Elevate your appetizer game with this exquisite Bacon & Cheese Phyllo Wrapped Pickled Asparagus. This hot appetizer isn’t just a treat for the taste buds; it’s a visual masterpiece, perfect for any gathering. Imagine delicate, flaky phyllo dough, generously sprinkled with savory bacon, rich Parmesan, and Romano cheeses, expertly wrapped around perfectly seasoned, crisp pickled asparagus spears. The result is a truly show-stopping appetizer that promises to impress your guests and leave a lasting impression.
Pickled asparagus is far more versatile than just a garnish for Bloody Marys. With a little culinary imagination, the possibilities are endless. These Bacon & Cheese Phyllo Wrapped Pickled Asparagus appetizers are a prime example of how this tangy vegetable can transform into an extraordinary dish. The combination of crispy bacon, a blend of sharp Romano and nutty Parmesan cheeses, and the ethereal crunch of buttery phyllo dough beautifully complements the zesty, perfectly spiced pickled asparagus. Each spear, brimming with flavor from “Mom’s Killer Asparagus Recipe,” ensures you won’t need any additional seasoning, making preparation a breeze.
This post is sponsored by Ely Farms, but my opinions and love of their Nebraska made products are all my own.
SOME OF THE ITEMS BELOW CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS; I AM A PARTICIPANT IN THE AMAZON SERVICES LLC ASSOCIATES PROGRAM, AN AFFILIATE ADVERTISING PROGRAM DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A MEANS FOR US TO EARN FEES BY LINKING TO AMAZON.COM AND AFFILIATED SITES. I AM ALSO AN AFFILIATE FOR OTHER BRANDS. HOWEVER, I ONLY PROMOTE THINGS THAT I LOVE AND THINK YOU WILL LOVE, TOO. FOR MY ENTIRE DISCLOSURE POLICY PLEASE CLICK HERE.
Discovering Ely Farms: A Story of Passion and Pickled Perfection
Ever wondered about the passionate people behind exceptional food products? Let me introduce you to Ely Farms and their inspiring family story, which began in Grafton, Nebraska. This isn’t just a brand; it’s a testament to family tradition, innovation, and a love for homegrown goodness.
The remarkable journey of Ely Farms started modestly in 1998 around a kitchen table in Grafton, NE. Young Neal Ely, with his family by his side, faced the exciting challenge of deciding on a project for his FFA (Future Farmers of America) participation that year. It was there that a brilliant idea bloomed: asparagus! They realized they could not only grow this beloved vegetable but also leverage his mom, Tami’s, incredible family recipe for pickling. This recipe, cherished for generations, was the secret ingredient that would set their product apart.
The Distinctive Flavor of Ely Farms Pickled Asparagus
What truly makes Ely Farms’ pickled asparagus a standout? It’s the unique flavor profile that delights with every bite. The recipe features a zesty dill and garlic infusion, perfectly balanced with a subtle, yet invigorating, red hot chili pepper kick. The texture is consistently crisp and refreshing, offering a delightful snap. Each jar is meticulously prepared with this harmonious blend of garlic and dill, complemented by just one red hot chili pepper, ensuring a perfectly calibrated spiciness that enhances without overpowering. This meticulous attention to flavor balance makes their pickled asparagus a truly exceptional product.
Beyond these phyllo wrapped appetizers, Ely Farms pickled asparagus spears are incredibly versatile. They make an unforgettable garnish for a classic Bloody Mary, elevating the drink with their crisp texture and bold flavor. Take them tailgating for a unique snack, or simply dress up any relish tray for an elegant touch. Whether served as a standalone appetizer, a sophisticated hors d’oeuvre, or a flavorful condiment, Ely Farms pickled asparagus consistently delivers a premium taste experience.
From Local Project to National Acclaim: The Ely Farms Journey
Ely Farms Pickled Asparagus Spears are more than just a delicious product; they represent an entrepreneurial success story. In 1999, their commitment and quality were recognized when they became a national FFA entrepreneur winner. Since then, these distinctive pickled asparagus spears have garnered significant acclaim, establishing themselves as a highly sought-after specialty product across the state of Nebraska and beyond, renowned for their truly unique taste.
What began with sales in their charming hometown of Sutton, Nebraska, has blossomed into a much wider reach. Ely Farms Pickled Asparagus products are now spreading their deliciousness into surrounding areas. You can proudly find Ely Farms Pickled Asparagus Spears in an increasing number of grocery and specialty stores across Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Colorado. For those outside these states or simply looking for convenience, their products are readily available online through their official website, as well as through the “support local” platform, Buy Nebraska. This expansion highlights their growing popularity and the broad appeal of their exceptional pickled vegetables.
Crafting the Perfect Appetizer: The Advantage of Pickled Asparagus
When setting out to create an appetizer worthy of such an amazing family and their exceptional product, I knew it had to be something truly epic! I’ve made similar recipes before, often using regular bread dough and fresh asparagus. However, the true game-changer with this recipe is the use of pickled asparagus instead of fresh. The benefits are twofold: unparalleled flavor and significant time savings.
Preparing fresh asparagus for an appetizer usually involves blanching it and then seasoning it from scratch, which adds extra steps and time to your cooking process. With Ely Farms pickled asparagus, all that work is already done for you. Each jar is a treasure trove of flavor, packed with zesty red hot chili pepper, aromatic spices, just the right amount of salt, and fragrant garlic. Crucially, the vinegar in the pickling brine infuses the asparagus with a special “zip” and tanginess that truly sets this appetizer apart from any other. This pre-seasoned, perfectly textured ingredient simplifies your cooking while delivering a complex, delicious taste that fresh asparagus simply can’t match without considerably more effort.
Ingredients Needed to Make Bacon & Cheese Phyllo Wrapped Pickled Asparagus:
- One Jar Ely’s Farms Pickled Asparagus Spears (approximately 16 spears, or half of a 16-ounce jar)
- Phyllo Dough Sheets (4 sheets, thawed)
- Crisp Bacon Crumbles (about 1/4 cup, equivalent to two slices of cooked and crumbled bacon)
- Shredded Parmesan Reggiano Cheese (1/3 cup)
- Melted Butter (1/4 stick, approximately 2 tablespoons)
Now that you have your ingredients ready, I will guide you step by step through the preparation process. The complete, detailed recipe card can be found at the bottom of this post, but let’s walk through the visual steps first.
Mastering Phyllo Dough: A Step-by-Step Guide to Assembling Your Appetizers
Working with phyllo dough can seem intimidating, but with a little patience and care, the results are incredibly rewarding. The key is to remember its delicate nature and handle it gently. Begin by ensuring your phyllo dough is fully thawed if it came frozen; attempting to unroll it while still partially frozen will inevitably lead to breakage. Always keep the dough covered with a slightly damp towel while you work to prevent it from drying out and becoming brittle.
To start, lay a single sheet of phyllo dough on a piece of parchment paper. Using a pastry brush, lightly and evenly coat the entire surface with melted butter. The butter helps create those signature flaky layers and prevents the dough from sticking.
Next, carefully lay a second sheet of phyllo dough directly on top of the buttered first sheet. Gently brush this second sheet with melted butter as well. Continue this layering and buttering process until you have a stack of four phyllo sheets, with each layer separated by a thin coat of melted butter. This creates a sturdy yet wonderfully flaky foundation for your appetizers.
Once your four sheets are stacked and buttered, it’s time to cut them. For best results and clean edges, use a pizza cutter. First, cut the entire stacked sheet in half lengthwise. Then, cut each of those two long rectangles in half side-to-side. You will now have four equal rectangles. Finally, take each of these four rectangles and cut it diagonally from corner to corner. This will yield eight perfect triangles, each ready to be transformed into a delicious appetizer.
Now, for the flavorful fillings! Take each individual phyllo triangle and brush it lightly with a touch more melted butter. This helps the toppings adhere and contributes to the golden crispness. Then, generously sprinkle each triangle with a pinch of crispy bacon crumbles and a pinch of the shredded Parmesan and Romano cheese blend. Ensure the toppings are evenly distributed for a balanced bite in every appetizer.
Place two Ely Farms pickled asparagus spears at the widest end (the base) of each phyllo triangle. Begin to carefully roll the dough up towards the narrowest point (the top) of the triangle. Roll them relatively snugly but without tearing the delicate dough. The goal is to create a neat, compact bundle that will hold its shape during baking.
To secure the end of each rolled bundle, dab a tiny bit more melted butter onto the seam and press gently. This acts as a delicious adhesive, ensuring the phyllo stays wrapped during baking. Carefully arrange each completed bundle seam-side down on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet. Give them a little space so they can bake evenly and crisp up all around.
For an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful golden crust, I recommend giving them another light sprinkle of the shredded cheese blend just before they go into the oven. This final touch will melt and crisp up beautifully, adding even more appeal to your finished appetizers. Now, they’re ready for their transformation in the preheated oven.
Bake the phyllo-wrapped pickled asparagus until they achieve a gorgeous golden-brown hue and the phyllo is visibly light, crisp, and wonderfully flaky. Keep a close eye on them as phyllo can brown quickly. Once they reach this perfect stage, remove them from the oven and prepare to serve a truly impressive appetizer.
Smart Shortcuts, Expert Tips & Essential Utensils for Effortless Appetizers
These five-ingredient Bacon & Cheese Phyllo Wrapped Pickled Asparagus appetizers are incredibly versatile, making them ideal for party food, tailgating gatherings, or watch parties. To ensure your preparation is as smooth and stress-free as possible, knowing a few tips and tricks can make all the difference.
**Handling Phyllo Dough:** The most crucial piece of advice when working with phyllo dough is to keep it consistently covered while you’re assembling. Phyllo comes frozen, so it absolutely must be completely thawed before you attempt to unwrap and unroll it. If it’s not fully thawed, it will inevitably crack and break. Even when thawed, it’s very fragile. To prevent it from drying out and becoming brittle as you work, keep the unused sheets covered with a slightly damp towel. This simple step will save you a lot of frustration and make the process significantly easier, ensuring your phyllo stays pliable and easy to handle.
**Bacon Shortcut:** A clever shortcut I frequently employ is purchasing real bacon pieces, often found in the salad dressing aisle of your grocery store. This saves you from having to cook an entire package of bacon just for a couple of slices needed for crumbles. However, don’t use them straight from the package; they tend to be chewier and can sometimes contain unappetizing fatty bits. A quick toss in a frying pan for just a couple of minutes will crisp them right up, making them perfectly crunchy and flavorful for your appetizers.
**Cutting & Baking:** For precise and clean cuts on your delicate phyllo dough, a pizza cutter is an invaluable tool. It glides through the layers effortlessly. Additionally, simplify your cleanup and transfer by doing all your work on a piece of parchment paper and then baking directly on it. This minimizes sticking and makes oven-to-serving a breeze.
**Cheese Quality:** If you’ve never invested in good quality Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, now is the time to try it. The flavor difference is profound, and once you experience it, you’ll likely never go back to pre-grated alternatives. You can shred it using a regular cheese grater, a convenient rotary cheese grater, or for larger quantities, your food processor can handle the job efficiently.
Remarkably, just one jar of Ely Farms Pickled Asparagus Spears is enough to create a double batch of these delightful Bacon & Cheese Phyllo Wrapped Pickled Asparagus appetizers. And even after preparing so many, you’ll still have a couple of spears left over, perfectly reserved to garnish that festive Bloody Mary!
^LOVE IT? PIN IT!^
If you adore this recipe, be sure to pin it to your favorite Pinterest board! That way, you can easily find it and recreate this incredible appetizer whenever the craving strikes or a special occasion calls for something truly delicious.
Don’t forget to connect with Ely Farms on their various platforms! Visit their website, follow them on Facebook, find inspiration on Instagram, and watch their latest updates on YouTube. You’ll discover more delicious recipes, learn about their commitment to quality, and be the first to know about exciting new products like their Pickled Okra and their newest addition, Pickled Green Beans! Support this fantastic family farm and keep enjoying their unique flavors.
Appetizer season is here, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with these Bacon & Cheese Phyllo Wrapped Pickled Asparagus. Don’t waste another moment – let’s get cooking and enjoy this truly delicious and elegant appetizer recipe! 
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Print Recipe
Bacon & Cheese Phyllo Wrapped Pickled Asparagus
Equipment
- Ely Farms
- 13×18 Half Sheet Pan
- ZYLISS Classic Rotary Cheese Grater – NSF Restaurant Certified
- 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
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Cover a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- 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.
- 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.
- Cut the dough in half lengthwise, then in half again side to side. Now you have 4 rectangles.
- Cut each of the 4 rectangles corner to corner, now you have 8 triangles.
- 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.
- Place the bundles on the prepared cookie sheet. Sprinkle lightly with a little more cheese.
- 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