Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Asparagus wrapped in bacon is an impressive-looking side dish that is every bit as awesome to eat as it is to admire on the plate.

Prep Time20

Cook Time15

Total Time35

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Author: Mary Younkin

Ingredients

1 pound asparagus ends trimmed, about 18-30 spears depending on thickness
6-8 slices bacon
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon butter
balsamic glaze for serving OPTIONAL

Instructions

Pre-Bake the Bacon

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Spread the bacon strips out across a foil-lined baking sheet and place them in a cold oven. Place the bacon on the middle rack and cook for about 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and transfer to a paper towel lined plate.

Blanch the Asapragus

While the bacon is roasting, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add asparagus and salt to the boiling water. Cook the asparagus until bright green and crisp-tender, about 2 minutes.
Fill a large bowl with ice water while the asparagus is cooking. Set it next to the sink. Use tongs to transfer the asparagus to the ice water to stop cooking. (You can also drain the asparagus in a colander and plunge it immediately into ice water.) Once cooled, drain the asparagus in a colander.

Make the Asapragus Bundles

Pat the asparagus dry with a paper towel and place on the same sheet pan used for the bacon. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Then wrap 3-4 asparagus stalks in each piece of bacon. Place the wrapped bundles on the same baking sheet.
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter and then brush the bacon wrapped asparagus with it. Roast for 10-12 minutes, until the asparagus is lightly browned and the bacon is crisp.
Remove from the oven and drizzle with balsamic glaze, if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

Make Ahead Directions: Prep everything up to roasting the bundles and place the wrapped asparagus in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, brush with butter and place on a sheet pan. Roast as directed above.

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