There’s something wonderfully comforting about grilling. The sizzle of food hitting hot grates, the tantalizing aroma that wafts through the air—it’s pure magic. One of my go-to grill recipes is Easy Grilled Bacon Wrapped Asparagus. It combines two favorites: the crispness of freshly grilled asparagus and the rich, smoky flavor of bacon. This dish is not just a culinary delight but also a symphony of flavors and textures that brings people together.
The star of this recipe is, of course, the asparagus, which is beautifully complemented by the salty, crispy bacon. A simple drizzle of olive oil, along with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, enhances the flavor of these ingredients, allowing their natural qualities to shine. The smoky taste of the bacon marries perfectly with the fresh, vibrant profile of the asparagus, creating a dish that is simply unforgettable.
Making this dish is incredibly easy, which makes it perfect for cooks of all skill levels. First, you preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Next, you trim the ends of the asparagus and give it a light drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Then, you wrap each spear with bacon and place the bundle on the grill. In just 10 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally, you will have crispy bacon and perfectly tender asparagus at your fingertips. Finally, you remove them from the grill and serve warm, ready to impress family and friends.
This dish shines at gatherings, making it a fantastic choice for potlucks, barbecues, and even dinner parties. It’s an incredible starter or side dish that can elevate any meal and is guaranteed to draw compliments from guests.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Grilled Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
- Quick Preparation: The entire cooking process takes less than thirty minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses just a few everyday ingredients, meaning you don’t need a trip to a specialty store.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of bacon and asparagus creates an irresistible flavor profile that delights the taste buds.
- Versatile Dish: It works as an appetizer, side, or even a light main dish.
- Fun to Make: Wrapping the asparagus in bacon is a fun activity for family cooking nights, especially with kids or grandkids.
Asparagus Tips
When selecting asparagus, look for firm, straight stalks that are vibrant green. Avoid any that are wilted or have a hollow stem. Fresh asparagus should have tightly closed tips. If you find thicker stalks, don’t worry; they can still be delicious. You might consider peeling the lower part of the stem for a more tender bite. Always wash your asparagus thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit before proceeding with your recipe.
Options for Substitutions
- Pancetta: Use pancetta in place of bacon for a different flavor twist.
- Thick-cut Bacon: Swap regular bacon for thick-cut to enhance the texture.
- Avocado Oil: Olive oil can be replaced with avocado oil for a slightly different flavor.
- Coconut Aminos: For a soy sauce alternative that adds depth, use coconut aminos.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute bacon with smoked tempeh for a plant-based version.
- Seasoning Variations: Feel free to experiment with garlic powder or Italian seasoning in addition to salt and pepper.
Watch Out for These Mistakes
When grilling bacon wrapped asparagus, one of the most common pitfalls is not preheating the grill adequately. If the grill is not hot enough, the bacon won’t crisp up nicely. Another mistake is overcrowding the grill; make sure the asparagus has enough space so the hot air can circulate for even cooking.
Be cautious about overcooking the asparagus. Aim for a tender bite, as overcooked asparagus can become mushy. As a gentle reminder, turning the asparagus frequently on the grill will ensure even cooking and crispy bacon while preventing burning.
Lastly, seasoning too early can lead to a less flavorful dish. Salt draws out moisture, so it’s best to season just before putting the asparagus on the grill.
What to Serve With Easy Grilled Bacon Wrapped Asparagus?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a light salad, garlic mashed potatoes, or grilled chicken. It also goes well with a refreshing fruit platter for a well-rounded meal. For a more complete experience, consider serving it alongside a delicate risotto or fluffy quinoa, adding to the culinary charm of your dining table.
Storage Instructions
Store: You can keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Freeze: If you wish to freeze, wrap the grilled asparagus tightly in aluminum foil and store it in a freezer bag for up to two months.
Reheat: To reheat, it’s best to use the stovetop to maintain the crispiness. Simply reheat in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes. You can also microwave, but this may result in a softer texture—heat in short intervals to prevent overcooking.
Recipe Info
- Preparation Time: Approximately 10 minutes.
- Cooking Time: About 15 minutes on the grill.
- Total Time: 25 minutes.
- Level of Difficulty: Easy.
- Servings: Serves 4 as a side dish.
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 300-400
- Protein: 20-25 grams
- Fat: 25-30 grams
- Carbohydrates: 4-6 grams
Ingredients
- Asparagus
- Bacon
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
Start by preheating the grill to medium-high heat. It’s essential to give your grill enough time to reach the right temperature so that the bacon crisps up beautifully.
Step 2: Prepare the Asparagus
Trim the ends of the asparagus to remove any tough parts. Leave them in their natural state to retain their flavor. Then, drizzle the spears with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. This simple seasoning will enhance their natural flavors beautifully.
Step 3: Wrap in Bacon
Take a slice of bacon and wrap it around each asparagus spear, ensuring a nice, even covering. The bacon should cling well to the asparagus, providing a lovely outer layer as it cooks.
Step 4: Grill the Asparagus
Place the bacon-wrapped asparagus on the preheated grill. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally. This will help to ensure the bacon crisps evenly and the asparagus becomes tender without becoming mushy.
Step 5: Serve Warm
Once the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender, remove them from the grill. Serve warm with your favorite condiments or sides, and get ready for the compliments!
In summary, Easy Grilled Bacon Wrapped Asparagus is a delightful, simple dish that combines great flavor with ease of preparation. Perfect for all occasions, this recipe is one you’ll want to try repeatedly. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; I’m sure it will quickly become a family favorite and your go-to option for gatherings. Please feel free to share your thoughts or variations you try; I love hearing how fellow cooks adapt beloved recipes!
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Easy Grilled Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A delightful combination of crispy bacon and tender asparagus, perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 bunch Asparagus
- 8 slices Bacon
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Prepare the asparagus by trimming the ends and drizzling with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Wrap each asparagus spear with a slice of bacon.
- Grill the bacon-wrapped asparagus for 10 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Serve warm with your favorite condiments or sides.
Notes
Perfect for potlucks and barbecues. Experiment with different seasonings or substitute bacon with smoked tempeh for a vegetarian option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
