November is National Bacon Month, arguably marking the most flavorful time of the year in our household. Alex and Sawyer are both huge fans of the standard bacon bake on a quiet Sunday morning, and I’ve been getting more creative in the kitchen with the ingredient in cozy, savory dishes.
McCormick Grill Mates’ new Marinated Bacon is latest in our fridge, and we appreciate its enhanced natural bacon flavor via its unique, first-of-its-kind three-step process. First, the bacon is marinated to soak in flavor, followed by a natural smoking process, and finished with McCormick Grill Mates’ expertly-prepared seasonings.
The thick cut premium bacon is available in four flavors: “Ultimate” Bacon (extra bacon flavoring, if that’s even possible!), Montreal Steak (McCormick’s flagship flavor), Smoky Applewood, and Brown Sugar Bourbon. It is currently available at independent grocery retailers. Ask your grocer if you don’t see it.
Though you can keep it simple with a classic breakfast plate or burger topping, I’ve used my batch of bacon to amp up the flavor of a go-to Thanksgiving holiday side dish!
My key to keep the bacon crispy is to place the bundles atop a roasting rack. This way, any fat drippings or glaze can drip off the vegetables without creating puddles (and, therefore ,soggy piles of vegetables!). This method ensures a clean, crisp bite.
Serves 6
2 bundles (about 2 pounds) thick asparagus, trimmed and rinsed
6 slices McCormick Grill Mates Brown Sugar Bourbon bacon
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt + pepper
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1. Heat oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil, followed by a cooling rack (which I double up as a roasting rack).
2. In a large bowl, toss asparagus in olive oil, salt and pepper. Take 6 or so asparagus spears and arrange in a bundle. Roll tightly with one piece of Grill Mates bacon, trimming excess bacon after a full wrap (An extra layer of bacon might not crisp up as well!). Place on rack-lined baking sheet, and continue until all bundles are arranged.
3. Place asparagus in oven. While roasting, whisk brown sugar, butter, and soy sauce. After 7-8 minutes of roasting, carefully remove baking sheet from oven, and brush bundles with brown sugar butter mixture. Place back in the oven and continue to roast until bacon crisps, about 8-10 more minutes.
4. Remove from oven, transfer to a serving platter, and serve hot.
This post is brought to you by McCormick Grill Mates Marinated Bacon. Thank you for being supportive of my sponsors!
