Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch fresh asparagus spears, tough ends trimmed
- 8-12 slices of bacon (depending on the size of your asparagus and desired bacon coverage)
- Olive oil (for drizzling)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: Garlic powder, grated Parmesan cheese, or lemon zest for additional flavor
Instructions:
Prep Asparagus:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare Asparagus:
- Wash the asparagus spears and trim off the tough ends. If the spears are thick, you can peel the bottom part for a more even cook.
Wrap Asparagus:
- Wrap with Bacon:
- Take a slice of bacon and wrap it around each asparagus spear, starting at the bottom and spiraling upwards. If you prefer, you can secure the bacon with toothpicks, but make sure to remove them before serving.
- Place on Baking Sheet:
- Place the bacon-wrapped asparagus on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack.
Season:
- Drizzle with Olive Oil:
- Drizzle the wrapped asparagus with olive oil. This helps the bacon crisp up and prevents sticking.
- Season with Salt and Pepper:
- Sprinkle salt and black pepper over the bacon-wrapped asparagus. You can also add optional seasonings like garlic powder, grated Parmesan cheese, or lemon zest for extra flavor.
Bake:
- Bake in Oven:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender. If you prefer extra crispy bacon, you can broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
Serve:
- Cool Slightly:
- Allow the Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus to cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Remove Toothpicks (if used):
- If toothpicks were used, carefully remove them before serving.
- Enjoy:
- Serve as a delicious appetizer, side dish, or snack. Enjoy the combination of crispy bacon and tender asparagus!
Note:
- Ensure that the bacon is tightly wrapped around the asparagus to prevent it from unraveling during cooking.
- Experiment with different seasonings to add variety to the flavor profile. Smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice can also enhance the dish.
- Adjust the baking time based on the thickness of the asparagus and your preference for bacon crispiness.
- This recipe can be easily adapted for grilling. Just make sure to secure the bacon well and turn the asparagus on the grill for even cooking.