Bacon Wrapped Aspargus

paula

14 years ago

I was not a fan of asparagus until, as an adult, my little sister coaxed me into trying it grilled…yum! Since then, I really like it grilled or oven roasted with a little olive oil and a dash of salt.

Although I was totally satisfied always preparing it the same way, I did notice how cute little bundles of asparagus wrapped in bacon looked in a magazine last month. I did not have the opportunity to read the article, but I decided to give it a try anyway.

It turns out the “everything is better with bacon” philosophy was true in this case. The bacon added a nice flavor and texture.

I roasted them in the oven on a baking sheet at 400 degrees for a while. However, I like bacon to be crispy and it was not cooking fast enough to keep the asparagus from being over done. Thus, I increased the temperature to 450 and it turned out much better. I think of 425 to 450 oven would be best for the entire time.

: Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

1 bunch of asparagus spears, med. diameter
1/2 as many thin slices of bacon as asparagus spears
olive oil
kosher salt

Preheat oven to 425.
Clean and trim asparagus
Wrap bacon around 2 asparagus spears.
Secure bacon ends with tooth pick broken in half, if desired.
Preheat baking sheet.
Place wrapped asparagus on heated baking sheet and drizzle or spray with olive oil and add a few grains kosher salt to each bundle.
Cook until bacon is crispy or asparagus is done to taste.

If you like your bacon crisp and your asparagus lightly roasted. Partially cook the bacon in a microwave or skillet prior to wrapping asparagus. You will need to secure it to asparagus with toothpicks. If bacon is not cooked ahead, toothpicks may be used but the bacon will usually hold in place if you cook it with both ends on hot surface first.

To cook on grill, spray wrapped asparagus with olive oil or cooking spray. Place directly on hot grill or on hot foil on grill. Wipe grill surface or spray foil with oil prior to cooking asparagus to prevent sticking.

I still like the plain grilled asparagus, but this is a great option for a special treat!