Bacon & Cheese Phyllo Wrapped Pickled Asparagus: The Ultimate Crispy & Savory Appetizer
Elevate your appetizer game with these stunning Bacon & Cheese Phyllo Wrapped Pickled Asparagus bundles. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a sophisticated, hot appetizer that promises both incredible flavor and a beautiful presentation. Imagine flaky, buttery phyllo dough generously sprinkled with savory bacon crumbles and a rich blend of Parmesan and Romano cheeses, all wrapped around perfectly spiced, zesty pickled asparagus spears. This dish isn’t just an appetizer; it’s a show-stopping culinary creation designed to impress at any gathering, from casual get-togethers to elegant parties.
When you think of pickled asparagus, your mind might instantly jump to garnishing a zesty Bloody Mary. While it excels in that role, pickled asparagus is incredibly versatile, offering a unique flavor profile that can enhance a multitude of dishes. Don’t limit its potential; let your culinary imagination wander! These Bacon & Cheese Phyllo Wrapped Pickled Asparagus appetizers are a prime example of how this tangy vegetable can be transformed into something truly extraordinary. The combination of crispy bacon, a harmonious blend of Romano and Parmesan cheeses, and the delicate, buttery layers of phyllo dough beautifully complement the distinct, deliciously spiced pickled asparagus. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors, making it an unforgettable experience.
The secret to the exceptional flavor of these appetizers lies in the quality of the pickled asparagus. When each jar is crafted with a recipe like “Mom’s Killer Asparagus Recipe,” you won’t need to add any additional spices. The pickling process infuses the asparagus with a vibrant, zesty taste, eliminating the need for further seasoning and streamlining your prep time. This foundational flavor ensures every wrapped spear is packed with a delightful kick and aromatic notes.
This post is proudly sponsored by Ely Farms, a company whose Nebraska-made products I genuinely love and endorse. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
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Discovering Ely Farms: A Family Legacy of Flavor
So, who exactly is Ely Farms? Allow me to introduce you to this incredible family and their truly inspiring journey! Their story began back in 1998, gathered around a humble kitchen table in Grafton, Nebraska. Neal Ely, a young, ambitious individual, was faced with a significant decision: choosing his project for the Future Farmers of America (FFA). For those unfamiliar, FFA is an organization dedicated to preparing future generations for the challenges of feeding a growing population.
It was during this family discussion that a brilliant idea struck them: Asparagus! They realized they could not only grow this popular vegetable but also leverage Neal’s mother, Tami’s, incredible family recipe for pickling it. This beloved family recipe had already perfected the art of preserving their favorite vegetable, making it the ideal foundation for Neal’s FFA project. This fateful decision marked the birth of Ely Farms and their celebrated pickled asparagus.
The Distinctive Flavor of Ely Farms’ Pickled Asparagus
The pickled asparagus recipe from Ely Farms is truly special. It boasts a lively, zesty dill and garlic flavor, perfectly balanced with a subtle yet noticeable kick from a red hot chili pepper. The texture is wonderfully crisp and refreshing, providing a satisfying snap with every bite. You’ll taste the fresh, aromatic notes of garlic and dill, followed by that delightful touch of spice, compliments of one red hot chili pepper added to each jar. This meticulous balance of ingredients ensures the flavor profile of this pickled asparagus product is absolutely superb – not too spicy, not too mild, but just right.
Beyond being the star of our appetizer, Ely Farms’ pickled asparagus offers immense versatility. Imagine garnishing your next Bloody Mary with a long, vibrant spear for an added layer of flavor and visual appeal. Take it tailgating for a refreshing and unexpected snack, or elegantly dress up any relish tray for a sophisticated touch. These pickled asparagus spears truly shine as an excellent appetizer on their own, a delightful hors d’oeuvre, or a flavorful condiment to accompany various dishes.
The quality and innovation of Ely Farms Pickled Asparagus Spears were recognized nationally when they became an FFA entrepreneur winner. Since their humble beginnings in 1999, Ely Farms Pickled Asparagus Spears have grown to become a highly acclaimed specialty product throughout the state of Nebraska, celebrated for its truly unique and irresistible taste. This award-winning distinction speaks volumes about the dedication and quality behind every jar.
Initially, sales of Ely Farms Pickled Asparagus originated in their quaint hometown of Sutton, Nebraska. However, their reputation for exceptional quality and flavor quickly spread. In recent years, their pickled asparagus product has expanded its reach into surrounding states, captivating taste buds in Iowa, Kansas, and Colorado. For those eager to try this acclaimed specialty, you can find Ely Farms Pickled Asparagus Spears in various grocery stores and specialty shops across these regions. And of course, for convenient access, you can always purchase them online directly from their website, or through the “Buy Nebraska” platform at Buy Nebraska.
When I first embarked on creating an appetizer worthy of this amazing family and their exceptional company, I knew it had to be nothing short of epic! I’ve made similar recipes in the past, often using traditional bread dough and fresh asparagus. However, the best part about utilizing pickled asparagus instead of fresh asparagus in this recipe comes down to two crucial factors: unparalleled flavor and significant time savings.
With fresh asparagus, you typically need to blanch it first and then meticulously season it to achieve a desirable flavor. But with Ely Farms’ pickled asparagus, all that preparatory work has already been done for you! Each jar is perfectly infused with red hot chili pepper, an exquisite blend of spices, salt, and garlic. Furthermore, the pickling vinegar imparts a special “zip” and a distinct tangy brightness that truly sets this appetizer apart from any other. This pre-seasoned, perfectly textured asparagus ensures a consistently delicious and effortlessly prepared dish, allowing you to focus on the joy of creating and serving.
Ingredients Needed to Make Bacon & Cheese Phyllo Wrapped Pickled Asparagus:
- One Jar of Ely’s Farms Pickled Asparagus Spears: The star ingredient, offering a zesty, pre-seasoned foundation.
- Phyllo Dough Sheets: For that irresistibly crisp, golden, and flaky wrapper.
- Bacon Crumbles: Adding a smoky, salty, and savory crunch.
- Shredded Parmesan Romano Cheese Blend: A rich, nutty, and slightly sharp flavor that perfectly complements the bacon and asparagus.
- Melted Butter: Essential for creating those distinct, crispy layers of phyllo dough.
Now, let’s walk through the preparation process step-by-step. You’ll find the complete, detailed recipe, including precise measurements and instructions, conveniently located at the bottom of this post. Get ready to create a truly impressive appetizer!
Working with delicate phyllo dough does require a bit of patience, so consider that your first ingredient! 😉 But rest assured, the exquisite reward of perfectly crisp, golden appetizers is absolutely worth the effort.
To begin, lay a single sheet of phyllo dough flat on a piece of parchment paper. Using a pastry brush, gently and evenly coat the entire surface with a light layer of melted butter. This butter layer is crucial for achieving that signature flakiness.
Next, carefully place another sheet of phyllo dough directly on top of the buttered layer. Brush this new sheet lightly with melted butter as well. Continue this layering and buttering process until you have a stack of four phyllo sheets, with each layer generously brushed with melted butter in between. This creates a sturdy yet flaky foundation for your appetizers.
Once your four-sheet stack is complete, it’s time to cut it into smaller, manageable pieces. Using a sharp pizza cutter (it’s surprisingly effective for this!), first cut the entire stack in half lengthwise, creating two long rectangles. Then, cut those two rectangles in half side to side, resulting in four smaller, uniform rectangles. Finally, cut each of these four rectangles diagonally from corner to corner. This will yield a total of eight perfect triangles, each ready to be filled.
Take each phyllo triangle and lightly brush it with a touch more melted butter. This extra butter helps with browning and adds another layer of richness. Then, generously sprinkle each triangle with a pinch of crispy bacon crumbles and a spoonful of the shredded Parmesan Romano cheese blend. Ensure the toppings are spread somewhat evenly to maximize flavor in every bite.
Now for the wrapping! Place two pickled asparagus spears at the widest end (the base) of each phyllo triangle. Carefully but firmly, begin to roll the phyllo dough upwards towards the narrow tip of the triangle. Maintain a snug roll to keep the asparagus and fillings secure within the phyllo layers.
Once rolled, secure the end of each phyllo bundle with a dab of melted butter. This helps seal the seam and ensures the appetizer holds its shape during baking. Arrange each completed bundle neatly on a cookie sheet that has been lined with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
For an extra touch of cheesy goodness and a beautiful golden crust, I like to give each phyllo bundle another light sprinkle of cheese just before they go into the preheated oven. This creates a delicious, slightly crispy topping that adds to their allure.
Bake until the phyllo dough turns a beautiful golden brown and appears light, crisp, and wonderfully flaky. Keep a close eye on them as phyllo can brown quickly. Once they reach this perfect stage, carefully remove them from the oven and prepare to serve your delectable appetizers warm!
Shortcuts, Tips & Essential Utensils for a Smoother Appetizer Preparation
These five-ingredient Bacon & Cheese Phyllo Wrapped Pickled Asparagus appetizers are undeniably fantastic for parties, tailgating events, or any watch party gathering. While the recipe is straightforward, a few key tips and tricks can make the preparation process significantly smoother and more enjoyable.
The most crucial piece of advice when working with phyllo dough is to **keep it covered while you work**. Phyllo dough is extremely delicate and dries out very quickly when exposed to air, making it brittle and difficult to handle. It typically comes frozen, so ensure you thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight or for several hours before you even attempt to unwrap and unroll it. If it’s not fully thawed, it will break easily. To prevent it from drying out as you assemble your appetizers, keep the unused sheets covered with a slightly damp (but not wet!) kitchen towel. This simple step will save you a lot of frustration and ensure your phyllo remains pliable.
Here’s a clever shortcut I frequently use for bacon: instead of frying an entire package of bacon just for a small quantity of crumbles, I opt for **pre-cooked real bacon pieces** found in the salad dressing aisle of most grocery stores. However, I don’t use them straight from the package. These can sometimes be a bit chewy or contain less appealing fatty pieces. To transform them into perfect, crispy crumbles, simply toss them into a hot frying pan for a couple of minutes over medium heat. Stir them around, and they’ll crisp right up, tasting just like freshly cooked bacon without the mess!
For precise and effortless cutting of the phyllo dough, a **pizza cutter** is your best friend. Its sharp, rolling blade glides through the delicate layers without tearing them, ensuring clean cuts. To minimize cleanup and maximize efficiency, perform all your phyllo cutting and rolling on a piece of parchment paper. You can then simply transfer the parchment paper with the prepared bundles directly onto your baking sheet.
Finally, when it comes to cheese, if you’ve never invested in a good quality **Parmigiano Reggiano cheese**, now is the time to try it. The flavor difference is immense, and once you do, you’ll likely never go back to pre-shredded varieties. For the best taste and texture, shred it fresh yourself. You can use a regular box cheese grater, a convenient rotary cheese grater, or for larger quantities, your food processor with the grating attachment will make quick work of it. Freshly grated cheese melts beautifully and delivers a superior flavor that truly elevates these appetizers.
One jar of Ely Farms Pickled Asparagus Spears is surprisingly generous, yielding enough spears to make a double batch of these delightful Bacon & Cheese Phyllo Wrapped Pickled Asparagus appetizers. And even after preparing all those delicious bundles, you’ll likely still have a couple of spears remaining – perfect for garnishing that well-deserved Bloody Mary! It’s a win-win situation, ensuring both plentiful appetizers and a refreshing drink.
^LOVE IT? PIN IT!^
If you adore this recipe for Bacon & Cheese Phyllo Wrapped Pickled Asparagus as much as we do, make sure to pin it to your favorite Pinterest board! This way, it’ll be easy to find and revisit whenever you’re ready to whip up a batch of these incredibly flavorful and visually appealing appetizers. Don’t let this crowd-pleasing recipe get lost!
Stay connected with Ely Farms to discover even more culinary inspiration! Follow them on their website, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube channels. There, you’ll find exciting new recipes, product updates, and information on their growing range of pickled delights, including their delicious Pickled Okra and their newest offering, Pickled Green Beans!
Appetizer season is officially here, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with these incredibly tasty and elegant Bacon & Cheese Phyllo Wrapped Pickled Asparagus! Don’t waste another moment – gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy this delightful appetizer recipe. Happy cooking! 
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Print Recipe
Bacon & Cheese Phyllo Wrapped Pickled Asparagus
Equipment
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Ely Farms
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13×18 Half Sheet Pan
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ZYLISS Classic Rotary Cheese Grater – NSF Restaurant Certified
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KitchenAid Classic Pizza Wheel
Ingredients
- 16 spears of Ely Farms Pickled Asparagus about half of a 16 ounce jar
- 4 sheets Phyllo Dough thawed
- 1/4 stick butter melted
- 1/3 cup shredded Parmesan Reggiano cheese
- 1/4 cup crisp bacon crumbles about two slices, cooked and crumbled
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Cover a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
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Lay a sheet of parchment paper down on a flat surface. Lay one sheet of Phyllo dough down, and using a pastry brush, coat it lightly in melted butter.
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Carefully lay another sheet of Phyllo dough over the top of the buttered sheet. Butter that one. Repeat this until you have 4 sheets stacked on top of one another and buttered in between.
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Cut the dough in half lengthwise, then in half again side to side. Now you have 4 rectangles.
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Cut each of the 4 rectangles corner to corner, now you have 8 triangles.
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Brush a triangle lightly with butter, sprinkle with a pinch of both cheese and bacon. Lay two asparagus spears at the bottom of the triangle. Carefully roll it up to the short end. Seal seam with melted butter.
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Place the bundles on the prepared cookie sheet. Sprinkle lightly with a little more cheese.
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Bake for approximately 14 minutes. Watch closely so they don’t burn. They are done with they are crispy and golden brown. Serve warm.
Notes
These can be made ahead and baked when ready to eat. Just make sure to keep them covered so they don’t dry out!
Nutrition