Description
Crispy bacon hugs tender asparagus in these delectable bacon wrapped asparagus bites, creating an irresistible appetizer that merges savory flavors. Guests will devour these elegant, protein-packed morsels that elevate simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing starter perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) asparagus spears, trimmed
- 8–10 slices bacon (thin cut)
Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional Toppings:
- Grated parmesan cheese
- Balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet to ensure easy cooking and cleanup.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine asparagus with olive oil, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt, gently tossing to coat each spear evenly with seasonings.
- Slice bacon strips lengthwise into thinner pieces, then carefully wrap each asparagus spear, starting from the bottom and leaving the tips exposed. Secure with a toothpick if needed.
- Arrange bacon-wrapped asparagus on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching to promote even cooking.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through to achieve uniform crispiness, until bacon is golden brown and asparagus is tender.
- Remove from oven and optionally garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for added flavor complexity.
- Transfer to a serving platter and enjoy immediately while the bacon remains crisp and the asparagus is hot.
Notes
- Bacon Selection Matters: Choose high-quality, thin-cut bacon for the best crispy texture and even cooking around delicate asparagus spears.
- Trim Asparagus Carefully: Cut woody ends to ensure tender, easy-to-eat bites that won’t be tough or stringy when baked.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Space wrapped asparagus pieces slightly apart on the baking sheet to allow proper air circulation and achieve maximum crispiness.
- Dietary Adaptations: Swap bacon for turkey bacon or plant-based bacon alternatives to accommodate different dietary preferences while maintaining the dish’s essence.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 175
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg