How To Cook Asparagus Wrapped In Bacon On The Grill

Cooking asparagus wrapped in bacon on the grill is one of the easiest and most delicious ways to enjoy fresh asparagus.
 
The smoky char from the grill, the salty crispiness of the bacon, and the tender bite of the asparagus come together in a side dish that tastes like a special occasion appetizer.
 
If you’ve been wondering how to cook asparagus wrapped in bacon on the grill without ending up with burnt bacon and soggy stalks, you’re in the right place.
 
This method gives you perfectly cooked asparagus wrapped in bacon on the grill every single time, whether you’re using thick or thin spears.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to cook asparagus wrapped in bacon on the grill step by step, plus the little tricks that keep the bacon from sliding off.
 
Let’s fire up the grill.
 

How to Cook Asparagus Wrapped in Bacon on the Grill

Learning how to cook asparagus wrapped in bacon on the grill comes down to a few key moves.
 
You want the bacon crispy, the asparagus tender-crisp, and the two staying together through the flip.
 
Here’s how to pull that off.

1. Pick the Right Asparagus and Bacon

When you cook asparagus wrapped in bacon on the grill, the ingredients matter more than you’d think.
 
Go for medium-thick asparagus spears because thin ones cook too fast and turn mushy before the bacon crisps.
 
For the bacon, regular-cut strips work best, since thick-cut bacon takes longer to cook than the asparagus can handle.
 
You can also use turkey bacon if that’s what you have, just watch it closely because it crisps faster.
 

2. Prep the Asparagus Before Wrapping

Snap off the woody ends of each spear, or trim them with a knife right where they naturally bend.
 
Then toss the asparagus in a little olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
 
This step seasons the asparagus from the inside out, so every bite of your asparagus wrapped in bacon on the grill tastes balanced.
 
If you want extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or a squeeze of lemon later.
 

3. Wrap the Bacon Tightly

Take one slice of bacon and wrap it around a single spear in a spiral, starting just below the tip and working toward the bottom.
 
Don’t stretch the bacon too thin or it will tear, but keep it snug so it doesn’t unwrap on the grill.
 
For bundles, group three to four spears and wrap the whole bunch with one slice.
 
Secure the loose end with a toothpick, which is the simplest way to keep asparagus wrapped in bacon from falling apart.
 

4. Preheat the Grill to Medium Heat

Set your grill to medium heat, around 375°F to 400°F.
 
If you’re using a gas grill, that’s roughly medium on the dial, and for charcoal, wait until the coals are covered in gray ash.
 
A clean, well-oiled grate is your best friend here, because bacon loves to stick.
 
Medium heat is the sweet spot for how to cook asparagus wrapped in bacon on the grill, since high heat burns the bacon before the asparagus softens.
 

5. Grill Directly for Even Cooking

Place the wrapped spears directly on the grates, seam side down first.
 
Close the lid and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, then flip gently with tongs.
 
Cook another 3 to 4 minutes until the bacon is browned and crisp and the asparagus is fork-tender.
 
Total grill time for asparagus wrapped in bacon usually lands between 8 and 12 minutes, depending on spear thickness.
 
If flares pop up from bacon grease, move the spears to a cooler zone and close the lid.
 

6. Avoid the Most Common Mistakes

The biggest mistake people make when they cook asparagus wrapped in bacon on the grill is using raw bacon on thick asparagus.
 
The bacon finishes long before the asparagus does, so you end up with burnt pork and crunchy stalks.
 
Another common error is overcrowding the grill, which steams the bacon instead of crisping it.
 
Leave space between each piece so the heat circulates and the bacon renders properly.
 

Tips for the Best Asparagus Wrapped in Bacon on the Grill

A few small tweaks take this dish from good to unforgettable.
 
If you like your bacon extra crispy, par-cook it in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds before wrapping.
 
This gives the bacon a head start so it finishes at the same time as the asparagus.
 
You can also soak wooden toothpicks in water for 10 minutes so they don’t burn on the grill.
 
Brush the finished spears with a little maple syrup or honey during the last minute for a sweet-salty glaze.
 
And always let asparagus wrapped in bacon rest for a couple of minutes before serving, since the bacon firms up as it cools.
 
Serve them as an appetizer, a side with grilled steak, or piled on a platter for game day.
 
However you serve them, asparagus wrapped in bacon on the grill disappears fast, so make more than you think you need.
 

So, How Do You Cook Asparagus Wrapped in Bacon on the Grill?

Cooking asparagus wrapped in bacon on the grill is simple when you use medium-thick spears, regular-cut bacon, and medium heat.
 
Wrap each spear snugly, secure it with a soaked toothpick, and grill for 8 to 12 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
 
Par-cook the bacon if you want it extra crispy, keep the grill uncrowded, and watch for flare-ups.
 
With those steps, you’ll know exactly how to cook asparagus wrapped in bacon on the grill and get crispy, tender results every time.
 
Now go grab your tongs and get grilling.