There are some food pairings that are just meant to be, and salty, crispy bacon wrapped around tender, fresh asparagus is one of them. These elegant little bundles are incredibly easy to make but look impressive enough for a dinner party. Whether you’re serving them as a show-stopping appetizer, a holiday side dish, or just a delicious way to eat your veggies, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast. Dip them in creamy ranch for the ultimate flavor explosion!
Ingredients
• 1 lb / 450g asparagus, about 24 spears, tough ends trimmed
• 2 tbsp / 30ml melted lard or coconut oil
• ½ tsp / 2.5g fine sea salt
• ¼ tsp / 1.5g ground black pepper
• 4 strips bacon
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp / 8g chopped fresh chives, plus extra for garnish
• ½ cup / 120ml Ranch Dressing, for serving
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F / 200°C and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. In a large bowl, toss the trimmed asparagus spears with the melted lard or oil, salt, and pepper until they are evenly coated.
3. Slice each strip of bacon in half lengthwise, creating 8 long, thin strips. Tightly wrap one bacon strip around a bundle of 3 asparagus spears. Secure the ends of the bacon with a toothpick.
4. Arrange the 8 bundles in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle the minced garlic and chopped chives evenly over the tops.
5. Roast for 10 to 20 minutes. Thinner asparagus will be done closer to 10 minutes, while thicker spears may need up to 20 minutes. The asparagus should be tender-crisp and the bacon golden and crispy.
6. Carefully remove the bundles from the oven. Garnish with additional fresh chives and serve immediately with ranch dressing for dipping.
Nutritional Information
• Servings: 4
• Calories: 220 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Protein: 7g
• Fat: 19g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fiber: 3g
Pro Tips
• Select asparagus spears of a similar thickness to ensure they all cook evenly.
• For extra crispy results, briefly pan-fry the bacon strips for 1-2 minutes per side before wrapping.
• Soak wooden toothpicks in water for 10 minutes before using to prevent them from burning in the oven.
• Assemble the bundles up to a day ahead; cover and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.
FAQ
Q: How do you get bacon crispy on bacon wrapped asparagus
A: For extra crispy results, the recipe suggests briefly pan-frying the bacon strips for 1-2 minutes per side before wrapping them around the asparagus. Roasting at a high temperature of 400°F (200°C) also helps the bacon become golden and crispy.
Q: Can you make bacon wrapped asparagus ahead of time
A: Yes, you can assemble the asparagus bundles up to a day in advance. Simply cover and refrigerate them, then bake them according to the recipe instructions just before you are ready to serve.
Q: How long do you cook bacon wrapped asparagus in the oven
A: In an oven preheated to 400°F (200°C), you should roast the bundles for 10 to 20 minutes. The exact time depends on the thickness of your asparagus spears; thinner spears cook faster.
Q: What do you serve with bacon wrapped asparagus
A: These bundles are perfect as a show-stopping appetizer, a holiday side dish, or a simple snack. This recipe recommends serving them immediately with a creamy ranch dressing for dipping.
