RECIPES

Asparagus Bundles with Muenster Cheese

Active Time

50 Minutes

Servings

Makes

10 Bundles

Ingredients

6 tablespoons butter, cubed
40 fresh asparagus spears, trimmed (about 1 pound)
Salt and pepper
15 sheets phyllo dough, thawed (14 x 9-inches each)
4 ounces Nasonville Muenster cheese, shredded (1 cup)

Cheese

Look for the Proudly Wisconsin Badge when shopping for cheese. Any brand of Wisconsin Muenster can be used in this recipe.

Instructions

Heat oven to 350°F. Line a 17 x 12-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Drizzle asparagus with 1 tablespoon butter in a large, shallow bowl. Season with salt and pepper; toss to coat.
Unroll phyllo sheets; keep covered with plastic wrap and a damp towel. Place one phyllo sheet on a large cutting board. Lightly brush with butter. Layer two additional phyllo sheets; lightly brush each sheet with butter.
Starting with a long side, fold phyllo sheets into thirds. Cut folded phyllo sheets in half widthwise.
Place 1 tablespoon muenster near a short end of each phyllo strip; top muenster with 4 asparagus spears. Starting at the muenster end, fold strip over asparagus and roll up bundle. Brush the remaining end with butter; roll up to seal. Place on prepared pan seam side down. Repeat step with the remaining phyllo sheets, muenster and asparagus.
Brush bundle tops with butter. Bake for 15-17 minutes or until phyllo strips are golden brown and asparagus is tender.

Recipe Tip

When working with phyllo dough, keeping the remaining sheets covered with plastic wrap and a damp towel prevents them from drying out.

Cheesemonger Tip

A great cheese for melting, muenster is an American original with a bright orange rind. Young muenster is mild in flavor and has a creamy texture. When aged, the cheese becomes creamier and has a slightly pungent flavor.