Ingredients you will need
For making delicious bacon-wrapped asparagus, you’ll need some fresh asparagus spears, strips of smoky bacon, olive oil, salt, and pepper. These simple ingredients come together to create a flavorful and savory dish that’s perfect as a side or appetizer.
When selecting your asparagus, look for firm spears with tight tips and a vibrant green color. The bacon should be slightly thick to ensure it wraps nicely around the asparagus without falling apart during cooking. A drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of salt, and a dash of pepper will enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients and bring out the best in this tasty dish.
Preparation of the asparagus
To prepare the asparagus, start by washing the spears under cold water and trimming off the tough ends. You can do this easily by holding each spear and bending it until it naturally snaps at the point where it becomes tender. This way, you get rid of the woody part and keep the flavorful, tender portion for your dish.
Next, you can choose to either leave the asparagus spears whole or cut them into smaller pieces for easier handling. If you prefer a more elegant presentation, keep them long; if you want bite-sized portions, simply cut them into smaller lengths. Asparagus is versatile like that – it works well in various sizes depending on your preference.
Preparation of the bacon
To prepare the bacon for your delicious bacon-wrapped asparagus, start by selecting your favorite type of bacon. Whether you prefer classic pork bacon or want to experiment with turkey or even vegetarian bacon alternatives, the choice is yours. Once you have your bacon of choice, lay the strips out on a cutting board or a clean surface. It’s best to use thinly sliced bacon for easier wrapping around the asparagus spears.
Next, pat the bacon strips dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This step is essential to help the bacon cook evenly and achieve that perfect crispy texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also sprinkle some black pepper or a touch of brown sugar on the bacon strips before wrapping them around the asparagus. This will add a flavor kick and caramelization to your bacon-wrapped asparagus that will surely impress your taste buds.
Wrapping the asparagus with bacon
Now comes the fun part – wrapping those lovely green asparagus spears with savory bacon strips! Lay out your strips of bacon on a clean surface. Take one spear of asparagus and gently wrap a strip of bacon around it, ensuring that the entire length of the asparagus is covered. The natural shape of asparagus makes it a perfect match for the elongated bacon slices – they’ll hug each other like old friends!
It’s like dressing up your vegetables in a cozy bacon blanket! Continue this process until all your asparagus spears are snugly wrapped in bacon. The rich aroma of bacon will start to fill the air, building up your anticipation for the delicious treat that awaits you at the end of this simple yet satisfying wrapping task. Next up, it’s time to cook these bacon-wrapped beauties to crispy perfection!
Cooking the bacon-wrapped asparagus in the oven
Firstly, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the bacon-wrapped asparagus on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Make sure to space them out evenly to allow for proper cooking and crispiness.
Next, pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and let the bacon-wrapped asparagus cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the cooking time to ensure they don’t burn. Once they’re done, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious bacon-wrapped asparagus hot out of the oven!
• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C)
• Place bacon-wrapped asparagus on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil
• Space them out evenly for proper cooking and crispiness
• Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and cook for 20-25 minutes
• Check towards the end to prevent burning
• Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy hot!
Cooking the bacon-wrapped asparagus on the grill
Once your bacon-wrapped asparagus is ready to hit the grill, preheat it to a medium-high heat. Make sure the grill grates are clean to avoid any sticking. Lay the bacon-wrapped asparagus directly on the grill and let them cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning and ensure the bacon gets crispy.
Grilling the bacon asparagus adds a delicious smoky flavor to the dish. The heat from the grill crisps up the bacon, creating a perfect balance with the tender asparagus inside. Serve them hot off the grill as a tasty appetizer or side dish for your next barbecue. The combination of savory bacon and fresh asparagus is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Adding seasoning to enhance the flavor
Seasoning is the secret sauce that takes your wrapped asparagus from good to spectacular. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your seasonings – think beyond just salt and pepper. Sprinkle some garlic powder, a dash of cayenne pepper for a kick, or even some smoked paprika to add depth of flavor. Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, thyme, or even a squeeze of lemon juice for a burst of freshness. The key is to layer your seasonings to create a well-rounded taste that complements the smoky bacon and tender asparagus.
For a savory umami punch, consider adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving. These finishing touches can elevate the dish and add a touch of sophistication to your bacon-wrapped asparagus. Remember, seasoning is all about balance, so taste as you go and adjust accordingly. Trust your instincts and don’t be afraid to play around with different flavors until you find the perfect combination that suits your taste buds.
Serving suggestions for your asparagus
To serve your delicious bacon-wrapped asparagus, consider pairing it with a creamy garlic aioli sauce for an extra kick of flavor. The combination of the smoky bacon and crisp asparagus with the smooth aioli creates a taste sensation that will leave your guests wanting more. Alternatively, you can serve the bacon-wrapped asparagus with a side of tangy balsamic glaze drizzled over the top for a sweet and savory contrast that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
If you’re looking for a more casual option, try serving the bacon-wrapped asparagus as a fun and tasty appetizer at your next gathering. Arrange the asparagus spears on a platter with toothpicks for easy serving, and watch as they disappear in no time. Pair them with a cold beer or a glass of white wine for a simple yet satisfying snack that is sure to be a hit with your friends and family.
Tips for making the perfect bacon-wrapped asparagus
For the perfect bacon-wrapped asparagus, make sure to use thin bacon strips rather than thick-cut ones. Thin bacon cooks quickly and crisps up nicely without overcooking the asparagus. Also, asparagus spears should be medium-sized for easy wrapping and even cooking.
When wrapping the bacon around the asparagus, slightly overlap the edges of the bacon strips to secure them in place. This will prevent the bacon from unraveling during cooking and ensure that each bite has a delicious combination of flavors. Additionally, it’s best to place the bacon-wrapped asparagus on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Variations to try with your bacon-wrapped asparagus
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to switch up your bacon-wrapped asparagus game, here are a few variations to tantalize your taste buds. For a touch of sweetness, try drizzling some honey over the bacon-wrapped asparagus before cooking. The combination of savory bacon and sweet honey creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that will surely impress your guests.
If you’re a fan of spice, consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the bacon-wrapped asparagus. The heat from the spices will add a kick to the dish, elevating it to a whole new level of deliciousness. Experiment with different seasonings and sauces to find the perfect flavor combination that suits your palate.
Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
Equipment
- Baking sheet
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus trimmed
- 8 slices bacon halved crosswise
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Wrap each asparagus spear with a half slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick.
- Arrange the wrapped asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy.
- Remove toothpicks before serving.
Notes
Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon for this recipe?
Yes, you can definitely substitute turkey bacon for regular bacon in this recipe. Just keep in mind that turkey bacon tends to cook faster, so you may need to adjust the cooking time.
How long should I cook the bacon-wrapped asparagus in the oven?
It usually takes about 20-25 minutes to cook bacon-wrapped asparagus in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure to check on them periodically to ensure they don’t burn.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time and reheat it later?
Yes, you can prepare the bacon-wrapped asparagus ahead of time and reheat it later. Just pop them in the oven or on the grill for a few minutes to warm them up before serving.
What are some other seasoning options I can use to enhance the flavor?
You can try adding garlic powder, parmesan cheese, lemon zest, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to add a kick to your bacon-wrapped asparagus.
Can I add cheese to the bacon-wrapped asparagus?
Yes, you can definitely add cheese like cheddar, feta, or goat cheese to your bacon-wrapped asparagus before cooking. Just be mindful of the cooking time to prevent the cheese from burning.
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