Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus: A Simple, Elegant Side Dish
Bacon-wrapped asparagus is a crowd-pleaser, perfect as a simple side dish for any occasion. This recipe is easy to follow, even for beginner cooks, and delivers a delicious combination of salty bacon and tender asparagus. Let's get started!
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
- 6 slices bacon, cut in half
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Preparing the Asparagus:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the bacon cooks evenly and the asparagus becomes tender-crisp.
- Trim the asparagus: Snap off the tough, woody ends of the asparagus spears. You can easily do this by bending the spears until they naturally break.
- Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper: In a bowl, gently toss the asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper. This will season the asparagus and help it cook evenly.
Wrapping the Asparagus:
- Wrap each asparagus spear with half a slice of bacon: Securely wrap the bacon around each spear. You can use a toothpick if needed, but it often isn’t necessary.
- Arrange on a baking sheet: Place the bacon-wrapped asparagus spears on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Baking and Serving:
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn. Cooking time may vary depending on your oven.
- Serve immediately: This dish is best served hot and fresh.
Tips and Variations for Perfect Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus:
- For extra flavor: Try adding a sprinkle of garlic powder, onion powder, or even a touch of brown sugar to the asparagus before wrapping it with bacon.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve this as part of a larger meal, such as alongside grilled chicken or fish.
- Different cuts of bacon: While regular bacon works great, you can experiment with thicker-cut bacon for a chewier texture.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the asparagus and wrap it with bacon ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just add a few minutes to the baking time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use frozen asparagus? Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely before wrapping it with bacon and adjust the cooking time accordingly. It may take a bit longer to cook.
- How do I know when the asparagus is done? The asparagus should be tender when pierced with a fork, and the bacon should be crispy.
- Can I air fry bacon wrapped asparagus? Yes! Air frying is a great alternative method that reduces cooking time and produces crispy bacon and tender asparagus.
This simple recipe delivers a sophisticated side dish with minimal effort. Enjoy the delicious combination of salty bacon and tender asparagus! Let us know in the comments how your bacon-wrapped asparagus turns out!
