Bacon-wrapped asparagus bundles are a delightful side dish that combines two of the best flavors: crispy, savory bacon and fresh, tender asparagus. This dish is easy to prepare, yet it looks and tastes elegant enough to impress at any dinner table. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday meal, a weeknight dinner, or as part of a barbecue spread, it’s sure to be a hit.
To make this dish, start by selecting fresh asparagus. Choose thick spears for the best texture and flavor. Trim the ends, and blanch the asparagus in boiling water for just a few minutes until it’s bright green and slightly tender. This quick blanching ensures that the asparagus cooks evenly when wrapped in bacon, while still maintaining a crisp bite.
Once your asparagus is ready, gather a bundle of 4-5 spears and wrap them tightly with a slice of bacon. Use toothpicks to secure the bacon in place, ensuring it doesn’t unravel while cooking. The combination of the smoky bacon and the earthy asparagus creates a perfect contrast of flavors that complement each other beautifully.
Next, arrange the bundles on a baking sheet, drizzle with a little olive oil, and season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and any additional herbs or spices you like. Some people love adding garlic powder, a drizzle of honey for sweetness, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Bake the bacon-wrapped asparagus bundles at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is cooked to your liking. The bacon will crisp up perfectly while the asparagus inside stays tender and flavorful.
These bundles are fantastic served with roasted meats, grilled fish, or as part of a festive spread. The crispy bacon on the outside and tender asparagus inside make for a mouthwatering combination that’s hard to resist.
Bacon-wrapped asparagus bundles are a simple yet flavorful side dish that’s sure to elevate any meal with minimal effort!
Ingredients
- 12 spears asparagus fresh
- 6 slices bacon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil and placing a wire rack on top.
- Trim the tough ends off the asparagus spears.
- Take a slice of bacon and wrap it tightly around 2-3 asparagus spears, starting at the bottom and continuing to the top.
- Place the bacon-wrapped asparagus bundles on the wire rack on the baking sheet.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the bundles and season with salt and pepper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender.
- Serve hot and enjoy!