I stumbled upon this crispy bacon-wrapped asparagus recipe during a Sunday brunch experiment. It’s like wrapping a crunchy veggie hug in smoky perfection—everyone at the table couldn’t get enough. And hey, who knew a simple bundle of greens could steal the spotlight from the pancakes?
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Trim the asparagus spears by removing the woody ends, then divide them into small bundles of 2-3 spears each.
- Wrap each bundle with a slice of bacon, securing the ends underneath the asparagus to hold it in place.
- Arrange the bacon-wrapped asparagus bundles on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving as a delicious appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
- 8 slices of bacon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
FAQ
- How do you make bacon-wrapped asparagus crispy?
- To achieve crispy bacon-wrapped asparagus, bake it in the oven at a high temperature. This ensures the bacon crisps up while the asparagus remains tender.
- Can I prepare bacon-wrapped asparagus ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Simply wrap the asparagus with bacon and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
- What is the best type of bacon for wrapping asparagus?
- Thinly sliced bacon is the best option for wrapping asparagus as it cooks quickly and crisps up nicely without overcooking the asparagus.
- How do you prevent the bacon from unraveling during cooking?
- To keep the bacon from unraveling, you can secure it with toothpicks. Just remember to remove them before serving.
- Is it possible to make this dish using an air fryer?
- Yes, you can use an air fryer to make bacon-wrapped asparagus. It’s a great way to achieve crispiness while reducing cooking time.
Tips
- Choose Thick Asparagus: Opt for thicker asparagus spears as they hold up better when wrapped in bacon and cooked, ensuring a satisfying texture.
- Pre-cook Bacon Slightly: Before wrapping, partially cook the bacon in a skillet or microwave until it begins to render fat but is still pliable. This helps achieve a crispier result.
- Secure Bacon with Toothpicks: Use toothpicks to secure the bacon around the asparagus. This prevents it from unraveling during cooking and ensures even crispiness.
- Use a Wire Rack for Baking: Place the bacon-wrapped asparagus on a wire rack over a baking sheet. This allows the heat to circulate evenly, promoting crisp bacon on all sides.
Equipment
- Baking Sheet – A large, non-stick baking sheet for roasting the asparagus.
- Wire Rack – A wire rack to place on top of the baking sheet for even cooking and extra crispiness.
- Kitchen Tongs – Useful for handling hot asparagus and bacon.
- Parchment Paper – To line the baking sheet for easy cleanup.
