Asparagus wrapped in bacon is a delicious, healthy, and dietary friendly appetizer recipe that’s easy to make. You can literally put it together in 10 minutes and have it ready to go. Baking it in the oven provides a mostly hands off approach as well.
Bacon wrapped asparagus bundles will become your new favorite. And as far as we’re concerned it counts as a serving of vegetables. Even your kids will like this bacon wrapped asparagus recipe in the oven.
Tools to make bacon wrapped asparagus
The following equipment is recommended to make asparagus wrapped in bacon.
Cutting board
Sharp paring knife
Wire cooking rack
Kitchen scissors
What You’ll Need
Fresh Asparagus
Bacon
Olive Oil
Salt and pepper
Recipe Tips
Here are 5 recipe tips to help you make the most delicious bacon wrapped asparagus.
Trim the ends. Trim off the tough ends by snapping them with your fingers or by using a sharp knife to simply whack off the ends. Discarding the tough ends will leave you with the most sensitive portions of asparagus which taste the best.
Choose classic bacon. We recommend using classic cut bacon. There are other options including thick cut bacon as well as a variety of flavors, but classic bacon works best for this recipe.
Wrap tightly. A key to this recipe is to wrap the bacon tightly around the asparagus. Leaving it floppy can cause portions to burn and makes it so that it tends to cook unevenly.
Broil at the end. Our recipe calls for a brief time to broil at the end. Don’t leave off the broiling because it makes this dish just right.
Dip ends. To keep your ends of asparagus from burning, we recommend dipping them in water just before cooking them. This can help slow down the cooking process and what might otherwise turn black or excessively crispy will be slowed down by being dipped in water.
Pro Tips and Recipe Options
If you prefer to serve leaner meat, you might choose to use center cut bacon instead of your average classic bacon.
If you use asparagus that’s extra thick, you’re going to want to add a bit of time for cooking it so that it gets well done.
Add-ins and Substitutions
There are so many add-ins and substitutions that you might like to try with your asparagus wrapped in bacon. Here are some optional recipe variations:
Add cheese: making these bundles with cheese is always delicious. Add some shredded mozzarella, Swiss, or Parmesan cheese for the last few minutes while the bundles are broiling.
Different cooking methods: you might like to experiment with different cooking methods. The oven is our favorite, but what is your favorite method?
Add a glaze: Glazes that include brown sugar, a balsamic glaze, or one made with honey can each add another dimension of flavor to this dish that make it wonderful.
Add onions: The flavor of caramelized onions paired with asparagus and bacon combine a wonderful, sweet flavor, along with a bit of savory and salty. It’s quite delicious.
How do you trim asparagus?
Trimming asparagus is important because no one wants to bite into a stiff piece of asparagus that is hard. The ends of asparagus that are closest to the ground when it’s grown are the ends that need to be trimmed before cooking and serving.
If you’re wanting to know how much asparagus you should trim, bend the asparagus and the place where the hard portion ends and the softer portion begins is exactly where the asparagus will snap. Discard the tough white ends.
What is the best way to cook asparagus wrapped in bacon?
There are three main ways you can cook asparagus wrapped in bacon. Those are in the oven, on the grill, or in a frying pan on the stovetop. An air fryer is also an option if you have access to one.
Oven: The oven is the absolute best way to cook asparagus wrapped in bacon, in our opinion. It not only is easy because it doesn’t require much attention, but it also tastes the best when it’s cooked this way. Cooking in the oven allows the bacon to get nice and crisp and the asparagus to cook thoroughly so that it’s perfect.
Grill: You might choose to grill your asparagus wrapped in bacon. However, we caution you in using this method. Bacon cooked on the grill tends to flare up and the bacon grease can catch on fire easily. Use caution when grilling bacon.
Stove top: Cooking your bacon wrapped asparagus on the stove top might be a preferred method by some. The key with this method is to be sure that the asparagus gets done too. Using a lid can help to steam the asparagus to soften it up a bit as it cooks.
How do you cook bacon wrapped asparagus on the stove?
If you choose to cook your bacon wrapped asparagus on the stove, use a cast iron skillet with lid. This will help it to taste delicious as well as make sure it gets done.
How do you grill asparagus wrapped in bacon?
To grill asparagus wrapped in bacon, preheat your grill to 400F degrees. Use a wire rack that’s small enough so the asparagus doesn’t fall through. Use caution when grilling bacon as the grease can catch on fire quite easily.
How do you make bacon wrapped asparagus bundles?
Following are our step-by-step instructions for how to make delicious bacon wrapped asparagus bundles.
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
To make bacon wrapped asparagus bundles, you’ll need fresh asparagus, classic sliced bacon, salt and pepper as well as any add-ins or toppings. Here’s the process.
Ingredients:
1 pound fresh asparagus stalks
1 pound classic sliced bacon
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
Step 1: Trim Off the Tough, Woody Ends of Your Asparagus
Using a sharp knife, trim off the white woody ends of asparagus. This is the end that was closest to the ground when the plant was growing.
Step 2: Toss the Asparagus with Olive Oil and Black Pepper
To add some extra flavor and help it cook well, you’ll want to coat your asparagus in olive oil and toss it in a pinch of black pepper.
Step 3: Count Your Asparagus Spears
We recommend using multiple spears per bundle, such as two or three. Decide how many spears you’ll use per bundle, then count them to determine how many per bundle.
Why Multiple Spears per Bundle?
It’s helpful to have a good ratio of bacon flavor to asparagus flavor. We feel like using 2-3 spears of asparagus per bundle helps to provide that perfect ratio of flavors.
Step 4: Wrap It
Cut the slices of bacon into long skinny strips, using a good sharp pair of kitchen scissors. Then use the skinny strips to tightly wrap your 2-3 spear bundles with the bacon. Make narrow strips of alternating asparagus and bacon. Make sure it’s wrapped nice and tight.
Step 5: Choose Your Cooking Method
To obtain the best results, cook your bacon wrapped asparagus bundles in the oven. Place them on a wire baking rack, with a baking sheet underneath to catch any drippings. Bake at 400F degrees for 15 minutes. Flip the bacon asparagus appetizers. Then increase the temperature to broil and place the asparagus appetizers under the broiler for 5 more minutes.
Step 6: Serve It Up!
Serve hot and enjoy.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Asparagus wrapped in bacon can be prepared ahead, but we don’t recommend cooking it ahead. Prepare it the day before right up to the point of cooking it, which will save you time if you’re planning a party or have people to entertain. Then simply stick it in the oven to cook right before it will be served.
Storage Tips. We recommend serving this dish straight from the oven as it’s best when fresh. Freezing leftovers tends to result in mushy asparagus as it doesn’t hold up well. But if you choose to freeze leftover asparagus wrapped in bacon, wait for it to cool, then place in an airtight freezer bag and place in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Fried Asparagus with Bacon
If you don’t want to fiddle with wrapping your asparagus spears in bacon, you can still enjoy the same flavors of this delicious dish by chopping asparagus and frying it with pieces of sliced bacon. Add a bit of olive oil and salt and pepper to taste.
Dietary Notes
Gluten Free: Bacon wrapped asparagus bundles are naturally gluten free when using gluten free bacon.
Keto Friendly: These delicious appetizers are Keto friendly and whole30 approved.
Paleo Approved: When made according to our recipe, your asparagus wrapped in bacon bundles are Paleo approved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Following are frequently asked questions regarding asparagus wrapped in bacon. If you have a question that’s not listed here, please send it to us using the comments box below, and we’ll be happy to respond.
How long do I cook my bacon-wrapped asparagus?
Follow the recipe instructions in the recipe card for complete instructions but when cooking at 400F degrees, it will take 20-25 minutes to cook your bacon wrapped asparagus.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, asparagus wrapped in bacon fits into the Keto diet plan.
Can you make bacon wrapped asparagus ahead?
Yes, preparing it ahead is fine. However, we don’t recommend cooking it ahead. Instead, prepare the asparagus and bacon right up to the point of cooking it then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it.
How do you know when asparagus is done in the oven?
To know when asparagus cooked in the oven is done, the ends will be slightly browned and a fork inserted in the thickest part of asparagus is somewhat soft to the touch. If it’s still hard, the asparagus is not yet done.
What is the best oven temperature for bacon wrapped asparagus?
The best oven temperature to cook bacon wrapped asparagus is 400F degrees. This however is a matter of personal preference but is our recommendation.
What should I do with leftover bundles?
Leftover bundles can be chopped and added to salads as topping. They don’t really hold up well when reheated or frozen. Asparagus wrapped in bacon is best when eaten fresh.
How should you cook bacon wrapped asparagus?
The absolute best way to cook bacon wrapped asparagus is in the oven. It provides good crisp bacon as well as asparagus that’s perfect. However, you might choose to cook it on the barbecue grill or on the stovetop, but our recommendation is in the oven.
Can I cook bacon wrapped asparagus in the air fryer?
Air fryer bacon-wrapped asparagus can be cooked at 375F degrees for 7 minutes, then flip it and cook it for 5 more minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Following are serving suggestions for asparagus wrapped in bacon.
More Tasty Side Dishes!
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Printable Recipe
Asparagus Wrapped in Bacon
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh asparagus stalks
- 1 pound classic sliced bacon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Trim Off the Tough, Woody Ends of Your Asparagus
- Using a sharp knife, trim off the white woody ends of asparagus. This is the end that was closest to the ground when the plant was growing.
Step 2: Toss the Asparagus with Olive Oil and Black Pepper
- To add some extra flavor and help it cook well, you’ll want to coat your asparagus in olive oil and toss it in a pinch of black pepper.
Step 3: Count Your Asparagus Spears
- We recommend using multiple spears per bundle, such as two or three. Decide how many spears you’ll use per bundle, then count them to determine how many per bundle.
- Why Multiple Spears per Bundle?
- It’s helpful to have a good ratio of bacon flavor to asparagus flavor. We feel like using 2-3 spears of asparagus per bundle helps to provide that perfect ratio of flavors.
Step 4: Wrap It
- Cut the slices of bacon into long skinny strips, using a good sharp pair of kitchen scissors. Then use the skinny strips to tightly wrap your 2-3 spear bundles with the bacon. Make narrow strips of alternating asparagus and bacon. Make sure it’s wrapped nice and tight.
Step 5: Choose Your Cooking Method
- To obtain the best results, cook your bacon wrapped asparagus bundles in the oven. Place them on a wire baking rack, with a baking sheet underneath to catch any drippings. Bake at 400F degrees for 15 minutes. Flip the bacon asparagus appetizers. Then increase the temperature to broil and place the asparagus appetizers under the broiler for 5 more minutes.
Step 6: Serve It Up!
- Serve hot and enjoy.
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