Imagine a dish that combines the delicate, tender meat of quail with the irresistible crunch of crispy bacon - a culinary masterpiece that will elevate your home cooking from ordinary to extraordinary! This Roasted Bacon Wrapped Quail recipe is not just a meal, it's an experience that will transport your taste buds to a world of rich, savory flavors. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a restaurant-quality dish, this recipe promises to be a showstopper that's surprisingly simple to prepare.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 quail, cleaned
- 8 slices of bacon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your quail cooks evenly and the bacon becomes crispy.
- Rinse the quail under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial to ensure that the skin crisps up during roasting.
- Season the quail generously with salt and pepper, both inside and out. This will enhance the flavor of the meat.
- Sprinkle the chopped fresh thyme inside the cavity of each quail for added flavor.
- Take one slice of bacon and wrap it around each quail, securing it with toothpicks if necessary. The bacon will add richness and help keep the quail moist during cooking.
- Place the wrapped quail on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a roasting pan. Make sure they are spaced out to allow for even cooking.
- Roast the quail in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the quail reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Halfway through cooking, consider basting the quail with the drippings from the pan to keep them moist and flavorful.
- Once cooked, remove the quail from the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
- Carefully remove the toothpicks, if used, and serve the roasted bacon-wrapped quail hot. They can be accompanied by your choice of side dishes, such as roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
Tips
- Pat the quail completely dry before seasoning to ensure crispy skin and better bacon adherence.
- Use toothpicks strategically to keep the bacon securely wrapped around the quail.
- Choose high-quality, thick-cut bacon for the best flavor and crispiness.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet - give each quail enough space for even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the quail reaches the perfect internal temperature of 165°F.
- Let the quail rest after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
- For extra flavor, try adding herbs like rosemary or sage along with the thyme.
- If the bacon isn't crispy enough, finish under the broiler for 1-2 minutes (watch carefully to prevent burning).
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 120mg
