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How to Grill Asparagus with Bacon
To grill asparagus with bacon, wrap fresh asparagus spears in bacon strips and cook them on a hot grill until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender.
It’s a simple, savory side dish that comes together in minutes, and the smoky flavor of the bacon pairs perfectly with the earthy, slightly grassy taste of the asparagus.
If you’ve been wondering how to grill asparagus with bacon without ending up with burnt bacon or mushy stalks, you’re in the right place.
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to grill asparagus with bacon, including prep, grilling times, and a few tips to get it right every single time.
Let’s fire up the grill.
Why You’ll Love Grilling Asparagus with Bacon
Grilling asparagus with bacon is one of those combinations that just works, and here’s why:
1. The Flavors Balance Perfectly
Asparagus has a fresh, vegetal taste that can sometimes lean a little bitter, while bacon brings salty, smoky richness to the plate.
When you grill asparagus with bacon, the fat from the bacon bastes the spears as they cook, mellowing out any bitterness and adding depth.
It’s the kind of balance that makes even veggie skeptics go back for seconds.
2. It’s Quick and Easy
Learning how to grill asparagus with bacon takes almost no effort, which is exactly why it’s a weeknight favorite.
You need just two main ingredients, a hot grill, and about ten to fifteen minutes from start to finish.
No marinades, no complicated techniques, just simple grilling that delivers big flavor.
3. It’s a Crowd-Pleaser
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just cooking for the family, grilled asparagus with bacon tends to disappear fast.
It works as a side dish, an appetizer, or even a topping for salads and baked potatoes.
Once you know how to grill asparagus with bacon, you’ll find yourself making it all summer long.
How to Grill Asparagus with Bacon Step by Step
Now let’s get into the actual process of how to grill asparagus with bacon, from prepping the ingredients to pulling them off the heat.
1. Gather Your Ingredients
You’ll need about one pound of fresh asparagus, one pound of bacon, and a little olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Thick-cut bacon works best because it holds up on the grill and gives you that nice crispy exterior without falling apart.
Look for asparagus spears that are firm, bright green, and snap easily when bent.
2. Prep the Asparagus and Bacon
Start by trimming the woody ends off your asparagus, usually an inch or two from the bottom.
Then take a bacon strip and wrap it around a bundle of three to four asparagus spears in a spiral pattern.
Secure the bacon with a toothpick if needed, and repeat until all your spears are wrapped.
Lightly brush the bundles with olive oil and season with salt and pepper, though go easy on the salt since bacon is already salty.
3. Preheat the Grill
Heat your grill to medium-high, around 400°F, and make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled.
A clean, well-oiled grate is the secret to keeping your bacon-wrapped asparagus from sticking.
If you’re using a gas grill, preheat with the lid closed for about ten minutes.
4. Grill the Asparagus and Bacon
Place the bundles directly on the grill and cook for about ten to twelve minutes, turning every few minutes.
You want the bacon to get crispy and browned on all sides while the asparagus turns tender but not mushy.
If flare-ups happen from the bacon fat, just move the bundles to a cooler part of the grill until things settle down.
5. Rest and Serve
Once the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is fork-tender, pull the bundles off the grill.
Let them rest for a minute or two, then remove the toothpicks before serving.
And that’s really all there is to how to grill asparagus with bacon.
Tips for Perfect Grilled Asparagus with Bacon
Here are a few extra pointers to make sure your grilled asparagus with bacon turns out amazing every time:
1. Don’t Overcrowd the Grill
Give your bacon-wrapped asparagus bundles some space so they cook evenly instead of steaming.
If you’re grilling for a crowd, work in batches rather than piling everything on at once.
2. Watch for Flare-Ups
Bacon fat dripping onto hot coals or burners can cause flare-ups, so keep a spray bottle of water nearby.
You can also keep a cooler zone on your grill to move the bundles to if flames get too high.
3. Try Different Flavor Twists
Once you’ve mastered how to grill asparagus with bacon, feel free to experiment.
A sprinkle of brown sugar, a dash of garlic powder, or a squeeze of lemon juice after grilling all add a nice touch.
You can also swap in prosciutto or turkey bacon if you want a lighter option.
So, How Do You Grill Asparagus with Bacon?
To grill asparagus with bacon, wrap fresh spears in bacon strips, season lightly, and cook them on a medium-high grill for about ten to twelve minutes until crispy and tender.
It’s a fast, flavorful dish that pairs smoky bacon with fresh, green asparagus in the best possible way.
Now that you know how to grill asparagus with bacon, grab your ingredients, fire up the grill, and enjoy this easy crowd-pleaser at your next cookout.