lay seam side down on the baking pan.  Make sure the bundles aren't touching.  Repeat until all of the asparagus and bacon slices have been used. 

Place into the oven and bake for 23-25 minutes depending on the thickness of the asparagus. Turn halfway through cooking.  Increase the oven temperature to broil and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes to fully crisp the bacon.  Sprinkle with additional Parmesan-Romano cheese to garnish.  Serve warm with the dipping sauce if desired. Yield: 14-16 bundles

Found recipe here: http://melissassouthernstylekitchen.blogspot.com/2013/04/bacon-wrapped-asparagus-bundles.html?m=1