Are you looking to elevate your side dish game? Look no further than this delectable Oven-Roasted Asparagus with Asiago, Bacon, and Garlic recipe. It’s a delightful twist on a classic, combining tender asparagus with the rich flavors of garlic, crispy bacon, and savory Asiago cheese. Perfect for any occasion, this dish is simple to prepare yet impressively delicious.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lb (680g) fresh asparagus
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup (100g) Asiago cheese, shredded
- 4 slices bacon, cooked, drained of fat, chopped
Directions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While the oven heats up, trim the ends of the fresh asparagus.
- Asparagus Prep: Place the trimmed asparagus in a 2.5 quart casserole dish. Drizzle the olive oil over the asparagus and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Add the minced garlic to the dish and mix everything well to ensure the asparagus is evenly coated.
- Roasting Phase One: Roast the asparagus in the preheated oven, uncovered, for 10 minutes. This initial roasting will start the cooking process and infuse the flavors of garlic into the asparagus.
- Layering Flavors: Once the initial roasting is complete, remove the dish from the oven. Sprinkle half of the shredded Asiago cheese over the roasted asparagus, followed by the chopped cooked bacon. Finally, top with the remaining half of shredded Asiago cheese, ensuring each spear is generously covered.
- Final Roasting: Return the dish to the oven and roast for an additional 10 minutes, still uncovered, at the same temperature (425°F or 220°C). This final roasting phase will create crispy edges on the asparagus while allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once roasted to perfection, remove the dish from the oven and serve the Oven-Roasted Asparagus with Asiago, Bacon, and Garlic hot. Each bite promises a burst of flavor and a satisfying crunch that will leave your taste buds craving more.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 247 kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Protein: 15g
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Serving Suggestions: Serve Oven-Roasted Asparagus with Asiago, Bacon, and Garlic as a delightful side dish alongside your favorite main course. It pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, steak, or fish. For a complete meal, serve over a bed of fluffy quinoa or alongside creamy mashed potatoes.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the roasted asparagus just before serving for a pop of color and an extra burst of freshness.
- Make-Ahead Option: While this dish is best served fresh out of the oven, you can prepare the asparagus ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 24 hours before roasting. Add the cheese and bacon just before reheating for the best flavor and texture.
- Storage: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the asparagus in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the bacon for a vegetarian-friendly version of this dish. Instead, consider adding toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts for added texture and flavor.
- Cheese Substitutions: Don’t have Asiago cheese on hand? No problem! You can substitute it with other cheeses such as Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, or even sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- Spice it Up: Add a kick of heat by sprinkling crushed red pepper flakes over the asparagus before roasting. This will add a spicy dimension to the dish that complements the savory bacon and cheese.
- Herb Infusion: Infuse extra flavor into the dish by adding a sprinkle of dried herbs such as thyme, oregano, or rosemary before roasting. Alternatively, toss the asparagus with a tablespoon of freshly chopped herbs like basil or parsley after roasting for a burst of freshness.
- Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle a balsamic glaze over the roasted asparagus just before serving for a tangy and slightly sweet flavor contrast. You can make your own balsamic glaze by simmering balsamic vinegar with a touch of honey or brown sugar until thickened.
- Asiago and Prosciutto: Replace the bacon with thinly sliced prosciutto for a gourmet twist on the classic recipe. The salty, savory flavor of the prosciutto pairs perfectly with the nuttiness of Asiago cheese.
- Creamy Sauce: Create a creamy sauce to serve alongside the roasted asparagus by mixing together Greek yogurt or sour cream with a splash of lemon juice, minced garlic, and chopped fresh dill or chives. Drizzle the sauce over the asparagus just before serving for a luxurious finish.
- Asian Fusion: Give the dish an Asian-inspired twist by seasoning the asparagus with soy sauce, sesame oil, and minced ginger before roasting. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for an extra pop of flavor.
- Mediterranean Flavors: Add Mediterranean flair to the dish by topping the roasted asparagus with crumbled feta cheese, chopped Kalamata olives, and diced sun-dried tomatoes. Finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of dried oregano for a taste of the Mediterranean.
- Pesto Perfection: Toss the roasted asparagus with a spoonful of homemade or store-bought pesto sauce just before serving. The vibrant flavors of basil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese in the pesto will complement the roasted asparagus beautifully.
FAQs:
- Can I use other types of cheese? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses such as Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, or even Gouda for a unique twist.
- Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon? Yes, you can substitute turkey bacon for regular bacon if you prefer a leaner option.
- Can I roast the asparagus on a baking sheet instead of a casserole dish? Yes, you can roast the asparagus on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Can I use frozen asparagus? While fresh asparagus is recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen asparagus in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before roasting.
- How do I know when the asparagus is done roasting? The asparagus should be tender but still slightly crisp. You can test for doneness by inserting a fork into the thickest part of the spear—it should pierce easily.
- Can I make this dish dairy-free? Yes, you can omit the cheese or substitute it with dairy-free alternatives such as nutritional yeast or vegan cheese.
- Can I add other vegetables to the dish? Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added variety and flavor.
- Can I roast the asparagus ahead of time and reheat it later? Yes, you can roast the asparagus ahead of time and reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
- Can I grill the asparagus instead of roasting it in the oven? Yes, you can grill the asparagus on a preheated grill over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and slightly charred.
- Can I add fresh lemon juice to the dish? Absolutely! A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the roasted asparagus just before serving adds a bright and refreshing flavor to the dish.
Elevate your culinary repertoire with this Oven-Roasted Asparagus with Asiago, Bacon, and Garlic recipe. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special gathering, this dish is sure to impress with its irresistible combination of flavors and textures. Try it today and savor every bite!