Prepare to elevate your culinary game with a show-stopping dish that combines crispy bacon, tender asparagus, and delicate quail eggs in one irresistible bite! This luxurious recipe transforms simple ingredients into an elegant appetizer that will wow your guests and tantalize your taste buds. Whether you're hosting a brunch, planning a sophisticated dinner party, or simply craving a gourmet treat, these bacon-wrapped asparagus spears topped with perfectly cooked quail eggs are about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb asparagus, trimmed
- 8 slices bacon
- 8 quail eggs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Wash the asparagus thoroughly and trim off the tough woody ends. Pat the asparagus dry with paper towels to ensure the bacon adheres properly.
- Cut the bacon slices in half lengthwise to create thinner strips that will wrap more efficiently around the asparagus spears.
- Take each asparagus spear and wrap a half slice of bacon around it in a spiral motion, ensuring the bacon covers most of the asparagus while leaving the tips exposed.
- Arrange the bacon-wrapped asparagus on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded and have some space between each spear.
- Season the wrapped asparagus with a light sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for about 10-12 minutes, or until the bacon starts to crisp and the asparagus becomes tender.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and carefully crack a quail egg on top of each bacon-wrapped asparagus spear.
- Return the baking sheet to the oven and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the quail eggs are just set but the yolks remain runny.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 2 minutes. Drizzle lightly with olive oil for added flavor and shine.
- Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with additional freshly ground black pepper if desired. Serve immediately while warm.
Tips
- Choose thin to medium asparagus spears for the best texture and even cooking.
- Par-cook the bacon slightly before wrapping to ensure extra crispiness.
- Use kitchen twine or toothpicks to secure bacon if it doesn't stay in place.
- For uniform cooking, try to select asparagus spears of similar thickness.
- If quail eggs are hard to find, you can substitute with small chicken eggs, though the presentation won't be as delicate.
- Serve immediately after cooking to maintain the crisp bacon and runny egg yolk.
- For added flavor, consider sprinkling some herbs like thyme or chives before serving.
- Use a high-quality olive oil for the final drizzle to enhance the overall taste.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 230mg
