## Relish the Delight with Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus Bundles
Say goodbye to your same-old side dishes and appetizers and welcome the outstanding delicacy of Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus bundles. This visually stunning and taste-bud-tantalizing dish brings you the perfect combo of tender, fresh asparagus wrapped snugly within a delectable slice of bacon. Complement this with a hint of lemon zest, and you have a winning recipe on your hands!
## Why Make Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus Bundles?
Why not? This dish is equipped with an array of fascinating features. The few ingredients needed and the easy steps involved make it the go-to recipe for every kitchen novice and professional. Plus, with its dazzling visual appeal and the perfect combination of flavors, these asparagus bundles are a sure shot way to impress all food lovers in every gathering or family dinner.
## How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus Bundles
The journey to making these bundles of joy starts with gathering all the necessary ingredients.
### Ingredients:
– 16 asparagus spears, trimmed
– 8 slices of bacon
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp lemon zest (optional for extra flavor)
### Directions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Toss the asparagus spears in olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder for an even coating.
3. Wrap each bundle of two asparagus spears with one slice of bacon, overlapping slightly. Secure with a toothpick if necessary.
4. Arrange the bundles on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender.
6. Remove from the oven, sprinkle lemon zest over the bundles (if using), and serve warm.
## How to Serve Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus Bundles
These bundles can be served as a mouth-watering appetizer, perfect to start any meal with a bang. Alternatively, you can serve them as a side dish along with meals like Steaks, roasts, or grilled chicken.
## How to Store Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus Bundles
In the unlikely event that anything remains, you can store the bundles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To serve again, simply reheat them in a toaster or regular oven until warm and serve.
## Tips to Make Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus Bundles
– To ensure the bacon doesn’t shrink too much during cooking, choose a medium or thick-cut bacon.
– While wrapping bacon on the asparagus, slightly overlap the slices to ensure a secure wrap.
## Variation
The bacon can also be flavored with other herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or cayenne pepper depending upon your preference.
## FAQs
**1. Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?**
Yes, Turkey bacon can be a good alternative if you want a healthier version of the dish. However, this might alter the taste profile slightly.
**2. What can I substitute for asparagus?**
In case you do not prefer asparagus, you may try using other vegetables like green beans; keep in mind the cooking times might vary.
**3. Can this dish be made in advance and reheated?**
Yes, but for the best results, it is recommended to serve the bundles fresh out of the oven when the aroma of crispy bacon is at its peak. Reheating may result in less crispy bacon.