Ingredients:
- 1 pound asparagus spears, trimmed
- 8-10 slices of bacon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Wrap each asparagus spear with a slice of bacon, starting at the bottom and wrapping upwards towards the tip.
- Place the bacon-wrapped asparagus on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the asparagus.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender.
- Remove from the oven and serve hot.
Tips and Variations:
This recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to your liking. Here are some tips and variations:
- If you prefer your asparagus to be more tender, blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before wrapping them in bacon.
- For a smokier flavor, use smoked bacon instead of regular bacon.
- Want to add some extra crunch? Sprinkle some chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, on top of the asparagus before baking.
- For a vegetarian version, skip the bacon and brush the asparagus with the balsamic glaze before baking.