Have you ever craved a delicious side dish that’s both easy to make and impressive enough for guests? Grilling bacon-wrapped asparagus might just be the answer. This tasty combo of crispy bacon and tender asparagus not only pleases the palate but also adds a beautiful touch to any meal.
Key Takeaways
- Select Fresh Ingredients: Choose bright green, firm asparagus and your preferred bacon variety—regular or thick-cut—to ensure optimal flavor and texture.
- Proper Wrapping Technique: Wrap the asparagus securely with bacon, overlapping slightly to ensure even cooking. Use toothpicks if necessary to hold the bacon in place.
- Preheat Your Grill: Ensure your gas grill is preheated to medium-high heat (400°F to 450°F) for 10-15 minutes to achieve the best grilling results.
- Perfect Cooking Time: Grill for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender yet vibrant. Consider glazing with barbecue sauce for added flavor.
- Serving Pairings: Enhance your dish with complementary sauces like barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or balsamic glaze, and serve alongside grilled vegetables or salads for a well-rounded meal.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Keep it simple with salt and pepper, but feel free to add garlic powder, smoked paprika, or chili powder for a flavor boost.
Preparing The Ingredients
Preparing your ingredients sets the stage for perfectly grilled bacon-wrapped asparagus. Focus on selecting fresh asparagus and the right bacon for optimal flavor and texture.
Selecting The Asparagus
Choose asparagus that’s bright green and firm with tightly closed tips. Look for stalks varying from ¼ to ½ inch in diameter. Thin stalks cook faster and become tender, while thicker ones offer a more substantial bite. Aim for about 1 pound to serve 4 people. Trim the bottom ends to ensure even cooking.
Choosing The Right Bacon
Opt for bacon varieties that suit your taste and grilling method. Regular-cut bacon crisps up nicely but watch it closely to prevent burning. Thick-cut bacon adds richness and flavor, though it takes longer to cook. For a twist, try flavored bacon, such as maple or peppered, for extra taste. Aim for around 8-12 strips to wrap each asparagus piece securely.
Wrapping The Asparagus
Wrapping asparagus in bacon enhances flavor and creates a delightful texture. Follow these tips for an efficient and effective wrapping process.
Techniques For Even Wrapping
- Select the right size of bacon. Standard bacon works well, ensuring it can cover the asparagus without leaving gaps. Thick-cut bacon may require more precise wrapping.
- Lay the asparagus stalk flat on a clean surface. Position the bacon strip alongside it.
- Start wrapping the bacon around the stalk at one end. Begin at the thicker end of the asparagus for better coverage.
- Overlap the bacon slightly. Aim for about ¼ inch of overlap with each turn, ensuring even cooking and a consistent appearance.
- Secure the end with a toothpick if necessary. This ensures the bacon stays in place during grilling.
- Keep seasoning simple. A sprinkle of salt and pepper enhances flavor without overwhelming the dish.
- Apply garlic powder or onion powder for an extra kick. These spices complement the bacon’s richness while adding depth.
- Consider using a light brush of olive oil. This adds moisture and helps the bacon crisp up on the grill.
- Experiment with spices. Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder can introduce a hint of heat and complexity.
- Let your wrapped asparagus rest briefly. Allow the seasoning to meld before grilling for a more robust flavor.
Grilling Process
Grilling bacon-wrapped asparagus is a straightforward process that delivers impressive results. Follow these steps to ensure perfect grilling every time.
Preheating The Gas Grill
Preheating your gas grill is essential for even cooking. Turn on the grill and set it to medium-high heat, typically around 400°F to 450°F. Allow the grill to preheat for about 10-15 minutes. This step ensures that the bacon renders properly, creating a crispy exterior while the asparagus cooks to tenderness.
Cooking Time and Temperature
Place the bacon-wrapped asparagus directly on the grill grates. Grill them for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally. Check for doneness: the bacon should be crispy and the asparagus tender but still vibrant green. If you prefer extra crispiness, grill for an additional 2-3 minutes. For optimal flavor, consider glazing with a light barbecue sauce during the last few minutes of grilling.
Serving Suggestions
Grilled bacon-wrapped asparagus pairs well with various sauces and side dishes, elevating your meal. Consider these options for a delicious dining experience.
Complementary Sauces
- Barbecue Sauce: A light brushing of your favorite barbecue sauce during the last few minutes of grilling adds a smoky flavor that complements the bacon.
- Ranch Dressing: Serve ranch dressing on the side for a creamy dip that balances the bacon’s saltiness.
- Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle balsamic glaze over the asparagus after grilling for a sweet and tangy finish.
- Honey Mustard: Mix equal parts honey and mustard for a zesty dip that enhances the flavors of the bacon and asparagus.
- Grilled Vegetables: Consider grilled bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for a colorful and tasty complement.
- Potato Salad: A creamy or vinegar-based potato salad provides a satisfying contrast to the crispy bacon.
- Quinoa Salad: A fresh quinoa salad with vegetables offers a healthy, protein-packed side.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn on the cob adds sweetness and another layer of texture to your meal.
- Pasta Salad: A light pasta salad with dressing balances the richness of the bacon and creates a hearty side.
These sauces and side dishes enhance the overall presentation and taste, making your grilled bacon-wrapped asparagus the star of the meal.
Conclusion
Grilling bacon-wrapped asparagus is a fantastic way to impress your guests while enjoying a delicious side dish. The combination of smoky bacon and tender asparagus brings a burst of flavor that’s hard to resist.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your seasonings and dipping sauces to make it uniquely yours. Whether it’s a backyard barbecue or a cozy dinner, this dish is sure to be a hit.
So fire up that gas grill and enjoy the delightful crunch and taste of your grilled bacon-wrapped asparagus. Happy grilling!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is grilled bacon-wrapped asparagus?
Grilled bacon-wrapped asparagus is a delicious side dish that combines tender asparagus spears wrapped in crispy bacon. It’s an appealing option for enhancing meals, offering a satisfying blend of flavors and textures.
How do I select the right asparagus for this recipe?
Choose bright green, firm asparagus with tightly closed tips. Look for stalks that are ¼ to ½ inch in diameter, and trim the ends for even cooking. Fresh asparagus ensures better taste and texture.
What type of bacon should I use?
Select bacon based on personal preference: regular-cut bacon is crispier, thick-cut bacon is richer, and flavored varieties offer unique twists. Generally, around 8-12 strips are needed for wrapping each asparagus piece.
How do I wrap asparagus in bacon?
Lay the asparagus flat and overlap the bacon slightly around each spear for even cooking. Secure the end with a toothpick if needed. This technique enhances flavor and ensures the bacon cooks properly.
What seasoning should I use for grilled bacon-wrapped asparagus?
Keep it simple with salt and pepper. For added flavor, consider garlic or onion powder. You can also experiment with spices like smoked paprika, and a light brush of olive oil can keep it moist while grilling.
How do I grill the bacon-wrapped asparagus?
Preheat your gas grill to medium-high heat (400°F to 450°F) for about 10-15 minutes. Cook the asparagus for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender.
What sauces pair well with grilled bacon-wrapped asparagus?
Barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, balsamic glaze, and honey mustard are excellent choices. These sauces can enhance the dish’s flavor and complement the savory bacon and fresh asparagus.
What side dishes go well with this recipe?
Grilled bacon-wrapped asparagus pairs nicely with grilled vegetables, potato salad, quinoa salad, corn on the cob, or light pasta salad. These options help create a balanced and satisfying meal.
