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BBQ bacon wrapped asparagus is a fantastic appetizer or side dish you can make right on your grill, and it’s easier than you might think.
When you wrap fresh asparagus spears in smoky bacon and cook them over a hot flame, you get a crispy, savory treat that disappears fast at any cookout.
The key is knowing how to bbq bacon wrapped asparagus so the bacon cooks through without burning the asparagus.
If you’ve been wondering how to bbq bacon wrapped asparagus perfectly every time, you’re in the right place.
In this post, we’ll walk through how to bbq bacon wrapped asparagus step by step, plus some tips and variations to make yours the best on the block.
How to BBQ Bacon Wrapped Asparagus: The Basics
Learning how to bbq bacon wrapped asparagus starts with understanding why this combo works so well.
Asparagus is sturdy enough to hold up on the grill, and bacon adds fat, salt, and smoke that complement its natural grassy flavor.
Here’s what makes this dish a winner every time.
1. Choosing the Right Asparagus
For the best bbq bacon wrapped asparagus, grab thick spears rather than thin ones.
Thick spears hold their shape and stay crisp-tender while the bacon gets nice and crispy.
Look for firm stalks with tight tips and avoid anything that looks wilted or slimy.
2. Picking the Perfect Bacon
Regular-cut bacon works best when you bbq bacon wrapped asparagus.
Thick-cut bacon takes longer to cook and can leave your asparagus overcooked before the bacon is done.
You want bacon that crisps up quickly so both components finish at the same time.
3. Prepping the Asparagus
Wash your asparagus and snap off the woody ends.
You can do this by bending each stalk near the bottom until it breaks naturally.
Then pat the spears dry, because wet asparagus steams instead of grills when you bbq bacon wrapped asparagus.
Step-by-Step: How to BBQ Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
Now let’s get into the actual grilling process so you can master how to bbq bacon wrapped asparagus like a pro.
1. Wrap the Asparagus in Bacon
Gather 3 to 5 asparagus spears into a bundle.
Take one slice of bacon and wrap it around the bundle in a spiral, starting just below the tips and working toward the bottom.
Secure the bacon with a toothpick soaked in water so it doesn’t burn on the grill.
2. Season Your Bundles
A little salt and black pepper goes a long way here.
You can also add garlic powder, smoked paprika, or a pinch of brown sugar to help the bacon caramelize.
Just don’t overdo it since bacon is already salty.
3. Preheat Your Grill
Set your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F.
Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled so your bacon wrapped asparagus doesn’t stick.
If you’re using a gas grill, close the lid to let it get nice and hot.
4. Grill on Indirect Heat First
Place your bundles on the cooler side of the grill to start so the bacon renders and the asparagus cooks through.
This indirect method is the secret to how to bbq bacon wrapped asparagus without flare-ups.
Cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning once.
5. Finish Over Direct Heat
Move the bundles to the hot side of the grill for the last 2 to 3 minutes.
This crisps up the bacon and gives it that beautiful char you want when you bbq bacon wrapped asparagus.
Watch closely because bacon can go from crispy to burnt in seconds.
Tips and Variations for BBQ Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
Once you know the basics of how to bbq bacon wrapped asparagus, you can start experimenting.
1. Add a Glaze
Brush your bundles with a mix of maple syrup and balsamic vinegar during the last few minutes of grilling.
This adds a sweet, tangy kick that pairs beautifully with the smoky bacon.
2. Try Different Seasonings
Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper, or even a little chili powder can switch up the flavor profile.
The beauty of how to bbq bacon wrapped asparagus is that it’s super versatile.
3. Use Toothpicks or Skewers
If you don’t have toothpicks, you can thread multiple bundles onto metal skewers.
This makes flipping easier when you bbq bacon wrapped asparagus for a crowd.
4. Don’t Overcrowd the Grill
Give your bundles space so they grill rather than steam.
Overcrowding is one of the most common mistakes people make when they bbq bacon wrapped asparagus.
So, How Do You BBQ Bacon Wrapped Asparagus?
You bbq bacon wrapped asparagus by wrapping bundles of thick asparagus spears in regular-cut bacon, seasoning them lightly, and grilling over medium-high heat using indirect heat first and direct heat to finish.
The result is crispy, smoky bacon with tender, flavorful asparagus that’s perfect for parties, weeknight dinners, or game day snacks.
Now that you know how to bbq bacon wrapped asparagus, fire up that grill and give it a try this weekend.
Your friends and family will be begging you to make them again and again.