Asparagus with Bacon Dressing and Italian Parmesan Croutons

Homemade pizza night doesn’t have to be for a lazy night in – jazz it up with Asparagus with Bacon Dressing! 

Do you have leftover hamburger buns, rolls, or bread in the freezer? Make your own croutons!

Asparagus with Bacon Dressing

Serves 4

8 strips bacon, chopped

1/2 yellow onion, chopped

2 teaspoon Dijon mustard

4 tablespoons white wine vinegar

1⁄2 teaspoon grated lemon zest

3/4 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed

In a large skillet, cook bacon and onion over medium heat, about 5 minutes, or until bacon is crisp and onion is softened, stirring occasionally.

In a medium bowl, combine onion, mustard, vinegar, and lemon zest, whisking until blended. Add cooked bacon and onion. 

In a large deep skillet, add enough water to fill to within 2 inches of rim; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Add asparagus, and cook for 3 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain well. Serve asparagus with warm dressing, and top with crumbled bacon.

Italian Parmesan Croutons

Whole wheat hamburger buns (or other leftover bread)
Italian seasoning
Fresh grated Parmesan cheese
Olive Oil

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Cut bread into equal size cubes.  Place in a large bowl.  Drizzle with olive oil until the bread cubes are slightly damp but not soaked.  Toss with desired amount of Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese.

Lay on a baking sheet in a single layer.  

Bake for 15-20 minutes until lightly golden brown and crunchy.  Store in an airtight container.