Elevate your next meal with “Elegant Sides: Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus,” a dish that perfectly combines the earthy flavors of asparagus with the smoky richness of bacon. This recipe is not only simple to prepare but also visually impressive, making it an excellent choice for dinner parties, special occasions, or a flavorful addition to your weekday meal lineup. Bacon-wrapped asparagus is versatile, delicious, and guaranteed to win over anyone who tries it.
Why You’ll Love Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus:
- Flavorful Combination: The saltiness of the bacon complements the natural sweetness of the asparagus.
- Visually Impressive: Makes a great presentation on the plate, perfect for impressing guests.
- Easy to Prepare: Requires minimal ingredients and effort, yet yields maximum flavor.
- Keto-Friendly: Fits well into low-carb and ketogenic diet plans.
Ingredients Notes For Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus:
- Asparagus: Look for medium thickness in asparagus spears; too thin can overcook easily, and too thick can be woody.
- Bacon: Use thin slices of bacon for easier wrapping and to ensure it cooks evenly without overcooking the asparagus.
- Seasonings: Simple salt, pepper, and optionally garlic powder or parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Olive Oil: Helps to crisp up the bacon while roasting and adds richness.
Recipe Steps:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Asparagus:
- Wash the asparagus and trim off the tough ends. Typically, bending the asparagus toward the bottom will naturally snap off the woody part.
- Wrap the Asparagus:
- Lightly coat the asparagus in olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Take a strip of bacon and wrap it spirally around each asparagus spear, starting from the bottom. Secure the bacon with a toothpick if necessary.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet:
- Place the bacon-wrapped asparagus on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch each other for even cooking.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender. For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2-3 minutes.
- Serve:
- Serve warm as a side dish. Optionally, sprinkle with grated parmesan or a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra burst of flavor.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Best reheated in the oven or under the broiler to maintain the crispiness of the bacon
INGREDIENTS
- 1 pound asparagus, ends trimmed
- 10–12 slices of bacon
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: olive oil
- Optional for garnish: grated Parmesan cheese or a squeeze of lemon juice
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Asparagus:
- Wash the asparagus and trim off the tough ends. You can snap them off where they naturally break or cut about 1-2 inches from the bottoms.
- Wrap the Bacon:
- Take a slice of bacon and wrap it spirally around an asparagus spear, starting from the bottom to just below the tip. Overlap slightly as you wrap. Secure the bacon with a toothpick if necessary.
- Repeat with the remaining asparagus and bacon. Depending on the size of your asparagus, you can also wrap one slice of bacon around two spears if they are very thin.
- Season:
- Place the bacon-wrapped asparagus on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly sprinkle with black pepper. If you like, you can drizzle a little olive oil over the asparagus for extra richness.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the asparagus and bacon.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and transfer to a serving platter. If desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for added flavor.