bacon wrapped asparagus

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 18–22 minutes

• Total Time: 28–32 minutes

• Servings: 4 (as a side dish) or 6 (as an appetizer)

• Yield: 12–14 spears

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Intensity & Difficulty

• Skill Level: Easy

• Intensity: Low. This is a straightforward recipe with minimal active cooking time. The main challenge is ensuring the bacon cooks evenly without burning the sugar.

• Effort: Minimal. With just a few ingredients and simple assembly, this is a great recipe for beginner cooks.

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Ingredients

• 1 pound (about 450g) fresh asparagus, woody ends trimmed

• 12-14 thin-cut slices of bacon (do not use thick-cut; it won’t crisp in time)

• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed

• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (optional, for extra crispiness)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Asparagus

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) . Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack (like a cooling rack) on top of the prepared baking sheet. This step is crucial—the rack allows hot air to circulate all around the bacon, ensuring it becomes crispy on all sides rather than steaming in its own grease.

Wash the asparagus and snap off the tough, woody ends. To do this, hold a spear at both ends and bend it until it naturally snaps. Use that spear as a guide to trim the rest of the bunch. Pat the asparagus spears completely dry with a paper towel. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness.

2. Assemble the Bundles (or Spears)

You have two options here. For a more elegant presentation, gather 3-4 asparagus spears together to form a small bundle. For a simpler, quicker approach, wrap individual spears.

Take one slice of bacon and wrap it tightly in a spiral around the asparagus bundle or single spear, starting about ½ inch from the tip and ending near the bottom. The bacon should overlap slightly to ensure full coverage. Place the wrapped spears seam-side down on the wire rack to prevent them from unraveling during cooking.

3. Season and Glaze

In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, black pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the tops of the bacon-wrapped asparagus. The sugar will create a caramelized glaze that balances the saltiness of the bacon. If you want an extra-crispy result, drizzle the tops lightly with olive oil.

4. Bake to Crispy Perfection

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 18–22 minutes. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your bacon and how crispy you like it.

• At 10 minutes: Check the asparagus. If the bacon on the bottom of the spears is looking greasy but not browning, you can carefully flip each piece with tongs for more even cooking. However, using a wire rack often makes flipping unnecessary.

• At 18-22 minutes: The bacon should be dark golden brown and crisp, and the asparagus tips should be slightly charred and tender. Keep a close eye on them during the last 5 minutes, as the sugar can cause the bacon to burn quickly if left unattended.

5. Rest and Serve

Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Using tongs, transfer the bacon wrapped asparagus to a paper towel-lined plate for just one minute to drain any excess grease. Do not let them sit too long, or they will lose their crispiness. Transfer to a serving platter and serve immediately while hot.

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Chef’s Tips for Success

• Choose the Right Bacon: Thin-cut bacon is non-negotiable here. Thick-cut bacon takes too long to render and crisp, which will result in overcooked, mushy asparagus. Standard, thin-sliced bacon cooks at the same rate as the asparagus.

• Don’t Overcrowd: Leave at least ½ inch of space between each wrapped spear on the wire rack. Overcrowding traps steam, which will make the bacon chewy instead of crispy. If necessary, use two baking sheets.

• Parchment vs. Foil: While parchment paper is great for many things, aluminum foil is preferred here because it can withstand the high heat and allows for a wire rack to sit flat without sliding. It also makes cleanup incredibly easy.

• Make it Spicy: For a kick of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the brown sugar mixture. You can also drizzle the finished spears with a little sriracha or balsamic glaze before serving.

• Air Fryer Method: To make these in an air fryer, preheat to 375°F (190°C). Place the wrapped spears in a single layer in the basket (work in batches if needed). Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is crispy.

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Nutrition Facts

Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients and bacon used.