There’s something special about grilling outdoors, especially when it involves easy and delectable recipes like bacon-wrapped asparagus. This dish takes me back to a summer barbecue with my family last year. The sun was setting, casting a golden hue over our backyard, and the scent of sizzling bacon mingled with the fresh, green aroma of asparagus. It’s moments like these that make cooking more than just a chore—it becomes a way to create memories.
Asparagus, with its crisp texture and slightly sweet taste, pairs perfectly with the savory richness of bacon. This recipe is incredibly straightforward but delivers impressive results, making it a fantastic option for both casual family dinners and more formal gatherings with friends. Whether you’re an experienced griller or just starting out, you’ll find this dish easy to master.
One of the best parts about this recipe is its versatility. You can tweak it to fit your preferences or what you have on hand. Sometimes, I sprinkle a bit of garlic powder or a squeeze of lemon juice over the asparagus before wrapping them in bacon for an extra layer of flavor. Other times, I opt for turkey bacon for a lighter version. No matter how you customize it, the result is always delicious.
Grilling these bacon-wrapped asparagus bundles only takes a few minutes, making them an ideal side dish when you’re short on time but still want to impress your guests. The crispy bacon provides a delightful contrast to the tender asparagus, and the hint of olive oil and black pepper ties everything together beautifully.
I hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe as much as I do. Happy grilling!
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Asparagus:
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You will need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
- 6 slices bacon, or more as needed
- ground black pepper to taste
How to:
In a large bowl, coat the asparagus spears with olive oil.
Take 2 to 3 asparagus spears and wrap them with a slice of bacon. Continue wrapping the remaining asparagus.
Preheat your outdoor grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grate.
Grill the bacon-wrapped asparagus for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until the bacon is crispy.
Season with ground black pepper to taste.
FAQs:
Can I use the oven instead of a grill to cook bacon wrapped asparagus?
Yes, you can use the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the bacon-wrapped asparagus on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender. Rotate the asparagus halfway through cooking to ensure even crispiness.
What type of bacon works best for wrapping asparagus?
Thin to medium-thick bacon works best for wrapping asparagus. Thicker bacon might not cook as evenly or quickly, leading to unevenly cooked asparagus. Additionally, thinner bacon crisps up faster, providing a nice contrast in texture to the tender asparagus spears.
How do I keep the bacon from unraveling while cooking?
To prevent the bacon from unraveling, you can secure it with toothpicks. Insert a toothpick through the bacon and asparagus to hold them together. Remember to remove the toothpicks before serving. Moreover, placing the wrapped asparagus seam-side down on the grill or baking sheet helps keep the bacon in place.
Can I prepare bacon wrapped asparagus ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare bacon wrapped asparagus ahead of time. Assemble the asparagus and bacon wraps and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, follow the grilling or baking instructions. This makes it a convenient option for meal prepping or entertaining guests.
What are some variations or additional seasonings I can use?
There are many variations and additional seasonings you can use. For instance, you can sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika on the asparagus before wrapping it with bacon. Additionally, you could drizzle a balsamic glaze over the cooked asparagus for added flavor. Using different types of bacon, such as maple or peppered bacon, also introduces unique tastes to the dish.
Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound fresh asparagus trimmed
- 6 slices bacon or more as needed
- ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by placing the trimmed asparagus in a large bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over the spears and make sure each one is well-coated.
- Take 2 to 3 asparagus spears and wrap them with a slice of bacon. Continue this process with the remaining asparagus and bacon.
- Preheat your outdoor grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grate. Place the wrapped asparagus on the grill and cook until the bacon is crispy, about 3 to 4 minutes per side.
- Once done, sprinkle with ground black pepper to taste.
