Maple Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 25 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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This Maple Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus is a delightful twist on a classic side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of crispy bacon, tender asparagus, and a hint of maple sweetness makes it an irresistible treat.

Ingredients for Maple Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

Asparagus - The star of the dish, providing a fresh, earthy flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients. Make sure to trim the woody ends for a pleasant texture.

Bacon - Adds a salty, crispy element that wraps around each bundle, ensuring every bite is flavorful. Thick-cut works best to hold everything together.

Maple syrup - Infuses a natural sweetness that complements the bacon. Go for pure maple syrup for the best taste.

Black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika - These spices enhance the overall flavor and add a bit of depth and warmth to the dish.

Cooking spray - Essential for preventing sticking and ensuring easy cleanup.

Tips & Tricks

  • Choose asparagus that’s uniform in size for even cooking.
  • If you prefer extra crispy bacon, partially cook it before wrapping around the asparagus.
  • Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet to ensure the bacon crisps up nicely.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with a light, citrusy salad or alongside roasted chicken. It's also great as a standalone appetizer at parties, offering a tasty bite-sized option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use turkey bacon instead?
Yes, turkey bacon is a great alternative if you're looking for a lighter option. Just note that the texture and cooking time may vary slightly.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Maple Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus Recipe Walkthrough

First, set your oven to preheat at 400°F. While it heats up, line a baking sheet with foil and give it a good coat of cooking spray. This step makes cleanup a breeze and keeps your asparagus from sticking.

In a small bowl, mix together the maple syrup, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. This mixture is going to be your glaze, so make sure it's well combined.

Take your asparagus and divide them into bundles of three to four spears. This depends on how thick your asparagus is. You want a nice, manageable size for each bundle.

Wrap each bundle with a slice of bacon. Start at one end and spiral it around, securing with a toothpick if necessary, though with thick-cut bacon, it usually holds on its own.

Place each bacon-wrapped bundle onto your prepared baking sheet. Use a brush to generously coat each bundle with the maple syrup mixture, ensuring even coverage.

Pop the baking sheet into the oven for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the bacon is crispy, and the asparagus is tender. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
  • Easy to prepare with minimal ingredients.
  • Ideal for gatherings and impressing guests.
  • Works as both an appetizer or a side dish.

Ingredients

1 lb asparagus spears, trimmed
12 slices of thick-cut bacon
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
Cooking spray

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with foil, then coat with cooking spray.
2. In a small bowl, mix together maple syrup, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
3. Divide asparagus into bundles of 3-4 spears, depending on thickness.
4. Wrap one slice of bacon around each asparagus bundle, securing with a toothpick if necessary.
5. Place the wrapped bundles on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Using a brush, coat each bundle generously with the maple syrup mixture.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bacon is crispy and asparagus is tender.
8. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

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