Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Spears with Tomatoes and Taleggio Cheese: An Irresistible Appetizer
This recipe for Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Spears with Tomatoes and Taleggio Cheese is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even a light lunch. The salty, crispy bacon perfectly complements the tender asparagus, while the juicy tomatoes and creamy Taleggio cheese add a burst of flavor and richness. This dish is surprisingly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, making it ideal for both casual gatherings and more formal occasions.
## Why This Recipe Works
* **Flavor Combination:** The combination of salty bacon, fresh asparagus, sweet tomatoes, and pungent Taleggio cheese creates a symphony of flavors that tantalizes the taste buds.
* **Texture Contrast:** The crispy bacon contrasts beautifully with the tender asparagus and the soft, melting Taleggio cheese, providing a delightful textural experience.
* **Ease of Preparation:** This recipe is surprisingly simple and quick to prepare, requiring minimal cooking skills.
* **Versatility:** This dish can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or light lunch, making it suitable for various occasions.
* **Visual Appeal:** The vibrant colors of the ingredients make this dish visually appealing and enticing.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Asparagus:** 1 pound, thick spears preferred
* **Bacon:** 1 pound, thinly sliced
* **Cherry Tomatoes:** 1 pint, halved
* **Taleggio Cheese:** 4 ounces, rind removed and cubed
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced
* **Fresh Thyme:** 1 tablespoon, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
* **Salt:** To taste
* **Black Pepper:** To taste
* **Balsamic Glaze:** For drizzling (optional)
## Equipment You’ll Need
* Baking sheet
* Parchment paper (optional, but recommended for easy cleanup)
* Large bowl
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Small bowl for mixing
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Spears with Tomatoes and Taleggio Cheese:
**1. Prepare the Asparagus:**
* Wash the asparagus spears thoroughly under cold running water.
* Snap off the tough ends of the asparagus spears. To do this, hold each spear near the end and gently bend it. The spear will naturally break at the point where it becomes tough. Discard the tough ends.
* If the asparagus spears are very thick, you can use a vegetable peeler to peel the bottom third of each spear. This will help them cook more evenly.
* Place the prepared asparagus spears in a large bowl.
**2. Prepare the Tomatoes:**
* Wash the cherry tomatoes thoroughly under cold running water.
* Halve the cherry tomatoes and add them to the bowl with the asparagus.
**3. Prepare the Taleggio Cheese:**
* Remove the rind from the Taleggio cheese. The rind is edible, but it can be quite strong and may not be to everyone’s liking.
* Cut the Taleggio cheese into small cubes and set aside.
**4. Season the Vegetables:**
* In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped fresh thyme, salt, and black pepper.
* Pour the olive oil mixture over the asparagus and tomatoes in the large bowl.
* Toss the vegetables thoroughly to ensure they are evenly coated with the seasoning.
**5. Wrap the Asparagus with Bacon:**
* Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
* Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup (optional, but recommended).
* Take one asparagus spear and wrap it with a slice of bacon, starting at one end and overlapping the bacon as you go. Secure the bacon end with a toothpick if necessary, although this is usually not required if the bacon is wrapped tightly.
* Repeat this process with the remaining asparagus spears and bacon slices.
* Arrange the bacon-wrapped asparagus spears on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not overcrowded.
**6. Add Tomatoes and Taleggio Cheese:**
* Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes around the bacon-wrapped asparagus spears on the baking sheet.
* Distribute the cubed Taleggio cheese evenly over the asparagus and tomatoes.
**7. Bake the Dish:**
* Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender-crisp. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the asparagus spears and the crispness you prefer for the bacon. Keep a close eye on the dish to prevent the bacon from burning.
**8. Let it Rest (Briefly):**
* Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the Taleggio cheese to cool slightly and the flavors to meld together.
**9. Serve and Enjoy:**
* Transfer the Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Spears with Tomatoes and Taleggio Cheese to a serving platter.
* Drizzle with balsamic glaze, if desired.
* Serve immediately and enjoy!
## Tips and Variations
* **Type of Bacon:** While thinly sliced bacon is generally preferred for this recipe, you can use thicker-cut bacon if you prefer a chewier texture. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the bacon is cooked through.
* **Cheese Variations:** If you don’t have Taleggio cheese, you can substitute it with other soft, creamy cheeses such as Brie, Camembert, or even goat cheese. Each cheese will impart a slightly different flavor to the dish, so experiment to find your favorite combination.
* **Vegetarian Option:** For a vegetarian version of this recipe, you can replace the bacon with smoked tofu or marinated tempeh. Cut the tofu or tempeh into strips and wrap them around the asparagus spears as you would with bacon.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the olive oil mixture for a touch of heat.
* **Add Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs such as rosemary, oregano, or basil. Fresh herbs are always best, but dried herbs can also be used.
* **Lemon Zest:** Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the olive oil mixture for a bright, citrusy flavor.
* **Grilling:** This recipe can also be made on the grill. Wrap the asparagus spears with bacon as directed and grill over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender-crisp. Be sure to turn the asparagus spears occasionally to ensure they cook evenly.
* **Air Fryer:** You can also cook this in an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the bacon-wrapped asparagus spears in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender-crisp.
* **Make Ahead:** You can prepare the asparagus spears and wrap them with bacon ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake them. Add the tomatoes and cheese just before baking.
* **Serving Suggestions:** Serve this dish as an appetizer at your next party, as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or as a light lunch with a side salad. They can be served hot, warm, or at room temperature. They are great for picnics too.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)
* **Calories:** 250-350
* **Fat:** 20-30g
* **Saturated Fat:** 10-15g
* **Cholesterol:** 50-70mg
* **Sodium:** 500-700mg
* **Carbohydrates:** 5-10g
* **Fiber:** 2-3g
* **Protein:** 10-15g
*Note: Nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes.*
## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
**Q: Can I use frozen asparagus?**
A: While fresh asparagus is preferred for its texture, you can use frozen asparagus in a pinch. Be sure to thaw the asparagus completely and pat it dry before wrapping it with bacon. Keep in mind that frozen asparagus may be a bit softer than fresh asparagus, so you may need to adjust the cooking time.
**Q: Can I use turkey bacon?**
A: Yes, you can use turkey bacon as a healthier alternative to pork bacon. However, turkey bacon tends to be less fatty than pork bacon, so it may not get as crispy. You may need to increase the cooking time slightly to ensure the turkey bacon is cooked through and crispy.
**Q: How do I prevent the bacon from burning?**
A: To prevent the bacon from burning, keep a close eye on the dish while it’s baking. If the bacon starts to brown too quickly, you can tent the baking sheet with aluminum foil to slow down the cooking process.
**Q: Can I add other vegetables?**
A: Absolutely! You can add other vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or red onion to this dish. Just be sure to cut the vegetables into small pieces so they cook evenly.
**Q: How long will leftovers last?**
A: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
**Q: Can I freeze this dish?**
A: Freezing is not recommended as it can affect the texture of the asparagus and cheese. The bacon may also become soggy upon thawing.
**Q: What drinks pair well with this appetizer?**
A: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with this appetizer. You can also serve it with a light beer or a sparkling cider.
**Q: Is Taleggio cheese vegetarian?**
A: Taleggio cheese can be vegetarian, but it’s essential to check the label to ensure it is made with vegetarian rennet. Some Taleggio cheeses use animal rennet, making them unsuitable for vegetarians.
**Q: How can I make this recipe gluten-free?**
A: This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure the bacon is gluten-free (some brands may contain gluten). Also, check the label of the balsamic glaze if you are using it, as some brands may add gluten-containing thickeners.
**Q: Can I use a different type of vinegar instead of balsamic glaze?**
A: Yes, you can substitute balsamic glaze with a different type of vinegar, such as red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. However, keep in mind that balsamic glaze has a sweeter and more concentrated flavor than other vinegars. If using a different vinegar, you may want to add a touch of honey or maple syrup to balance the acidity.
**Q: How do I store Taleggio cheese properly?**
A: Taleggio cheese should be stored in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper to prevent it from drying out. It is best consumed within a week of opening.
**Q: What is the best way to reheat this dish?**
A: The best way to reheat this dish is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the bacon may not be as crispy.
**Q: Can I use prosciutto instead of bacon?**
A: Yes, you can use prosciutto instead of bacon for a slightly different flavor profile. Prosciutto is saltier and has a more delicate texture than bacon. Keep in mind that prosciutto cooks faster than bacon, so you may need to reduce the cooking time slightly.
**Q: How do I know when the asparagus is cooked properly?**
A: The asparagus should be tender-crisp, meaning it should be tender but still have a slight bite to it. You can test the asparagus by piercing it with a fork. If the fork slides in easily, the asparagus is cooked.
**Q: What other dipping sauces would go well with this appetizer?**
A: Besides balsamic glaze, other dipping sauces that would complement this appetizer include: aioli, pesto, honey mustard, or a simple lemon-herb vinaigrette.
## Conclusion
Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Spears with Tomatoes and Taleggio Cheese is a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of flavors and textures is truly irresistible, and the easy preparation makes it a winner for both novice and experienced cooks. So, gather your ingredients, follow these instructions, and prepare to impress your family and friends with this delightful appetizer!