Garlic Bacon Wrapped Asparagus (Print Version)
Crispy bacon bundles encasing tender garlic-seasoned asparagus spears
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed
02 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Meats
03 - 8 slices thin-cut bacon
→ Seasonings & Oils
04 - 1 tbsp olive oil
05 - 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
06 - 1/4 tsp salt
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
02 - Wash asparagus thoroughly and trim approximately 1 inch from the tough woody ends.
03 - Combine asparagus, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Toss until spears are evenly coated.
04 - Divide asparagus into 8 equal bundles, approximately 3-4 spears per bundle.
05 - Wrap each asparagus bundle with one slice of bacon, spiraling from the bottom to the top. Place bundles seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
06 - Bake for 18-20 minutes until bacon reaches desired crispiness and asparagus is fork-tender.
07 - For additional crunch, broil for 1-2 minutes watching closely to prevent burning.
08 - Transfer bundles to a serving platter using tongs. Serve while hot for optimal texture and flavor.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The bacon keeps the asparagus from drying out while it roasts, creating this perfect tender-crisp situation that feels like restaurant quality food
- Everything comes together in about 30 minutes but looks fancy enough for dinner parties
- These disappear faster than any other side dish Ive ever made, even from people who swear they hate vegetables
02 -
- The bacon will shrink as it cooks, so wrap it slightly snug but do not stretch it tight around the bundles
- If your asparagus is really thick, you might need an extra 2 or 3 minutes in the oven
03 -
- Thick-cut bacon will take longer to cook and might make the asparagus mushy, so stick with thin or regular cut
- Turkey bacon works but it cooks faster and does not get as crispy, so adjust your time accordingly