Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

You know that feeling when a side dish steals the show? That’s exactly what happens every time I make these bacon-wrapped asparagus bundles. 

They’re the perfect balance of crispy, smoky, and tender. And let’s face it, they look so fancy! But the good news is, they’re ridiculously easy to make.

Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re perfect for dinner parties, holidays, or just a regular Tuesday night. 

Why You’ll Love This Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

Savory Taste: The crispy, salty bacon wrapped around tender asparagus creates an irresistible contrast. Not to mention a rich, smoky-sweet taste.

Versatile Serving Options: This recipe works equally well as a side dish, appetizer, or snack. It’s easily adaptable to any meal or occasion.

Super Simple Prep: These take just minutes to assemble and require minimal ingredients. They’re what I call “impressive yet achievable.” Anyone can make them.

Customizable Add-Ons: The recipe allows for creative tweaks. Try adding brown sugar for sweetness or chili flakes for a spicy kick.

Ingredients

• Asparagus: Fresh, tender spears serve as the base of the dish. Their crisp texture and earthy flavor pair well with the bacon.

• Bacon: Use regular-cut bacon strips to wrap perfectly around the asparagus. It locks in moisture and adds a smoky, salty flavor.  

• Olive Oil: It helps the seasonings adhere to the asparagus. It also promotes even browning and prevents the spears from drying out.

• Seasonings: Garlic powder adds savory depth, and black pepper adds a mild kick. Optional smoked paprika adds a smoky sweetness. And optional brown sugar caramelizes the bacon for a delicious final flavor.  

How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

Follow these steps to make this easy appetizer (or side dish): 

1. Set up. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and place a wire rack over a rimmed baking sheet. Lightly coat the rack with cooking spray. 

2. Prepare the asparagus. Wash it and remove the woody ends. Pat them dry, then toss them in a bowl with the olive oil, garlic, paprika, and pepper. For a touch of sweetness, sprinkle in brown sugar and toss again. 

3. Wrap. Wrap two or three spears tightly with a single piece of bacon. Start at the bottom and spiral upward. (A slight overlap is fine.) Secure the ends with a toothpick or by tucking them under. Continue until you’ve wrapped all the spears. 

4. Cook. Place the bacon-wrapped bundles on the wire rack. Leave space between each for optimal airflow. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping once halfway through. For crispier bacon, change the oven to broil for the last 2 to 3 minutes of cooking. Monitor closely. 

5. Serve. Let the asparagus bundles cool slightly after removing from the oven. Serve and enjoy! 

Tips for the Best Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

Ensure your asparagus is as delicious as possible with these tips: 

• Select the right thickness. Thicker asparagus spears hold up better during cooking. They won’t overcook and become soggy before the bacon gets crispy. Don’t get them too thick, however, or they’ll be tough. 

• Remember to trim! Always remove the tough, fibrous ends of asparagus to ensure a tender bite.

• Steer clear of thick-cut bacon. It takes too long to cook and will cause you to overcook the asparagus. 

• Make it extra crispy. For extra crispy bacon, partially cook it for 2 to 3 minutes before wrapping the asparagus. This will reduce grease and optimize crispiness. 

• Wrap them nice and tight. Overlap the bacon slightly and wrap it snugly around the asparagus. A loose wrap will likely result in unraveling. Keep things tight, and use toothpicks to secure if necessary.

• Don’t forget the baking sheet! The bacon fat and grease will drip through the wire rack.

• Get ahead of the game. You can wrap your bundles up to 8 hours in advance. Then, pop them out of the fridge and bake them immediately before serving for convenience.

Recipe Variations

You can also tweak the recipe to make it your own. Here are some fun ideas: 

• Spice them up. Add chili flakes, Cajun spice, or a spicy BBQ rub to the seasoning blend for extra heat.

• Lighten them up. Sprinkle a generous amount of lemon zest in with the seasonings. You can also squeeze a little lemon juice over the finished product.

• Say cheese, please! Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan over the wrapped spears before baking them. The cheese pairs wonderfully with the salty bacon and earthy asparagus. 

• Add some tang. After baking, drizzle the bundles with balsamic glaze. (It, too, pairs nicely with fresh Parmesan.) The glaze adds a tangy, bright flavor that’s out of this world.

• Swap out the meat. Swap the bacon for prosciutto for a more elegant alternative. (You could also substitute turkey bacon for a lighter option.) 

How to Store

These taste best when fresh from the oven while the bacon is super crispy. However, they will keep for a few days if stored properly. 

To Store: Let the wrapped bundles cool completely. Then, refrigerate them in an air-tight container for up to 3 days. 

To Reheat: Place the bundles on a baking sheet and reheat in a 375-degree oven for about 8 to 10 minutes. Or pop them in the air fryer for 5 to 7 minutes at the same temperature.