Craving a simple yet elegant side dish? Look no further than bacon-wrapped asparagus! This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, combining the earthy goodness of asparagus with the savory, smoky flavor of bacon. It’s so easy to make, and it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. You can even find more inspiration at Food Network.

This recipe is a delightful symphony of flavors and textures, with the tender-crisp asparagus contrasting beautifully with the crispy bacon. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. Serve it as an appetizer, a side dish, or even a light meal. And the best part? It’s ready in under 30 minutes! Let’s get cooking.

Ingredients You’ll Need for the bacon wrapped asparagus

Ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
• 12 slices of bacon, preferably center-cut
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

How to Make bacon wrapped asparagus

This recipe is as straightforward as it gets, promising a flavorful dish without a lot of fuss. The combination of simple ingredients creates a truly delicious experience, and you can explore more variations and ideas on Serious Eats.

Step 1: Prep the Asparagus

Rinse the asparagus spears under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Snap off the tough ends. You can do this by bending each spear until it breaks naturally, or use a knife to trim them.

Step 2: Wrap the Asparagus

Lay out the bacon slices on a clean surface. Take a few asparagus spears (about 3-4, depending on their thickness) and place them at one end of a bacon slice. Roll the bacon around the asparagus, ensuring it’s snug but not too tight.

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Step 3: Season the Wraps

Place the bacon-wrapped asparagus on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. If using, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese over the top.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender-crisp. Check the bacon frequently to prevent burning, as cooking times can vary depending on your oven and bacon thickness.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the bacon-wrapped asparagus from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. The asparagus should be tender with a slight bite, and the bacon should be perfectly crispy. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Recommended Tools & Equipment for bacon wrapped asparagus

To make this recipe a breeze, you’ll need just a few essential kitchen tools. These tools will help you prep, assemble, and bake your bacon-wrapped asparagus with ease, ensuring a perfect result every time.

• Baking Sheet: For baking the asparagus.
• Parchment Paper: To prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
• Knife or Vegetable Peeler: For trimming the asparagus.
• Mixing Bowl: For tossing the asparagus with oil and seasonings.
• Tongs: To easily flip the asparagus while cooking.

PRO TIPS for bacon wrapped asparagus

Pro Tips for Making Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Choose the Right Bacon:

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Opt for center-cut bacon. It has a good balance of meat and fat, which crisps up beautifully without burning too quickly. Thicker-cut bacon will take longer to cook, so adjust your baking time accordingly.

Don’t Overcrowd:

Make sure not to overcrowd the asparagus on the baking sheet. Give each piece enough space so the bacon can crisp up evenly. If needed, bake in batches.

Pre-Cooking Bacon (Optional):

For extra crispy bacon, you can partially cook the bacon before wrapping the asparagus. This helps ensure the bacon is fully cooked and extra crispy by the time the asparagus is tender.

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Season Generously:

Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper! The asparagus can handle a good amount of seasoning. Freshly ground black pepper adds a wonderful depth of flavor.

Check for Doneness:

Baking times can vary, so keep an eye on the bacon. It’s done when it’s crispy and the asparagus is tender-crisp. You might need to adjust the cooking time depending on your oven.

Variations & Serving Ideas

Get creative with your bacon-wrapped asparagus! You can add different seasonings, cheeses, or even wrap the asparagus with prosciutto instead of bacon. Serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken, steak, or fish, or as an appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce.

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• Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
• Wrap the asparagus with prosciutto for a different flavor profile.
• Drizzle with balsamic glaze after baking for a sweet and tangy finish.
• Serve with a side of hollandaise sauce or a lemon-herb aioli.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover bacon-wrapped asparagus can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the bacon is crispy again.

Avoid microwaving, as this can make the bacon soggy. Reheating in the oven will restore the crispiness. Enjoy!

Final Thoughts

Bacon-wrapped asparagus is a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its delicious combination of flavors and textures, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone. Enjoy!

FAQs About bacon wrapped asparagus

Can I use different types of bacon?

Yes, you can experiment with different types of bacon, such as thick-cut or flavored bacon. Just be aware that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness and type of bacon you choose.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can assemble the bacon-wrapped asparagus a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Just make sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

How do I know when the asparagus is cooked?

The asparagus is done when it’s tender-crisp, meaning it should be easy to pierce with a fork but still have a slight bite to it. The bacon should be crispy and cooked through.

Can I grill the bacon-wrapped asparagus instead of baking it?

Yes, you can grill the bacon-wrapped asparagus. Preheat your grill to medium heat and cook the asparagus, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender-crisp. This typically takes about 10-15 minutes.

What if my bacon isn’t crispy?

If your bacon isn’t crispy enough, you can broil the asparagus for a minute or two at the end of the baking time, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning. Alternatively, you can cook the bacon a bit longer.

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