Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Preparing Asparagus Stalks

Making this awesome wrapped asparagus starts with proper preparation coz you don’t want to eat the woody ends of the asparagus. So, wash them first, then trim them off.  

To do that, all you have to do is gently bend the spear and let it snap off. You are sure that you are removing the tough part when you do this because the stalk snaps exactly at the spot where the woody stalk meets the tender part.  

It is recommended to cook this stem vegetable right away after preparing it. 

How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

• Preheat oven to 400℉/200℃. Line a large baking sheet with parchment or foil paper. Set aside.
• Bacon – Place the bacon in a single layer on a prepared baking sheet. Bake bacon in the oven for about 12-15 minutes; cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the bacon. The idea is to cook the bacon halfway.
• Seasonings – While bacon is cooking, make the spice mix. In a medium bowl, mix together minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and oil.
• Finish Bacon – Remove the bacon from the oven, drain the grease, and let it cool slightly, enough for you to be able to handle it. Discard parchment paper and replace it with a clean one. Set the baking tray aside.

• Wrap – Pick 3-4 stalks of asparagus, place them on top of a bacon strip and, wrap the bacon strips around them, and tuck the ends underneath the asparagus.
• Season – Place on the baking sheet with the bacon seam-side down. Repeat this process until all the asparagus has been used up. Brush the spice mixture over the asparagus and bacon, making sure every inch is covered with the spice mixture.
• Bake wrapped asparagus bundles for about 15-20 minutes or until asparagus is cooked to your preference. Time will vary depending on the thickness of the asparagus.  Remove from the oven and garnish with parsley. Serve immediately. 

How Long Does Asparagus Last?

We are really fond of asparagus. However, it only grows in season. And as I’ve mentioned, I make sure to get some when it becomes available in the market.  

Always, always choose the freshest ones. If possible, look for asparagus with tips that are dry and with slender stems. Avoid asparagus with thick stems, especially if you need them in store for more than 4 days. 

The length of an asparagus’ life depends on how you store them, a.k.a proper storage. I will share some tips below: 

• Refrigerate them by placing them in the high-humidity crisper drawer of your fridge. You can either keep them wrapped in a breathable plastic bag or loosely wrapped in a plastic bag from the store. This will make the asparagus stay fresh for 2 to 4 days. 
• Wrap the asparagus stalks with a rubber band, then cut off ½ inch of the bottom stalks, removing the dry ends. Fill a quart-size wide-mouth jar with ½ inch of water. Place the asparagus, covering the top loosely with a plastic bag. Change the water once it starts to become cloudy. Doing this will keep your asparagus crisp and fresh for 7 days or even more!

How Long Do You Cook Bacon Wrapped Asparagus?

Although my recipe suggests a time on how long should you cook these Bacon Wrapped Asparagus, there are still some factors that can affect the cooking time: 

• Are you cooking them on a pan or a wire rack? 
• How thick is your bacon?
• And the temperature of the oven. 

Cooking in my oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit usually takes 12 to 15 minutes. If you want the bacon to be crispier, I suggest having an additional minute or two under the broiler setting. 

Can You Make This Ahead?

Are you planning to have a party and wanted to prepare some of your dishes beforehand? Well, add these Bacon Wrapped Asparagus to the list. 

What I do is just prepare them a day before the party, place them in a container, cover them, and put them in the fridge. Then, on the day of the event, I pop them into the oven right before serving. 

Please, DO NOT cook them a day before, or else you’ll get soggy bacon-wrapped asparagus. (trust me on this, I’ve tried it). 

What to Serve With Baked Asparagus

Aside from fried chicken, try serving this bacon-wrapped asparagus with: 

1. Herb Crusted Pork Loin
2. Spiced Roast Turkey
3. Oven Tri-Tip Roast

And one more thing, you can also have this deliciousness alone as an appetizer or as on your cheese tray! 

More Decadent Bacon Appetizers

“All for the love for bacon”, try these awesome bacon appetizers too! 

1. Green Bean Bacon Bundle 
2. Deviled Eggs with Bacon and Jalapeños 
3. Bacon Wrapped Plantain
4. Bacon Wrapped Chicken