Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
If you’re a fan of bacon and asparagus, then prepare to have your taste buds tantalized. Bacon wrapped asparagus is a delectable combination that brings together the smoky, savory flavors of crispy bacon with the fresh, earthy taste of tender asparagus spears.
Whether you’re looking for an appetizer to impress your guests or a mouthwatering side dish to accompany any meal, this delightful recipe is sure to become a favorite on your culinary repertoire.
This Bacon Wrapped Asparagus is sure to become a new favorite. Let’s face it, bacon makes everything better. Bacon and asparagus separately are delicious, but put the two together and you have the side dish or appetizer of your dreams.
Bacon Wrapped Asparagus takes the two flavors to a whole new level, and it is one that I gladly indulge in. Sound dramatic, give it a try and you may think otherwise. If you are following a gluten free, low carb or keto diet this is also a great and tasty option for you to have.
So get ready to indulge in this irresistible union of flavors that will leave you craving more with every bite. Read on to find out just how to make this delicious dish.
Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Ingredients
- Asparagus: I prefer to choose fresh asparagus that is smaller to medium in size. I also try to choose asparagus spears that are similar in size in order to ensure the cooking time is similar for all of them.
- Bacon: Any type of bacon will work for this recipe. I have tried using applewood smoked, or hickory smoked and it tastes delicious and adds a bit more flavor. In my experience thick cut bacon does not work as well as it needs longer to cook. I also cut my bacon in half the long way. This allows just the right amount of bacon and gives that crispy covering we all want.
- Olive Oil: The right oil adds a bit of flavor and helps the seasonings to attach to the asparagus.
- Seasonings: I always add garlic salt and pepper to my bacon wrapped asparagus. But if you would like a bit of an extra kick or added flavor try adding some smoked paprika.
When it comes to cooking I prefer to make this dish using a baking tray with a wire rack on top of it. I use this Nordic Ware Oven Crisp Baking Tray that I purchased on Amazon.
It allows the grease from the bacon to fall onto the tray bellow and allows the heat to circulate around the bacon wrapped asparagus. This allows a more even cooking outcome, and helps to keep the asparagus from getting soggy.
I like to line the bottom of the baking tray with aluminum foil, this allows for an easy clean up. If you only have a baking tray that will work as well. Whatever pan you use do not sweat it, this is an easy recipe to make.
How To Make Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
- Preheat oven to 400 °F
- Take a cooking tray or cookie sheet and line it with aluminum foil. Place an oven safe wire rack onto a cooking tray or cooking sheet. Spray the rack with cooking spray like Pam.
- Take the bacon and cut each piece lengthwise. This will allow it to be long enough to wrap around the bacon.
- Cut the woodsy ends off of the bottom of the asparagus spears. In a Ziploc bag or mixing bowl add the oil and your preferred spices. Place the asparagus spears into the bag, seal it, and mix.
- Take one asparagus spear and one strip of the cut bacon. Wrap the spear and place onto the cooking rack. Continue with this process until all of the asparagus is wrapped in bacon.
- Place tray with bacon wrapped asparagus into the oven.
- Cook for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and turn the bacon wrapped asparagus to ensure even cooking. Return to the oven and cook an additional 5-10 minutes.
- When the bacon is crispy and cooked to your liking you can remove it from the oven. If you want the bacon to be extra crispy place it under the broiler for a minute or two. Keep an eye on it so that it does not burn,
- Serve with your favorite dish or as an appetizer.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do you have to boil asparagus before baking?
Boiling asparagus is not necessary prior to baking.
However it doesn’t hurt to blanche the asparagus prior to baking it to help soften the fibrous woody texture of this vegetable.
To blanche asparagus simple boil water and salt in a large sauce pan, cut the bottoms off of the asparagus, and drop them into the water for 2-3 minutes.
Take the asparagus out of the hot water with tongs and place them directly into ice water. I do this to shock them and stop the cooking.
I for one am not a fan of blanching asparagus unless they are on the larger side. If your asparagus are small and thin then I do not think that blanching them is necessary.
How long does it take to cook asparagus in the oven?
The cooking time depends on you and just how crispy you like your bacon to be, typical cook time is 15-20 minutes. I for one like my bacon to be extra crispy so I lean towards the 20 minutes mark.
When using an oven safe wire rack know that the hot air within the oven will be able to circulate better and can speed up cooking time.
Once the asparagus is cooked I will turn on the broiler. I broil the bacon wrapped asparagus for a few minutes on each side just to give it a bit more crisp.
Do you cut the ends off of asparagus before cooking?
When it comes to preparing asparagus for cooking, there’s an ongoing debate about whether trimming the ends before cooking is necessary. So lets explore both sides of the argument and provide some useful insights to help you decide whether you should cut off the ends of asparagus before stepping into the kitchen.
To Trim:
- Aesthetic Appeal: Trimming asparagus removes any dried-out or discolored portions at the end of each spear, ensuring a visually appealing presentation once cooked.
- Tender Texture: Cutting off the tough woody ends helps achieve a more consistent texture throughout your dish. Removing these ends ensures that every bite is tender and enjoyable.
- Enhanced Flavor: By trimming off the tougher portion of the stalks, you allow for better absorption of flavors during cooking. This results in a more flavorful and well-rounded taste.
Not to Trim:
- Minimal Waste: Some argue that not trimming saves time and reduces food waste since leaving the entire spear intact means utilizing every bit of precious asparagus.
- Natural Bending Point: Asparagus naturally breaks at its tender point when pressure is applied near its base; therefore, no trimming is needed if you snap them by hand.
- Al Dente Preference: If you prefer your asparagus with a slight crunch or enjoy varying textures within your dish, leaving some of the
I absolutely cut the ends off of asparagus prior to cooking them. The base of the spear is often tough and woodsy, and not very tasty once cooked. In my opinion no amount of cooking can make that taste very good.
Should you salt asparagus when cooking?
Salt is a natural flavor enhancer and tends to bring out the rich flavor of the asparagus. However, bacon has a good amount of salt in it already, and once on the asparagus the salt from the bacon transfers during cooking.
Adding other seasonings like garlic powder, pepper, or smoked paprika will add to the flavor of this dish.
What to serve with Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
Are you looking for the perfect side dish to complement your bacon-wrapped asparagus? Look no further! We’ve got some delicious ideas that will take your meal to the next level. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just cooking for yourself, these pairings are sure to impress.
- Grilled Steak: Bacon-wrapped asparagus pairs wonderfully with a juicy grilled steak. The smoky flavors from both dishes create a mouthwatering combination that is hard to resist. Serve it alongside some creamy mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes for a complete meal.
- Lemon Herb Chicken: For a lighter option, serve bacon-wrapped asparagus with lemon herb chicken breast. The tangy and refreshing flavors of the chicken complement the richness of the bacon perfectly. Add a side of wild rice pilaf or quinoa salad for added texture and nutrition.
- Garlic Butter Shrimp: If seafood is more your style, try serving bacon-wrapped asparagus with garlic butter shrimp. The savory taste of the shrimp combined with the crispy bacon and tender asparagus creates an explosion of flavors in every bite. Pair it with some crusty bread or steamed jasmine rice for a satisfying meal.
- Baked Salmon: Another excellent seafood pairing is baked salmon topped with dill sauce alongside bacon-wrapped asparagus. The delicate flavor of salmon complements the earthiness of asparagus while adding some healthy omega-3 fatty acids to your plate. Serve it over a bed of mixed greens or couscous for added freshness.
Other Recipes to Try
- Air Fryer Baked Potato
- Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts
- Brussel Sprouts With Bacon
- Air Fryer Meatloaf
- Easy Beef Stroganoff
Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
Equipment
- 1 Baking Tray with wire rack
Ingredients
- 24 Asparagus Spears
- 12 Strips of Bacon cut in half lengthwise
- 1 tsp Olive Oil
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Salt
- 1/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 °F
- Take a cooking tray or cookie sheet and line it with aluminum foil. Place an oven safe wire rack onto a cooking tray or cooking sheet. Spray the rack with cooking spray like Pam.
- Take the bacon and cut each piece lengthwise. This will allow it to be long enough to wrap around the bacon.
- Cut the woodsy ends off of the bottom of the asparagus spears. In a ziploc bag or mixing bowl add the oil and your preferred spices. Place the asparagus spears into the bag, seal it, and mix.
- Take one asparagus spear and one strip of the cut bacon. Wrap the spear and place onto the cooking rack. Continue with this process until all of the asparagus is wrapped in bacon.
- Place tray with bacon wrapped asparagus into the oven.
- Cook for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and turn the bacon wrapped asparagus to ensure even cooking. Return to the oven and cook an additional 5-10 minutes.
- When the bacon is crispy and cooked to your liking you can remove it from the oven. If you want the bacon to be extra crispy place it under the broiler for a minute or two. Keep an eye on it so that it does not burn,
- Serve with your favorite dish or as an appetizer.
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