BACON WRAPPED ASPARAGUS
An elegant yet simple side dish that’s perfect for special occasions or everyday meals
KEY INFO:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 16 bundles
Difficulty: Easy
Dietary: Low-carb, Gluten-free
EQUIPMENT NEEDED:
• Baking sheet
• Wire rack (recommended for crispier bacon)
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Tongs
Alternative: Air fryer or grill
INGREDIENTS:
• 48 medium-thick asparagus spears (about 2 pounds)
• 16 slices regular-cut bacon (not thick-cut)
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Balsamic glaze for drizzling (optional)
METHOD:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
2. Trim asparagus by snapping off woody ends where they naturally break
3. Pat asparagus dry and toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder
4. Gather 3 asparagus spears and wrap with 1 bacon slice, starting 1/2-inch from bottom
Leave tips exposed
5. Place bundles on wire rack set over baking sheet, seam-side down
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes until bacon is crispy and asparagus is tender but still bright green
7. Optional: Broil for 1-2 minutes to crisp bacon further
8. Sprinkle with Parmesan and drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving
CRUCIAL TIPS:
• Use regular-cut bacon, not thick-cut
• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet
• Look for asparagus spears of similar thickness
• Bacon should be at room temperature for easier wrapping
STORAGE & VARIATIONS:
Storage: Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days
Reheating: Warm in 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes
Alternative cooking methods:
• Air fryer: 400°F for 12-15 minutes
• Grill: Medium heat for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally
Variations:
• Wrap with prosciutto instead of bacon
• Add brown sugar glaze
• Use turkey bacon for a lighter option
COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID:
• Using wet asparagus (leads to soggy bacon)
• Overcooking (results in mushy asparagus)
• Wrapping bacon too tightly (prevents even cooking)
I’ve made this countless times, and the key to success is getting the bacon genuinely crispy while keeping the asparagus tender-crisp. Trust me, once you master this recipe, it’ll become your go-to impressive side dish that everyone will request!
