Asparagus Bundles contain tender, seasoned asparagus spears wrapped in bacon (crisp or soft).
Enjoy this side dish with a weeknight meal. Also good with a holiday dinner or any special occasion.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This recipe is my twist on a classic that’s been around for many years. In my adjusted version, the bacon is can be crisp or soft. Serve hot or warm sprinkled with Parmesan cheese.
NOT SPONSORED (DISCLAIMER): I have not been paid to endorse any pictured product. Delighted to share the ingredients I purchased and used to make this recipe.
THE INGREDIENTS
One bundle (about 1 pound) of fresh asparagus and a package of hickory smoked bacon. Regular bacon (not thick cut) is best because it cooks and browns quickly.
The remaining ingredients are extra light olive oil, ground black pepper and Parmesan cheese (optional).
ASPARAGUS PREP TIPS
Before using, rinse fresh asparagus spears in warm water. Pat dry with paper towels.
If stems are thicker than 5/8″, pare off 2 or 3 inches of the bottom skin with a vegetable peeler to give the side dish a beautiful appearance. Read more here.
HOW TO PREPARE BACON
Pre-cook bacon strips in a skillet over low heat for 2 minutes. Flip over and cook another 3 minutes. Bacon will be partially done (not crisp). Remove from heat to cool on a plate lined with paper towels.
Wrap around prepared asparagus. Secure with a toothpick. Bake in oven to desired tenderness (crisp or soft).
WHAT IS A BOILER PAN?
SERVING SUGGESTION
Serve hot or warm, sprinkled with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
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Asparagus Bundles
Equipment
- 1 Broiler Pan
Ingredients
- 1 bundle fresh asparagus spears (snapped or trimmed) Bundle is about one pound. Quantity may vary. Mine contained 62 spears.
- 2 tablespoons extra-light olive oil for drizzling
- 1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper (divided)
- 6 slices smoked bacon strips (regular, NOT thick cut) Regular bacon cooks thoroughly and browns quickly. Thick cut does not work well in this recipe.
- Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Thoroughly rinse asparagus spears in warm water. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Arrange rinsed asparagus spears in a single layer in a large pan or platter. Drizzle with extra-light olive oil. Sprinkle with coarse ground black pepper and salt. Toss until evenly coated.
- Separate spears into 6 bundles.
- Rinse 6 bacon strips (regular, NOT thick cut). Pat dry with paper towels. Wrap each bundle with a slice of bacon. Secure with toothpick.
- OVEN: Line pan with foil or parchment paper for easy clean up (optional). Place bundles on top of slotted broiler pan. Bake 12 minutes or until bacon and asparagus have both reached desired tenderness.
- GRILL: Arrange bundles in a single layer on HOT grill. Cover and cook 12 to 15 minutes OR until bacon and asparagus spears have reached desired tenderness.
- Carefully remove toothpicks. Serve Asparagus Bundles warm or hot. Sprinkle with coarsely grated Parmesan cheese (optional).