Oven-baked asparagus

Oven-roasted asparagus with bacon and cherry tomatoes

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

In the heart of spring, when nature comes back to life, asparagus becomes the star of the table. This delicious ingredient, with a subtle taste and a crunchy texture, is perfect for creating a refined dish. In this easy-to-make recipe, asparagus perfectly combines with bacon and cherry tomatoes, bringing a touch of freshness and flavor to your table. Whether served as a side dish or a main course, this oven-roasted asparagus will surely impress!

Ingredients

- 20 stalks of fresh asparagus
- 10 slices of English bacon
- 10 slices of Swiss cheese (or another type of cheese)
- 200 g cherry tomatoes
- Salt
- Pepper
- Olive oil (for greasing the baking tray)

Step-by-step preparation

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by cleaning the asparagus. Cut off the bottom part of each stalk, which is usually woody and less pleasant to taste. You can also bend the asparagus stalk and let it break naturally; it will snap at the point where it becomes tender. Then, rinse the asparagus well under cold running water.

2. Boiling the asparagus:
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add a teaspoon of salt. Place the asparagus in the boiling water and cook for about 5 minutes. It will become more vibrant in color and develop a slightly tender texture. After 5 minutes, remove it from the water and drain well.

3. Wrapping in bacon:
Take 2 stalks of asparagus and wrap them with a slice of bacon. Ensure that the bacon fits snugly around the asparagus for even browning during baking. This step not only adds flavor but also a wonderful crunchy texture.

4. Preparing the tray:
Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F). Grease a baking tray with olive oil, making sure it is well coated so the ingredients do not stick.

5. Assembling the dish:
Place the bundles of asparagus in the tray, leaving enough space between them for even cooking. Scatter whole cherry tomatoes throughout. These will not only add a sweet and fresh taste but also help prevent the bacon from drying out.

6. Baking:
Place the tray in the preheated oven and let the dish bake for 15 minutes. You will notice the bacon browning and becoming crispy while the asparagus retains its delicate texture.

7. Adding cheese:
After 15 minutes, remove the tray from the oven and place the Swiss cheese slices on top of the asparagus bundles. Put the tray back in the oven for another 5 minutes, until the cheese melts and turns golden.

8. Serving:
Once the cheese is melted and the asparagus bundles are browned, take the tray out of the oven. Let the dish rest for a few minutes, then serve warm. You can add a drizzle of olive oil and a bit of freshly ground pepper for extra flavor.

Chef's tip

If you want to add a touch of freshness, you can sprinkle a little lemon juice over the dish before serving. This will balance the flavors and provide a pleasant acidity.

Nutritional benefits

Asparagus is an excellent source of vitamins, especially vitamin K, which plays a crucial role in bone health. It is also rich in antioxidants and low in calories, making it ideal for a healthy diet. Bacon, while delicious, should be consumed in moderation, but it provides a dose of protein and healthy fats.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use another type of cheese? Yes, you can experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or parmesan, for a different flavor.
- What can I do with leftovers? If you have a few bundles left, you can use them in salads or add them to omelets for a delicious breakfast.
- How can I store the dish? This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days in an airtight container. It can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

Variations

To add a touch of originality, you can sprinkle spices like sweet paprika or fresh herbs (basil, oregano) over the asparagus bundles before placing them in the oven. You can also experiment with other vegetables, such as zucchini or mushrooms, cooked in a similar style.

Delicious combinations

This oven-roasted asparagus pairs perfectly with a juicy steak or grilled fish. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a green salad with a simple dressing of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Additionally, a bottle of dry white wine would perfectly complement this refined meal.

In conclusion, oven-roasted asparagus with bacon and cherry tomatoes is a simple yet sophisticated recipe that will bring a touch of elegance to your table. Whether you choose to serve it as a side dish or a main course, it is a healthy and delicious choice, perfect for any occasion. Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: 20 asparagus spears, 10 slices of English bacon (bacon, ham, ...), 10 slices of Swiss cheese (cheddar, ...), cherry tomatoes, salt, pepper

 Tags:  asparagus