Grilled Bacon Wrapped Aspragus Recipe

So, I discovered an incredibly simple yet mind-blowingly delicious way to elevate everyone’s favorite green veggie—cue the bacon-wrapped grilled asparagus, my ultimate summer BBQ hack!

Asparagus wrapped in bacon is a classic dish, but grilling takes this preparation to a new level. When you grill bacon-wrapped asparagus, the combination of flavors and textures is amazing.

The asparagus stays crisp, and the bacon is impossibly savory. The over-the-top, delicious nature of this dish makes it a great appetizer option, especially if you’re looking to serve something a little more substantial—each piece of asparagus is essentially a portable bite of the good life.

That’s why I used it in my cooking demo for the folks attending the 2020 International Association of Culinary Professionals conference in Seattle.

Grilled Bacon Wrapped Aspragus Recipe Ingredients

• Asparagus: Rich in fiber and vitamins, low in calories.
• Bacon: High in protein and fats, adds savory flavor.
• Olive Oil: Healthy monounsaturated fats, enhances taste.
• Garlic Powder: Adds aromatic flavor, boosts immune health.
• Black Pepper: Provides heat and depth, aids digestion.
• Balsamic Glaze: Sweet and tangy, enhances overall dish flavor.

Grilled Bacon Wrapped Aspragus Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 bunch of asparagus, about 1 pound, trimmed
• 12 slices of bacon
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze or balsamic vinegar (optional, for serving)

How to Make this Grilled Bacon Wrapped Aspragus Recipe

1. Heat your grill to a medium-high setting, about 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).

2. Wash the asparagus and dry it with paper towels, and then cut off the woody ends.

3. In a tiny bowl, blend the olive oil, powdered garlic, black pepper, and salt.

4. Sprinkle the olive oil combination onto the asparagus spears and toss to coat them uniformly.

5. Slice bacon and wrap it around each asparagus spear, starting at one end and spiraling towards the other.

6. If necessary, use toothpicks to secure the bacon-wrapped asparagus.

7. Put the asparagus wrapped in bacon on the grill, across the grates, so they don’t fall through.

8. Cook on the grill for roughly 10 to 15 minutes, turning the food now and then, until the bacon achieves doneness and a nice crispy quality.

9. Take them off the grill and allow to cool a bit.

10. If you want, drizzle with a balsamic glaze or vinegar and serve right away.

Grilled Bacon Wrapped Aspragus Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Grill
2. Knife
3. Cutting board
4. Paper towels
5. Small bowl
6. Spoon or whisk (for mixing)
7. Tongs
8. Toothpicks
9. Plate (for serving)

FAQ

• Can I use thick-cut bacon for this recipe?Indeed, but keep in mind that it might take a longer time to cook it and for it to crisp up properly.
• What temperature should the grill be set to?Set your grill to medium-high heat, which is 375-400°F, for the best outcome from your cooking.
• Can I make this recipe in the oven instead?Of course! Set your oven to 400°F and place the baking sheet with the wire rack in it in the oven. After about 20-25 minutes, you should be good to go.
• Do I need to blanch the asparagus before grilling?If you want a more tender asparagus, it’s not required, but you can blanch it for 2-3 minutes. This will help make the asparagus a bit more tender.
• Is there a substitute for balsamic glaze?Drizzling a little honey or serving it with a squeeze of lemon juice presents another flavor profile altogether.
• Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?Certainly, the asparagus can be wrapped the night prior and then refrigerated. The grilling should happen just before serving, though, as this undoubtedly yields the best results.
• How do I keep the bacon from sticking to the grill?Ensure that the grill grates are oiled or that a non-stick spray has been applied before the wrapped asparagus is placed on the grill.

Grilled Bacon Wrapped Aspragus Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Bacon: Use prosciutto or turkey bacon for a lighter substitution.
Olive Oil. Avocado oil or melted coconut oil can be used as alternative oils.
Replace garlic powder with 2 cloves of fresh minced garlic for a faster, fresher taste. Use onion powder for a different flavor profile.
Black Pepper: Swap in white pepper for a gentler warmth. Crushed red pepper flakes can substitute for black pepper when you want a little more kick.
Balsamic Glaze: Sweeten slightly with honey or maple syrup, or substitute lemon juice for a tangy twist.

Pro Tips

1. Pre-cook the Bacon Partially cook the bacon in the microwave or on the stove for a few minutes before wrapping it around the asparagus. This ensures that it becomes crispy without overcooking the asparagus.

2. Use Skewers for Stability Instead of toothpicks, thread several asparagus spears onto skewers before grilling. This helps keep them secure and makes it easier to turn them on the grill.

3. Avoid Flare-ups If your grill tends to have flare-ups (due to bacon fat dripping onto the flames), create a cooler indirect heat zone by leaving some burners off or reducing the heat on one side of the grill.

4. Season the Bacon For extra flavor, sprinkle a touch of brown sugar or smoked paprika on the bacon before wrapping it around the asparagus to add sweetness or smokiness.

5. Test the Asparagus Use asparagus spears that are similar in thickness to ensure even cooking. Thinner spears will cook faster, while thicker ones may need slightly more time.