Asiago Green Bean Bundles

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 400°F. Place a greased wire rack on an aluminum foil-lined rimmed baking sheet.
2. Arrange bacon strips in a single layer on rack, taking care to not overlap. Bake for 10 minutes. (Bacon will be partially cooked.) Remove bacon to paper towels to drain and cool.
3. Meanwhile, bring water to a boil in a Dutch oven. Carefully add green beans in batches; cook for 2-3 minutes or until crisp-tender. Remove and immediately place green beans into a bowl of ice water. Drain and pat dry.
4. Whisk the butter, 1/3 cup asiago, garlic powder and pepper in a large bowl. Add green beans; toss to coat. Wrap bacon around 8-10 green beans. Secure each with a toothpick. Place bundles on a greased 15 x 10-inch baking pan. Whisk maple syrup and brown sugar in a small bowl; brush over bacon.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until bacon is almost crisp. Sprinkle with remaining asiago. Bake for 4-6 minutes longer or until bacon is crisp.