Asparagus is delicious on its own, but when you add bacon to the mix you’ve got a culinary combination that’s totally irresistible! These little bundles are some of my family’s favorite veggie side dish recipes along with sauteed mushrooms and onions and mustard greens. Asparagus is all over the stores right now and we can’t get enough of it! Two of my three kids will happily eat it, which means it’s on the dinner table at least once a week. This bacon wrapped asparagus is our absolute favorite, who can resist the added allure of bacon? Not me! These asparagus bundles are so good that sometimes I serve them as a main course or appetizer instead of a side dish. This asparagus recipe makes for an elegant side dish for the holidays. Pair it with main dishes like honey glazed ham, dry brined turkey and spiral ham with brown sugar glaze.
Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Ingredients
To make this recipe, you will need fresh asparagus spears, bacon strips, butter, garlic powder, brown sugar, black pepper and fresh parsley.
How Do You Make Bacon Wrapped Asparagus?
Wash your asparagus stalks, then snap off the woody ends. Divide the asparagus into 4 bundles, then tightly wrap a slice of bacon around each one. Place the butter, garlic powder, brown sugar and pepper in a bowl and whisk. Drizzle the butter mixture over the asparagus bunches. Transfer the bundles, seam side down, to a rimmed baking sheet. Bake until the bacon is crispy and asparagus is tender. Add a sprinkle of parsley if you like, then serve and enjoy.
Tips For The Perfect Dish
I find that thicker asparagus stalks work best here. If you use the thin ones, they may get mushy by the time the bacon cooks through. This recipe works best with regular cut bacon; thick cut bacon takes a lot longer to get crisp, and you run the risk of your asparagus overcooking. Another option is to par-cook the bacon, then wrap the asparagus. You can assemble the bundles up to 8 hours before you plan to put them in the oven. Leftovers will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I prefer the flavor of butter in this recipe, but olive oil will also work if that’s have you have on hand. Omit the brown sugar if you’re looking for a low carb dish. This recipe can also be prepared on the grill. Simply prepare the bundles as the recipe calls for, then grill over medium heat for 5-6 minutes per side or until the bacon is crispy and asparagus is tender. You could also make this recipe using other cooking methods such as in an air fryer or on the stove. Air fry your bundles at 400 degrees F for 12-14 minutes. You can cook the bacon wrapped asparagus on the stove over medium heat for 5-6 minutes per side.
Bacon Asparagus Flavor Variations
This recipe is great as-is, but you can easily customize the ingredients to suit your tastes.
Bacon: Instead of bacon, try prosciutto or pancetta for a different flavor. You can also use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon. Vegetables: You can swap out the asparagus for thin cut carrot sticks or green beans. Seasonings: Try using different spices and herbs in the butter mixture. Some great options include onion powder, Italian seasoning, garlic salt or paprika. You can also add a little parmesan cheese. Sauce: Serve your bundles with a dipping sauce such as homemade ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing. They’re also great with a little balsamic glaze drizzled on top.
If you’re an asparagus fan, you MUST try this recipe. I love it so much that I can make a whole meal out of it! This is a great side dish for a special occasion because the bundles look so elegant even though they’re quite simple to make.
