If you are looking for a dish that marries smoky, savory bacon with crisp, tender asparagus, this Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Recipe is an absolute game changer. It transforms simple asparagus stalks into a crowd-pleasing appetizer or side that bursts with flavor and texture. The combination of crispy bacon wrapped perfectly around bright green asparagus spears, finished with a flavorful butter glaze, makes every bite utterly irresistible. Whether you are preparing for a family dinner or impressing guests, this recipe is bound to become a fast favorite in your cooking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Recipe keeps things straightforward with just a few key ingredients that work beautifully together. Each component is essential—not only do they bring out wonderful flavors, but they also contribute to the dish’s gorgeous texture and vibrant color.
- Asparagus (2 lbs, ends trimmed): Choose fresh, firm asparagus for the best crunch and color.
- Bacon (8 slices, thick or regular cut): The smoky ribbon that wraps the asparagus, adding richness and crispness.
- Butter (4 Tbsp, melted): Adds a silky, savory glaze that complements the bacon.
- Garlic (1 clove, crushed): Infuses a subtle aromatic depth into the butter glaze.
- Coconut sugar (1 Tbsp): A hint of sweetness that balances the savory elements wonderfully.
- Salt (1 tsp, or to taste): Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
- Pepper (¼ tsp, or to taste): Adds just the right amount of gentle heat and complexity.
- Parsley (optional): For a fresh, bright garnish that adds color and a light herbal note.
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Baking Setup
Start by heating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is perfect for crisping bacon while gently roasting the asparagus once wrapped. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil for an easy cleanup, then place a wire rack on top. This setup allows the bacon to cook evenly and the fat to drip away, giving you that sought-after crispy texture without sogginess.
Step 2: Partially Cook the Bacon
Lay out the bacon slices on the wire rack, ensuring they don’t overlap. Bake them in the oven for 12 to 16 minutes, depending on thickness, until the bacon is more than halfway done but not fully crisp. This step is crucial because partially cooking the bacon first makes it easier to wrap and helps achieve perfect doneness after baking again with the asparagus.
Step 3: Wrap the Asparagus Bundles
Once the bacon has cooled slightly enough to handle, drain any excess grease from the pan. Take 4 to 5 asparagus spears and wrap them snugly in one slice of bacon, creating neat bundles. Place these bundles back on the wire rack to prepare them for their second round in the oven.
Step 4: Prepare the Flavorful Butter Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, crushed garlic, coconut sugar, salt, and pepper. This glaze is where the magic happens—it subtly infuses every bite with a sweet-savory character that enhances both the bacon and asparagus.
Step 5: Glaze and Bake the Bundles
Brush your butter mixture generously over each bacon-wrapped asparagus bundle to coat them evenly. Return the bundles to the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, depending on how tender you like your asparagus. Keep an eye on them for that perfect combination of crispy bacon and tender-crisp asparagus.
Step 6: Final Touches and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle finely chopped fresh parsley if using. This adds a lovely pop of freshness and color that makes the dish as visually appealing as it is delicious. Your Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Recipe is ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic and elegant garnish that adds brightness and color. You can also sprinkle a little grated Parmesan cheese for a savory, cheesy finish or a squeeze of lemon juice to cut through the richness with a zesty punch.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of meals. Serve alongside grilled chicken or steak for a hearty dinner, or add it to a holiday spread with mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables. The smoky bacon and fresh asparagus bring wonderful balance to starchy or protein-rich sides.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or buffet, arrange the bundles on a wooden board with small bowls of dipping sauces such as garlic aioli or spicy mustard. Alternatively, skewer bundles for an easy-to-handle appetizer that guests will love grabbing on the go. It’s such a versatile recipe that’s fun to dress up or down.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover bacon wrapped asparagus bundles in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy this tasty dish again without any loss of flavor or texture.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, you can freeze fully cooked bundles on a baking sheet first. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to one month. This is perfect for quick reheats on busy days.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your bacon wrapped asparagus is in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes. This method brings back the crispiness of the bacon and warms the asparagus evenly, avoiding sogginess that microwave heating can cause.
FAQs
Can I use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon?
Absolutely! Turkey bacon can be used for a leaner option, but keep in mind it may not crisp up quite as much or deliver the same smoky flavor as pork bacon. Adjust baking times accordingly and watch closely for doneness.
How do I prevent the asparagus from getting mushy?
Choose fresh, firm asparagus with straight stalks, and don’t overbake. Wrapping the bacon only partially cooked helps protect the asparagus during the final bake, creating that perfect tender-crisp texture.
Is coconut sugar necessary in the recipe?
Coconut sugar adds a subtle caramelized sweetness that balances the savory and smoky flavors beautifully. You can substitute with brown sugar or leave it out, though this will slightly change the flavor profile.
Can I grill the Bacon Wrapped Asparagus instead of baking?
Yes! Grilling adds a lovely smoky char. Use indirect heat and cook with the lid down, turning often, until bacon is crisp and asparagus is tender. Just be careful to avoid flare-ups that can burn the bacon.
What’s the best way to trim asparagus for this recipe?
Bend each asparagus spear near the base until it snaps naturally. This will remove the woody, tough end and leave you with perfectly tender stalks that cook evenly wrapped in bacon.
Final Thoughts
This Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Recipe is a winning combination of simple ingredients and straightforward steps that deliver unforgettable flavor and texture. It’s perfect for celebrations, weeknight dinners, or anytime you want a deliciously impressive side. I can’t wait for you to try it and add this gem to your go-to recipes. Your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Bacon Wrapped Asparagus recipe combines tender asparagus spears wrapped in crispy bacon, brushed with a buttery garlic glaze and baked to perfection. A delicious and easy appetizer or side dish perfect for gatherings or weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 lbs. asparagus (ends trimmed)
Meats
- 8 slices bacon (thick or regular cut)
Seasonings & Others
- 4 Tbsp. butter (or dairy-free butter, melted)
- 1 clove garlic (crushed)
- 1 Tbsp. coconut sugar
- 1 tsp. salt (to taste)
- ¼ tsp. pepper (to taste)
- Parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the bacon and asparagus.
- Prepare Baking Sheet and Bacon: Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Arrange bacon strips on a wire rack placed on top of the baking sheet, making sure bacon strips do not overlap for even cooking.
- Partially Bake Bacon: Bake the bacon in the oven for 12-16 minutes, depending on the thickness, until strips are more than halfway cooked but not fully crispy. Then remove and let cool slightly before handling. Drain excess bacon grease from the pan.
- Wrap Asparagus: Take 4-5 asparagus spears and wrap one strip of partially cooked bacon around each bundle. Place the wrapped asparagus bundles back on the wire rack.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, crushed garlic, coconut sugar, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful glaze.
- Glaze and Bake Asparagus: Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over each asparagus bundle. Return them to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the asparagus reaches your preferred doneness and the bacon is crispy.
- Serve: Remove from oven and optionally sprinkle with finely chopped fresh parsley for a fresh herbal note. Serve immediately and enjoy your savory bacon-wrapped asparagus!
Notes
- Use thick-cut bacon for a meatier bite or regular-cut for crisper results.
- Partially baking the bacon ahead of wrapping ensures the bacon cooks thoroughly without overcooking the asparagus.
- If you prefer, substitute the butter with dairy-free alternatives to accommodate dietary needs.
- Coconut sugar adds a subtle hint of sweetness but can be replaced with brown sugar or maple syrup if preferred.
- Be careful not to overcook the asparagus; baking time can be adjusted based on how tender you like your veggies.
- Using a wire rack helps the bacon crisp up evenly as fat drains away during baking.
