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Roasted asparagus wrapped with crunchy, crispy bacon and seasoned with tons of garlic and herbs – this is one easy appetizer that every guest loves!
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Roasted Asparagus with Bacon and Garlic
Everything is better with bacon – it’s my top tip for getting my kids to eat vegetables. I actually convinced my son he likes asparagus with this dish – even without the bacon! Sometimes getting kids used to veggies with a salty, crave-worthy strip of bacon is all you need to get them comfortable with a new food, and for the holidays, there is no better way to kick off a dinner with something totally indulgent like bacon wrapped asparagus!
This dish is entirely customizeable – we like our bacon really crispy, and don’t mind some crunch to the asparagus (on the overdone side, with lots of browning)- so we cook ours a bit longer than some will go for.
You can also partially cook bacon if you prefer less caramelized asparagus but crunchy bacon – simply cook partway, wrap around asparagus, and finish cooking.
How to Make Garlic Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
To make this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- Fresh Asparagus Spears: Asparagus is the star of this dish, providing a fresh, earthy, and slightly bitter flavor. It’s also packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to your meal.
- Bacon: Bacon adds a savory, smoky, and salty element to the dish. When cooked, it becomes crispy and wraps around the asparagus, infusing it with its delicious flavor.
- Garlic: Minced garlic brings a bold, aromatic, and slightly pungent flavor to the dish. It complements the asparagus and bacon beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil is used to coat the asparagus and garlic, adding a mild, fruity, and slightly peppery note. It also helps prevent the asparagus from drying out during roasting.
- Salt: Salt enhances the natural flavors of the asparagus and bacon while providing a balanced seasoning.
- Black Pepper: Black pepper adds a mild heat and complements the other flavors in the dish, contributing to its overall taste profile.
- Toothpicks: Toothpicks are used to secure the bacon around the asparagus spears, ensuring they cook evenly and hold their shape.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Asparagus:
- Wash the asparagus spears and trim the tough ends. You can do this by holding each spear at the base and bending it gently; it will naturally snap where the tender part begins.
- Marinate with Garlic and Olive Oil:
- In a mixing bowl, drizzle the asparagus with a bit of olive oil and add the minced garlic. Toss to coat the asparagus evenly. You can also season with a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste.
- Wrap with Bacon:
- Take a slice of bacon and wrap it around each asparagus spear. You can start at the base and wrap it diagonally towards the tip, securing the bacon with a toothpick. Repeat for all the asparagus.
- Preheat and Arrange:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the bacon-wrapped asparagus on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a baking rack to allow the bacon to crisp up evenly.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender. Cooking time may vary based on the thickness of the bacon and asparagus, so keep an eye on them.
- Serve:
- Once done, remove the toothpicks and serve the garlic bacon-wrapped asparagus hot. You can garnish with some grated Parmesan cheese or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for added flavor.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Garlic Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
Choose Fresh Asparagus: Look for fresh asparagus with vibrant green color and firm, crisp spears. Avoid asparagus that appears wilted or has a strong odor.
Trim the Asparagus: Before wrapping with bacon, trim the tough woody ends of the asparagus spears. You can snap them off by bending the spear and allowing it to naturally break at the point where it becomes tender.
Use Thin Bacon Strips: Thin bacon strips work best for wrapping around asparagus, as they cook faster and become crispier. Thick-cut bacon may not cook evenly.
Precook Bacon Slightly: Par-cook the bacon for a few minutes in a skillet before wrapping it around the asparagus. This helps render some of the bacon fat and ensures it crisps up nicely in the oven.
Season Generously: Don’t skimp on seasoning. Sprinkle minced garlic, salt, and black pepper evenly over the asparagus and bacon for a burst of flavor.
Drizzle with Olive Oil: A light drizzle of olive oil over the asparagus and bacon helps keep them moist and prevents the bacon from becoming too dry during roasting.
Secure with Toothpicks: Use toothpicks to secure the bacon around the asparagus. This ensures that the bacon stays in place and doesn’t unravel during cooking.
Preheat the Oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to the specified temperature before placing the asparagus in. This ensures even cooking.
Arrange Evenly: Lay the wrapped asparagus spears in a single layer on a baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding, as this allows for even cooking and crispy bacon.
Watch Closely: Keep an eye on the asparagus in the oven to prevent overcooking. Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the bacon and asparagus.
Serve Immediately: Garlic bacon-wrapped asparagus is best when served hot and fresh out of the oven. Enjoy them right away for the crispiest bacon and the most vibrant flavors.
FAQs
It’s best to use fresh asparagus for this recipe as frozen asparagus may have a different texture when wrapped in bacon and roasted.
If you have leftover garlic bacon-wrapped asparagus, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until heated through before serving.
While it’s best to enjoy them fresh out of the oven for maximum crispiness, you can partially prepare them ahead of time. Wrap the asparagus in bacon and season them, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to serve, roast them in the oven.
These asparagus make a great side dish for various main courses, such as roasted chicken, steak, or salmon. They also pair well with pasta dishes and can be served as part of a brunch spread.
Yes, you can substitute turkey, lamb, or vegetarian bacon if you prefer a leaner or meat-free option. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly.
Roasting times can vary depending on the thickness of the bacon and asparagus. Generally, it takes about 15-20 minutes in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). Keep an eye on them and remove them from the oven when the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender.
Absolutely! You can get creative with your seasonings. Try adding grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, or your favorite herbs and spices to customize the flavor.
While these asparagus are delicious on their own, you can serve them with a dipping sauce if you like. Options include garlic aioli, hollandaise sauce, or a simple balsamic reduction.
You can experiment with different types of bacon (e.g., maple-glazed or peppered bacon) or add ingredients like cheese, such as Parmesan or cheddar, for extra flavor.
What to Serve With Garlic Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
Grilled Steak: The combination of juicy grilled steak and the savory, crispy asparagus is a classic and satisfying pairing.
Roasted Chicken: A succulent roasted or grilled chicken dish complements the flavors of the asparagus nicely. Consider adding some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to your chicken for extra flavor.
Salmon: Garlic bacon-wrapped asparagus goes wonderfully with a piece of pan-seared or baked salmon. The contrast between the smoky bacon and the tender fish is delightful.
Pasta: Serve the asparagus alongside a pasta dish, such as creamy Alfredo or a simple garlic and olive oil pasta. It adds a refreshing vegetable element to the meal.
Grilled Shrimp: Garlic bacon-wrapped asparagus can be part of a surf and turf meal when paired with grilled or sautéed shrimp. The smoky flavors work well together.
Pork Chops: Whether they’re pan-fried, grilled, or roasted, pork chops and asparagus make a tasty combination. Consider adding some apple or fruit-based sauce for a touch of sweetness.
Quiche: If you’re serving the asparagus as part of a brunch spread, a savory quiche filled with eggs, cheese, and vegetables makes an excellent companion.
Risotto: Creamy risotto with asparagus is a luxurious pairing. The earthy flavors of the asparagus complement the creamy rice dish.
Burgers: For a casual meal, serve the garlic bacon-wrapped asparagus alongside burgers or sliders. The contrast between the smoky asparagus and the juicy burger is a treat.
Grilled Vegetables: Create a medley of grilled vegetables to accompany the asparagus. Bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms work well together.
Mashed Potatoes: For a comforting side, pair the asparagus with creamy mashed potatoes. The crispy bacon adds texture to the meal.
Soup: Asparagus soup or a hearty vegetable soup can be a nice starter to a meal featuring garlic bacon-wrapped asparagus.
Try these favorite side dishes:
Garlic Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Recipe
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Garlic Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 bunch of fresh asparagus spears about 1 pound
- 6-8 slices of bacon
- 2-3 cloves of garlic minced
- Olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Toothpicks for securing bacon
Instructions
- Wash the asparagus spears and trim the tough ends. You can do this by holding each spear at the base and bending it gently; it will naturally snap where the tender part begins.
- In a mixing bowl, drizzle the asparagus with a bit of olive oil and add the minced garlic. Toss to coat the asparagus evenly. You can also season with a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste.
- Take a slice of bacon and wrap it around each asparagus spear. You can start at the base and wrap it diagonally towards the tip, securing the bacon with a toothpick. Repeat for all the asparagus.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the bacon-wrapped asparagus on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a baking rack to allow the bacon to crisp up evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender. Cooking time may vary based on the thickness of the bacon and asparagus, so keep an eye on them.
- Once done, remove the toothpicks and serve the garlic bacon-wrapped asparagus hot. You can garnish with some grated Parmesan cheese or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for added flavor.
