Oven-Roasted Bacon Wrapped Asparagus: the Easy 2-Ingredient Recipe for a Tasty Side Dish!
Calling all vegetable lovers (and bacon enthusiasts)! Bacon-wrapped asparagus is a culinary match made in heaven. Serve it as an appetizer to kick off a dinner party, a show-stopping side dish for any main course, or even a satisfying light lunch on its own. It might look fancy to your guests, but it’s super easy to make, Fresh asparagus spears are wrapped in bacon, then baked until the bacon becomes crispy. The entire process takes minutes, making it a lifesaver for busy weeknights or when you need a last-minute appetizer. You only need a handful of ingredients: asparagus (ideally during its peak season in spring, but readily available year-round), good quality bacon, and a touch of olive oil for brushing. They’re also roasted in the oven for a hands-off approach. No matter how you choose to prepare them, bacon-wrapped asparagus is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!
What is Bacon Wrapped Asparagus?
Bacon-wrapped asparagus has become a ubiquitous presence on menus and dinner tables. The exact origin of bacon-wrapped asparagus remains elusive. However, the concept of using bacon for culinary purposes has a rich history. Barding, the practice of wrapping meat with fat (often bacon) to prevent drying during cooking, has been employed for centuries.
Bacon-wrapped asparagus likely emerged in the 20th century, coinciding with the rise of convenience foods and the ever-growing popularity of bacon in Western cuisine. This ingenious pairing transformed asparagus, a spring vegetable with a subtle flavor profile, into a more captivating and crave-worthy dish.
What are Top Tips for Making Bacon Wrapped Asparagus?
- For a healthier variation, opt for leaner bacon and air-frying for a lighter rendition that retains its satisfying taste.
- While thicker bacon might seem more substantial, opt for thinner-cut bacon. It cooks faster and crisps up more evenly, preventing the asparagus from overcooking.
- Pat the asparagus dry before wrapping to prevent steam from hindering the bacon from crisping. Avoid excessive overlapping of the bacon. A slight overlap is fine, but too much creates thicker sections that take longer to crisp and might result in undercooked asparagus.
- For thicker asparagus spears or if you plan to move them around a lot during cooking, secure the bacon with toothpicks. This prevents the bacon from unraveling and keeps everything neatly bundled.
Can I Pre-Cook The Asparagus?
Yes, blanching the asparagus for 2-3 minutes before wrapping helps soften it slightly while maintaining a crisp bite. This also ensures even cooking with the bacon.
How Do I Keep The Bacon From Burning Before The Asparagus Cooks Through?
Pre-cook the bacon slightly in the oven for a few minutes before wrapping. Use thinner-cut bacon for faster crisping.
Can I Use an Alternative To Bacon?
Absolutely! Try prosciutto, smoked salmon, or even a teriyaki-marinated tofu sheet for a plant-based twist.
What's A Good Dipping Sauce For Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus?
The options are endless! Try a simple squeeze of lemon juice, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, teriyaki sauce, or a creamy aioli.
More Asparagus Recipes To Try!
How to Store Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
Bacon-wrapped asparagus is best enjoyed fresh! Cooked leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness!
Ingredients
How To Make Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus?
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the asparagus and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until tender-crisp.
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the asparagus and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until tender-crisp.
Drain the asparagus immediately and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Pat the blanched asparagus dry with paper towels.
Drain the asparagus immediately and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Pat the blanched asparagus dry with paper towels.
Wrap each asparagus spear with a slice of bacon, starting at the base and working your way up the spear. Secure the bacon with a toothpick if needed.
Wrap each asparagus spear with a slice of bacon, starting at the base and working your way up the spear. Secure the bacon with a toothpick if needed.
Transfer the wrapped asparagus to a grill pan or a baking sheet lined with a wire rack.
Transfer the wrapped asparagus to a grill pan or a baking sheet lined with a wire rack.
Bake in a preheated oven at 360°F (180°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is heated through.
Bake in a preheated oven at 360°F (180°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is heated through.
