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+ servings

Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus Bundles

Up your appetizer side dish game with a quick and easy recipe for Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus Bundles starring a balsamic-brown sugar glaze.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients  

  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 3 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 pound asparagus spears, trimmed
  • 6 slices bacon

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 300°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and balsamic vinegar. Arrange the bacon in a single layer on the baking sheet.  Brush the balsamic mixture atop the bacon.
  • Bake the bacon until partially cooked but still pliable, about 10 minutes. Remove the bacon from the oven and let it cool until it can be safely handled.
  • Divide the asparagus into six bundles. Wrap each bundle with one piece of bacon, starting about 1/2-inch from the top and wrapping down toward the stems. Arrange the bundles back on the baking sheet so that the end of the piece of the bacon is on the bottom of each bundle.
  • Increase the oven to 400°F. Roast the bundles until the asparagus is tender and the bacon is crispy, about 15 minutes, brushing the bacon with the balsamic mixture once halfway through. Remove the bundles from the oven and serve.

Notes

  • To trim asparagus, you can cut off the woody ends with a knife. (About an inch off of the asparagus is a safe bet.) You can also simply snap off the ends, as the asparagus will naturally separate from the tough stems when bent. To do so, bend the end of an asparagus spear until it snaps off. You can repeat with the rest of the asparagus or use this spear as a guide for where to cut off the rest of the ends with a knife. 
  • If the tips or ends of the asparagus begin to get too crispy at any point, cover the tips and ends with foil and continue roasting the asparagus until the bacon has reached your desired level of crispiness. 
  • While I find roasting the asparagus bundles to be easy peasy, you could also grill them. You’ll want the grill to be on medium-high heat and to cook the bundles for about 15 minutes. 
  • If you’re worried about the bacon staying wrapped around the asparagus, you can always secure each bundle with a toothpick. 
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