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I keep coming back to these bacon-wrapped asparagus bundles for get-togethers with friends or anytime I’m making dinner for a crowd. They always wow everyone, and I don’t have to worry about carbs piling up.
The first holiday I brought these bundles, I just wanted something simple but pretty to serve. Now, three years later, every family party my nephew begs, asking hopefully, "Are you bringing those bacon things again?" The streak lives on.
Tasty Ingredients
- Olive oil: Brings out the asparagus and helps everything turn golden
- Optional garlic powder: Adds an easy punch of flavor if you want
- Salt and pepper: Just enough seasoning to bring things together
- Optional Parmesan cheese: Melts a cheesy, salty bite over each bundle
- Thick cut bacon: Makes wrapping a breeze and stays nicely chewy and crisp
- Fresh asparagus: Go for firm, bright stalks with tight tips for best results
Easy-to-Follow Steps
- Sprinkle on final touches:
- Right from the oven, toss over Parmesan and a bit of garlic powder if you’d like. Heat helps the cheese melt a bit for that awesome finish.
- Roast until crispy:
- Bake the batches for 20–25 minutes. Keep an eye out at the end—crisp bacon, slightly firm asparagus, that’s what you want.
- Season and drizzle:
- Give each bundle a glug of olive oil and a dusting of salt and pepper. Light hand on the salt since bacon brings plenty.
- Arrange on sheet pan:
- Pop the bundles onto your parchment-lined baking tray. Space them out so heat gets all around for even browning.
- Bundle and roll:
- Wrap bacon around the middle of each group of 3 or 4 asparagus stalks. Make sure the bacon overlaps so it sticks, then keep going until you’ve done them all.
- Heat oven and prep tray:
- Crank the oven up to 400°F. Use parchment so nothing sticks and cleaning up stays easy when the bacon fat melts out.
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Which bacon you use really matters. The time I tried applewood smoked bacon from the local butcher, it changed everything. My mother-in-law, who usually skips bacon, went back for more and was hunting for the butcher’s phone number after her second helping.
Ahead-of-Time Prep
You can put all the bundles together a day ahead. Just build and wrap them, stash in plastic, and chill in the fridge. When it’s time to bake, let them warm up on the counter for half an hour so they cook evenly. Makes hosting less stressful too.
Swap Ideas
No asparagus? Use green beans—they work great and take about the same time to cook. If you don’t eat pork, turkey bacon gets the job done, though it’s a little leaner so splash a bit more olive oil before it hits the oven. Got vegetarian friends? Try using carrots or zucchini ribbons and wrap with some thin halloumi cheese instead.
Serving Ideas
No matter if it’s Tuesday night or a big occasion, these bundles fit right in. For a quick dinner, serve with roast chicken or steak. Turning it up for company? Lay them on a serving platter, scatter with lemon wedges and herbs for fancy vibes. A creamy garlic mayo dip turns things next-level tasty.
Simple Fixes
If your asparagus is on the fat side, give it a quick two-minute dip in boiling water, chill in ice water, then dry it off so it cooks through and the bacon won’t burn. Want bacon with crunch? Give it a three-minute head start in a skillet so it firms up but still bends for wrapping.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → What helps bacon crisp up well?
Leave space between each bundle when you put them on the baking tray—this way the heat gets around all sides and bacon gets crunchy.
- → Can I make it ahead?
Sure! Put the bundles together earlier and stick them in the fridge. When you're ready, let them warm up a bit before baking.
- → What could I use if I don't have asparagus?
Try sliced zucchini or green beans, they're perfect swaps and roast up quick just like asparagus.
- → How can I make the bacon stand out flavorwise?
Sprinkle brown sugar, cayenne, or brush on some Dijon before baking—these little extras give it a kick or a sweet note.
- → How do I keep both asparagus and bacon done at the same time?
Choose asparagus that's all about the same thickness. Then everything cooks evenly and nothing's over or underdone.
- → Does this work for keto plans?
Absolutely, it's great for keto. Just pick a bacon brand without sugars to keep carbs super low.