Bacon Wrapped Asparagus is an elegant yet simple side dish that elevates any meal with very little effort. Tender asparagus spears wrapped in crisp, savory bacon and lightly dressed with olive oil create a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Serve these bundles as an appetizer at a gathering or as a side to grilled meats — they’re always a crowd-pleaser.
Bacon Wrapped Asparagus on the Grill
Nothing says spring and the start of grilling season like fresh asparagus wrapped in bacon. In spring, asparagus is at its sweetest and most tender, and when bundled with bacon it becomes irresistible — even picky eaters tend to dig in when bacon is involved. Roasted asparagus is great on its own, but wrapping it in bacon transforms it into something a bit more special while still being quick and easy to prepare.
“I love this way of cooking asparagus. I wrap the whole asparagus in the bacon and at the end of cooking I melt some grated cheddar on it. Tastes great!”
– COLLEEN
Ingredients for this Recipe
This recipe uses only a few ingredients, which is why it comes together so quickly. Here’s what you need:
- 1 bunch asparagus
- 4 strips bacon (cut in half)
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Beef Rub (or salt and pepper, to taste)
How to Choose Asparagus
Choose asparagus with medium-thick stalks for this recipe. They hold up well to the heat and won’t turn mushy while the bacon crisps. Avoid very thin spears that overcook quickly and very thick stalks that may remain tough. Look for firm, bright green stalks with tightly closed tips and woody ends that snap cleanly when bent — that indicates freshness.
What bacon is best for wrapping?
Use thin-sliced bacon for best results. Thin bacon crisps quickly and prevents overcooking the asparagus. Thick-cut bacon can take longer to render and may leave the asparagus undercooked while the bacon becomes rubbery. Thin bacon is also usually more budget-friendly.
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
This dish is straightforward: trim, season, wrap, and grill. Follow these simple steps for consistently great results.
- Preheat the grill. Heat your grill to medium-high (around 400–450°F).
- Prep the asparagus. Rinse and dry the spears. Bend each stalk until it snaps where the tender part meets the woody end, or trim about 1½ inches from the bottom with a sharp knife.
- Season. Drizzle the spears with olive oil and season with your preferred rub or simply salt and pepper. Toss gently to coat evenly.
- Wrap in bacon. Cut bacon strips in half. Group asparagus into bundles of 6–8 spears and wrap each bundle with a half strip of bacon, overlapping slightly. Tuck the end under to secure, or use a toothpick (remove before serving).
- Grill. Place bundles on the grill grates and cook 4–5 minutes per side, until asparagus is tender and bacon is crisp. Let cool briefly before serving.
When to Grill Asparagus
Asparagus makes an excellent accompaniment to grilled meats. A smart approach is to grill your meat first and cook the bacon-wrapped asparagus while the meat rests. With the smoky grill flavor, a light coating of olive oil, and a sprinkle of seasoning, these bundles are flavorful on their own and complement steak, chicken, pork, or seafood beautifully.
More Asparagus Recipes
If you love asparagus, try these other recipes on the site for more ideas and inspiration.
Beef
Grilled Steak and Asparagus Kabobs
Sides
Grilled Asparagus
Recipes
Salmon Foil Packets with Asparagus and Corn
Recipes
Grilled Asparagus in Foil
Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Recipe
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Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
Ingredients
- 1 bunch asparagus
- 4 strips bacon cut in half
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Beef Rub adjust to taste, you can also use salt and pepper
Instructions
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Preheat the grill. Prepare your grill to cook at Medium-High heat (around 400-450 degrees F). Rinse the asparagus and pat dry.
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Trim the asparagus. Lay the asparagus flat on a cutting board and trim the ends by bending the bottom of the asparagus until it naturally snaps. This will ensure you don’t have any woody pieces in your bundles. If you prefer to trim with a knife, trim at least an inch and a half up the stem.1 bunch asparagus
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Season. Drizzle the asparagus with the olive oil and season to taste with the Beef Rub or salt and pepper. Roll or toss to coat evenly.1 Tablespoon olive oil, 2 teaspoons Beef Rub
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Wrap in bacon. Gather the asparagus into bundles of 6–8 shoots and wrap each bundle with a half piece of bacon. Tuck the end under or use a toothpick to secure (remove toothpicks before serving).4 strips bacon
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Grill the bacon wrapped asparagus. Place the bundles on the grates and cook 4–5 minutes per side, or until asparagus is tender and bacon is crisp. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use your preferred seasoning blend or simple salt and pepper if you don’t have a pre-made rub.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
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I originally published this post in April 2015 and have since updated it with additional tips and clarifications; the recipe itself remains the same.