Save to Pinterest These crispy beef bacon wrapped asparagus bundles combine tender roasted spears with smoky, savory bacon for an irresistible appetizer or side. Each bundle features three asparagus spears coated in olive oil and garlic powder, then tightly wrapped and roasted until the bacon achieves perfect crispiness.
The preparation comes together in just 15 minutes of active prep time, with 20 minutes in the oven creating beautifully browned bundles. The natural sweetness of asparagus pairs perfectly with the rich, smoky beef bacon while garlic powder and black pepper enhance the overall flavor profile.
Serve these warm from the oven with optional grated Parmesan or alongside lemon aioli for dipping. They're naturally gluten-free and low-carb, making them suitable for various dietary preferences while delivering maximum satisfaction.
Last summer I hosted a dinner party and completely blanked on an appetizer. I had asparagus in the fridge and beef bacon from a spontaneous impulse buy, so I started wrapping them together. Everyone stopped talking mid-conversation when these came out of the oven.
My brother-in-law usually skips vegetables entirely, but he ate three of these bundles and asked if I could make them for Thanksgiving. Now theyre the first thing gone at every family gathering.
Ingredients
- 24 medium asparagus spears: Look for bright green stalks with tight tips and snap off the woody ends where they naturally break
- 8 slices beef bacon: This cooks up crispier than pork bacon and adds a deeper smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with asparagus
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the seasonings stick and promotes even browning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Distributes evenly without burning like fresh garlic might
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Freshly cracked gives the best aromatic punch
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt: Beef bacon is already salty so go light here
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkle this on right after baking while the bundles are still hot
Instructions
- Get your oven ready:
- Preheat to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup
- Prep the asparagus:
- Rinse and snap off the tough ends then pat them completely dry with paper towels
- Season the spears:
- Toss asparagus in a bowl with olive oil garlic powder pepper and salt until every stalk is coated
- Make the bundles:
- Gather three spears together and wrap a bacon slice around the middle tucking the ends underneath
- Arrange and roast:
- Place bundles seam-side down on the baking sheet and roast for 15 to 20 minutes until the bacon is crisp
- Add the finish:
- Sprinkle with Parmesan immediately if using and serve while still warm
Save to Pinterest I made these for a Super Bowl party once and they disappeared before I even got to try one. My friends still text me asking when Im making them again.
Getting The Crisp Right
If your bacon isnt crisping up like you want switch to the broiler for the last minute or two but watch closely. I learned this the hard way after serving slightly chewy bundles at a dinner party and feeling secretly disappointed all night.
Making Them Ahead
You can wrap these bundles up to a day in advance and keep them covered in the fridge. Let them sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before roasting so they cook evenly.
Serving Ideas That Work
These are versatile enough to work as an appetizer passed on platters or as a side beside roasted chicken and mashed potatoes. I like to set out small bowls of lemon aioli and balsamic glaze for dipping.
- Consider swapping in turkey bacon for a lighter option
- Add red pepper flakes if your crew likes heat
- Double the recipe because these disappear fast
Save to Pinterest Theres something deeply satisfying about food that looks impressive but comes together this easily. These bundles have saved me more times than I care to admit.
Common Questions
- → How do I keep the bacon from unraveling during cooking?
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Wrap each bundle tightly with the bacon slice, tucking the ends underneath the asparagus. Placing bundles seam-side down on the baking sheet also helps secure them while roasting.
- → Can I prepare these ahead of time?
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Yes, assemble the bundles up to 4 hours in advance and refrigerate covered. Let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before roasting to ensure even cooking.
- → What dipping sauces work well with these bundles?
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Lemon aioli, balsamic glaze, or garlic aioli make excellent accompaniments. The acidity and creaminess balance the rich, smoky flavors beautifully.
- → How do I know when the bundles are done?
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The bacon should be crispy and lightly browned, while the asparagus should be tender when pierced with a fork. This typically takes 15-20 minutes at 400°F.
- → Can I use regular pork bacon instead?
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Absolutely. Pork bacon works equally well and may cook slightly faster due to its thinner cut. Adjust roasting time accordingly to prevent burning.
- → What's the best way to trim asparagus?
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Bend each spear near the bottom until it naturally snaps—the tough woody end breaks off at the perfect point. Alternatively, trim about 1-2 inches from the base.
