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Crispy Bacon Hugged Asparagus
These bacon hugged asparagus spears come out super crunchy and flavorful, working great as a dinner companion or fancy starter that'll get everyone at your table talking. I've been whipping up this low-carb goodie for ages, and it vanishes quicker than any veggie dish I put out.
I first threw these together for a family party when I needed something speedy that looked posh. Now everyone asks for them at our dinners, and I've even won over plenty of asparagus haters with this approach.
Ingredients
- Asparagus spears: Go for fresh ones. Grab medium-sized spears with closed, tight tips and sturdy stems
- Bacon slices: Thinner cuts wrap better. Pick quality bacon for tastier results
- Melted butter: Brings richness and helps the asparagus cook wonderfully
- Balsamic vinegar: Gives a sweet zingy touch that works against the salty bacon
- Salt: Boosts all the tastes
- Black pepper: Adds a bit of kick that goes well with the smoky bacon
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Get the oven ready:
- Warm your oven to 400°F and put parchment paper on a big baking sheet. The paper stops sticking and makes cleanup way easier.
- Group the asparagus:
- Put the trimmed asparagus in bunches of three spears each. These bunches make perfect portions and let the bacon cook evenly around them.
- Apply the bacon:
- Take each bunch and gently wrap a bacon slice around it, starting from the bottom and working up in a spiral. Set each wrapped bunch on your paper-lined sheet with some space between them.
- Add flavor:
- Brush the bunches with lots of melted butter, making sure to cover the asparagus tips. Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly across all bunches.
- Cook until done:
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the bacon gets crispy and the asparagus turns tender but still has some crunch. Keep an eye on them near the end to avoid burning.
- Add the balsamic:
- Pull from the oven and right away brush with balsamic vinegar while hot. This lets the vinegar slightly caramelize and create a beautiful glaze.
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That balsamic vinegar is really the hidden gem in this dish. I found out how amazing it works by chance when I wanted to add something extra to my regular bacon-wrapped asparagus. My kid now calls these "veggie candy" because of how the balsamic gets all sticky and sweet when it hits the hot bacon.
Storage Tips
Well-kept bacon wrapped asparagus stays tasty for a few days. After cooking, let the bunches cool down completely before putting them away. Store them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They taste best on day one, but leftovers are still awesome when warmed up in an oven or air fryer to get the crispness back.
Making Ahead
This dish works great for planning ahead or getting ready before company comes. You can put the bunches together up to 24 hours early and keep them covered in the fridge. Just take them out 20 minutes before cooking so they warm up a bit, then bake as usual. For the best results, only add the balsamic after cooking, right when you're about to serve.
Serving Suggestions
Bacon wrapped asparagus goes amazingly with grilled meats, especially steak or roasted chicken. For a fancy appetizer look, stand the bunches upright in a shallow dish and offer some extra balsamic reduction for dipping. I love bringing these to brunches next to eggs Benedict or as part of holiday meals where they look pretty on the festive table.
Variations to Try
The basic recipe works great on its own, but you can try some tasty changes too. Sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top before baking for extra savory flavor. For a spicy twist, add a little red pepper flakes or drizzle hot honey instead of balsamic. You can also try maple syrup in place of balsamic for a different sweet-savory mix that really complements the bacon.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → What should I look for when picking asparagus?
Choose spears that are firm, bright green, and have tight tips. Skip ones that look limp or dry.
- → Which type of bacon crisps up best?
Thin-cut bacon is ideal here since it cooks through and gets crispy faster.
- → Can I make this in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Cook them at 400°F in the air fryer for about 10-12 minutes, checking occasionally for crispness.
- → What else goes well with this dish?
Pair it with roasted beef, grilled chicken, or include it on a meat and cheese platter for variety.
- → How do I keep bacon from getting soggy?
Arrange bundles with space in between on the baking sheet so the bacon can crisp up evenly.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and store them in the fridge for up to 6 hours before baking.