Every family has those go-to dishes that simply have to be on the holiday table, and for us, bacon-wrapped asparagus is one of them. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, these elegant bundles are a staple in our celebration meals. They’re more than just a side dish—they’re a tradition, an elevated take on a humble vegetable that brings both flavor and beauty to the feast.
What makes these so special? First, there’s the transformation of simple asparagus into something truly indulgent. Wrapping each bundle in bacon creates an irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen as they bake—a mouthwatering combination of smoky, savory bacon and the earthy freshness of the asparagus. The sprinkle of garlic powder adds a subtle depth of flavor, while a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before baking brightens the dish with a touch of citrus.
When they emerge from the oven, the bacon is perfectly crisp, the asparagus tender, and the flavors are out of this world. The slight char on the tips of the spears contrasts beautifully with the vibrant green, making these bundles look as good as they taste.
On the plate, they’re as versatile as they are delicious—elevating roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, or even a prime rib roast. And let’s not forget how effortless they are to prepare. With just a few simple steps, you have a side dish that’s both visually stunning and packed with incredible flavor.
For us, bacon-wrapped asparagus isn’t just food; it’s a holiday memory in the making. It’s the dish that everyone reaches for, the one people ask for seconds (and thirds) of, and the one that always earns a place of honor on our table.
Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Parcels
TOTAL TIME: LESS THAN 30 MINUTES
PREP: 15 MINUTES | COOK: 12 MINUTES
YIELD: 6-8 PARCELS
LEVEL: BEGINNER
Ingredients
6-8 slices bacon regular bacon, depending on the number of parcels you’ll be making (do not use thick cut)
12 ounces asparagus, enough for 3-5 per parcel
1 Tbsp olive oil
Garlic powder
Fresh black pepper
Kosher salt
Fresh lemon, cut in half or quarters
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425F/220C. Line a baking sheet with parchment or aluminum foil for easy cleanup and place a wire rack on top.
- Trim off the tough ends of the asparagus spears. Drizzle the asparagus with olive oil, sprinkle with a bit of salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and toss to coat evenly.
- For extra-crispy bacon, pre-bake the strips on the prepared rack in the oven for about 5 minutes, just until they begin to render some fat but are still pliable. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
- Gather the asparagus into bundles of 3-5 spears. Wrap each bundle with a pre-baked strip of bacon, starting just below the tips and winding down toward the base, leaving the tips exposed. Arrange the bundles on the rack, and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and an optional extra grind of black pepper.
- Bake the bundles on the upper rack for 10-15 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and the asparagus is tender.
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