Parmesan and Bacon Roasted Asparagus Recipe

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Asparagus with Bacon and Parmesan

This easy and flavorful recipe combines roasted asparagus, crispy bacon, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a side dish for your favorite meal.

Ingredients

• 4 slices bacon
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 pound asparagus, washed, trimmed, and dried
• 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400F (200C). Line a 12x18-inch sheet pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large non-stick skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat for about 8 minutes, or until crisp and brown. Remove the bacon from the skillet, crumble it, and set aside. Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings in the skillet.
3. Add olive oil, minced garlic, salt, paprika, and black pepper to the drippings in the skillet. Stir and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until the garlic becomes fragrant.
4. Add the asparagus to the skillet, tossing it quickly to coat with the seasoned oil. Remove the skillet from the heat.
5. Transfer the asparagus to the prepared sheet pan, spreading it out in a single layer. Roast in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the asparagus is crisp-tender.
6. Once done, place the asparagus on a serving platter. Sprinkle with shaved Parmesan cheese, top with crumbled bacon, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Cook's Note

The asparagus used in this recipe was about 1/2-inch in diameter, and it was cooked to a crisp-tender stage. If you prefer softer asparagus, increase the cooking time. Thinner asparagus may not need as much roasting time.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 166
• Total Fat: 11g (14% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 4g (19% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 22mg (7% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 703mg (31% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 8g (3% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 3g (10% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 10g (21% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 9mg (10% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 143mg (11% Daily Value)
• Iron: 1mg (8% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 353mg (8% Daily Value)

History of Parmesan and Bacon Roasted Asparagus

The combination of asparagus, bacon, and Parmesan cheese is a modern twist on traditional Mediterranean and European flavors. Asparagus itself has been cultivated since ancient Egypt, where it was valued for its medicinal properties and delicate taste. The pairing of asparagus with cheese can be traced back to Italian cuisine, where cheese often enhances the natural flavors of vegetables. The addition of crispy bacon, however, is a more recent addition, likely inspired by American culinary innovation. This dish showcases a harmony of textures and flavors that balances the earthiness of asparagus with the savory crispiness of bacon and the creamy sharpness of Parmesan. The modern iteration of roasted asparagus with bacon and Parmesan has gained widespread popularity as a side dish in the United States, where it is celebrated for its ease of preparation and rich taste.

Regional Variations

Asparagus is widely grown around the world, and its preparation varies depending on the region. In Mediterranean countries, such as Italy and Spain, asparagus is often featured in salads or lightly sauted with olive oil and garlic, highlighting the vegetable's natural flavor. In the United States, however, the inclusion of bacon and Parmesan cheese reflects a penchant for bold flavors and indulgent dishes. The recipe for Parmesan and bacon roasted asparagus represents a blend of Italian ingredients with an American sensibility, making it a fusion of two culinary traditions. In regions where asparagus is in abundance, such as California and the Pacific Northwest, this dish is particularly popular in spring when fresh asparagus is at its peak.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

While roasted asparagus is a common dish, what sets this recipe apart is the inclusion of two distinctive ingredients: crispy bacon and shaved Parmesan cheese. Many asparagus recipes use simple seasonings or olive oil for roasting, but the addition of bacon introduces a salty, smoky flavor that enhances the vegetable's natural sweetness. Similarly, while Parmesan is often paired with vegetables in Italian cuisine, its use in this dish creates a rich, savory topping that adds depth. The combination of texturescrunchy bacon, creamy cheese, and tender asparaguscreates a satisfying dish that's a step above standard vegetable side dishes. In comparison, similar dishes such as "asparagus with hollandaise" focus on creamy sauces, whereas this recipe emphasizes a lighter, yet flavorful, contrast of textures.

Where It's Typically Served

Parmesan and bacon roasted asparagus is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. It is often served as a side dish during dinner, particularly with meats like grilled chicken, roasted pork, or steak. It is a favorite at holiday dinners such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, offering a delicious vegetable option that complements the rich flavors of the main courses. Additionally, this dish can be found at upscale restaurants, where the refined pairing of ingredients like bacon and Parmesan elevate a simple vegetable. It's also an ideal choice for dinner parties or gatherings, as it is both visually appealing and easy to prepare, allowing hosts to focus on other aspects of the meal.

Interesting Facts

Asparagus is known for its high nutritional value, offering a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. In particular, it is rich in folate, which supports cell growth and regeneration. It also contains high levels of fiber, which aids digestion, and vitamin K, which promotes bone health. Another fun fact about asparagus is that it is a natural diuretic, often used to help with fluid retention. When it comes to its flavor, asparagus has a unique ability to balance both bitter and sweet notes, making it an ideal companion for various seasonings and ingredients, such as the savory bacon and rich Parmesan in this recipe.

Despite its nutritional benefits, asparagus has earned a humorous reputation for causing a distinctive smell in urine, a fact that many people find amusing and occasionally a source of embarrassment. This smell is due to a sulfur compound called asparagusic acid, which is only detectable by some individuals. The presence of this compound adds a quirky element to the otherwise sophisticated nature of the vegetable.

This dish also highlights the growing trend of using bacon in unexpected ways, as the crispiness of bacon complements the delicate texture of asparagus. Many modern cooks experiment with bacon to create a variety of flavors, such as using it in salads, pastas, and vegetable dishes, making bacon an adaptable ingredient that continues to surprise and delight home chefs around the world.

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