Indulge in the ultimate combination of smoky and savory flavors with our mouthwatering dish: Smoked Bacon Wrapped Asparagus. Succulent asparagus spears are lovingly enveloped in crispy bacon, creating a delectable contrast of textures. Whether you’re a bacon lover or a veggie enthusiast, this irresistible appetizer will leave your taste buds craving for more.
Smoked Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
If you’re looking for a quick and delicious side dish that the whole family will love, these smoked bacon wrapped asparagus stalks are a perfect choice. They are ready in minutes and packed with flavor. Plus, you can prepare them in advance and smoke them right before serving, making your weeknight dinners a breeze.
Not only do these bacon wrapped asparagus spears taste amazing, but they also offer health benefits. Asparagus is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, while the bacon adds a savory and salty touch to the dish.
You can serve these asparagus stalks with various main dishes like smoked beef back ribs or air fryer tuna steaks for a surf and turf twist. They are also great additions to dinner parties or last-minute meals.
To make smoked bacon wrapped asparagus, start by transferring the bacon to a plate and letting it come to room temperature. This will make it easier to wrap around the asparagus stalks.
Lightly oil and season the asparagus with salt and pepper. Then, wrap each spear in a strip of bacon. Place the bacon wrapped asparagus on the grill grates of your Traeger smoker.
Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your bacon. It usually takes between 12 to 20 minutes to get crispy bacon and tender stalks. You can use a fork to check if the asparagus is cooked to your liking before removing them from the grill.
- Wash your asparagus before cooking to remove any grit but avoid soaking them.
- If your asparagus becomes soggy under the grill, you might have overcooked it. Use thicker stalks and monitor them as they cook.
- You don’t need to boil the asparagus before smoking; simply place them directly on the grill.
These smoked bacon wrapped asparagus are not only delicious, but they are also keto-friendly, gluten-free, and suitable for Whole30 diets. They pair well with a variety of dishes like air fryer parsley baby potatoes or Traeger au gratin potatoes.
Prepare more than you think you’ll need, as these tasty stalks will disappear quickly. Don’t forget to snap a picture and share your creation on social media, tagging @alicensetogrill so they can see how much you enjoyed the recipe!
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe works because it combines the smoky flavor of bacon with the tender and nutritious asparagus stalks. The bacon adds a salty and savory element to the dish, while the asparagus provides a healthy dose of vitamin C and antioxidants. The combination of flavors and textures makes this dish suitable for the whole family.
Preparing the bacon wrapped asparagus in advance and smoking them on the Traeger grill right before dinner makes meal preparation easier. The recipe is versatile and can be served with various main dishes, such as smoked beef back ribs or air fryer tuna steaks, adding a delicious side dish to any meal.
The recipe is also suitable for different dietary preferences, including keto, gluten-free, and Whole30. It requires minimal ingredients and preparation time, making it an ideal choice for beginner grillers or those looking for a quick and tasty side dish.
Ingredients
– Asparagus spears
– Olive oil
– Salt
– Pepper
– Thinly sliced bacon
1. Preheat your Traeger grill to 400°F.
2. Drizzle the asparagus with olive oil and toss them until well coated.
3. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and optional seasoning on the asparagus.
4. Wrap each stalk of asparagus in a strip of bacon. If the stalks are thin, bundle three or four stalks together and wrap a strip of bacon around each bundle.
5. Place the bacon-wrapped asparagus directly on the grill grates and close the lid.
6. Roast for 12 to 20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy. The cooking time will vary based on the thickness of your bacon.
7. Remove from the grill and serve hot.
Enjoy your delicious smoked bacon wrapped asparagus!
How To Make It
To make smoked bacon-wrapped asparagus, start by drizzling the asparagus with olive oil and tossing them until they are well coated. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings on the asparagus.
Next, wrap each stalk of asparagus in a strip of bacon. If the stalks are thin, you can bundle three or four together and wrap a strip of bacon around each bundle.
Place the wrapped asparagus directly on the grill grates and close the lid. Roast for 12 to 20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your bacon.
Once cooked, remove the asparagus from the grill and serve immediately. The combination of crispy bacon and tender asparagus makes for a delicious side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses.
Remember to monitor your cooking time closely to prevent the bacon from burning. Also, be sure to trim the ends of the asparagus and wash them before cooking to remove any grit.
Enjoy this simple and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion!
Tips For Success
1. Choose medium or thick asparagus stalks that are bright green and firm. Trim the ends before cooking.
2. Use olive oil or avocado oil to lightly coat the asparagus before seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional seasonings.
3. Select thin-cut bacon that will crisp up well on the grill and won’t go soggy. Center-cut bacon is recommended for a more aesthetic presentation.
4. If your bacon-wrapped asparagus is not crisping up enough, pre-cook the bacon directly on the grill for 7 minutes before wrapping it around the asparagus and continuing to cook until both the bacon and asparagus are crispy.
5. Feel free to experiment with different flavor variations by brushing the bacon with BBQ sauce, sprinkling on brown sugar, or drizzling with honey before grilling.
6. Watch your asparagus carefully while grilling to prevent burning. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your bacon, but aim for crispy bacon and tender stalks.
7. Serve your smoked bacon wrapped asparagus as a side dish with grilled meats like beef back ribs or air fryer tuna steaks for a surf and turf combination.
8. Don’t forget to wash your asparagus before cooking to remove any grit or dirt.
9. Avoid overlapping the bacon strips when wrapping the asparagus to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.
10. Prepare more than you think you’ll need, as these delicious bacon-wrapped spears tend to disappear quickly!
In conclusion, smoked bacon wrapped asparagus is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the tenderness of asparagus with the smoky and savory taste of bacon. It is a simple yet elegant appetizer or side dish that is easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress. Whether grilled, baked, or cooked on a stovetop, this delightful combination of flavors will leave your taste buds craving for more. So why not try this mouthwatering recipe and elevate your dining experience today?
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