Description
Grilled asparagus wrapped in crispy bacon a quick, easy, and delicious side dish or appetizer perfect for summer barbecues!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound fresh asparagus, thick spears preferred
- 1 pound bacon, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt to taste (be mindful of the saltiness of the bacon)
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Asparagus: Wash the asparagus thoroughly under cold running water. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Trim the Asparagus: Snap off the tough ends of the asparagus spears. Alternatively, cut off about 1-2 inches from the ends.
- Season the Asparagus: In a large bowl, toss the asparagus with olive oil, garlic powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Ensure even coating.
- Prepare the Bacon: Lay out bacon slices on a cutting board. Cut in half if very long.
- Wrap the Asparagus: Take 3-5 asparagus spears and bundle them together. Wrap a slice of bacon tightly around the bundle, overlapping as you go. Secure with a toothpick if needed. Repeat until all asparagus is wrapped.
- Season the Wrapped Bundles: Lightly sprinkle the bacon-wrapped asparagus bundles with salt. Be mindful of the saltiness of the bacon.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350-400°F or 175-200°C). Make sure the grill grates are clean. Lightly oil the grates with cooking spray or a brush dipped in oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Asparagus: Place the bacon-wrapped asparagus bundles on the preheated grill, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Cook the Asparagus: Grill for about 8-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the bacon is cooked through and crispy and the asparagus is tender-crisp.
- Check for Doneness: Pierce a spear with a fork. It should be tender but still have a slight bite. The bacon should be crispy and golden brown.
- Remove from Grill: Remove from the grill and place on a platter.
- Remove Toothpicks (If Used): Carefully remove toothpicks before serving.
- Serve Immediately: Serve hot and crispy.
- Garnish (Optional): Garnish with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice.
Notes
- Bacon Type: Use different types of bacon (maple, peppered) for varied flavor.
- Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese during the last few minutes of grilling.
- Marinade: Marinate asparagus in balsamic vinaigrette for 30 minutes before wrapping.
- Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes to your preference.
- Oven Baking: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes if you don’t have a grill.
- Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender.
- Vegetarian Option: Wrap in prosciutto instead of bacon.
- Garlic Infusion: Mince 2-3 cloves of garlic and add them to the olive oil before tossing with the asparagus.
- Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the olive oil mixture for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Sweet and Savory: Drizzle a little maple syrup or honey over the bacon-wrapped asparagus during the last few minutes of grilling for a sweet and savory flavor combination.
- Bacon Safety: Ensure bacon is cooked to 165°F (74°C).
- Grill Safety: Never leave a grill unattended.
- Asparagus Quality: Choose firm, bright green spears with tightly closed tips.
- Salt Content: Be mindful of the bacon’s saltiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes