How To Cook Bacon Wrapped Asparagus On The Grill

Cooking bacon wrapped asparagus on the grill is one of the easiest and most delicious ways to enjoy fresh asparagus.
 
The smoky flavor from the grill combined with crispy bacon and tender asparagus is a match made in heaven.
 
If you’ve been wondering how to cook bacon wrapped asparagus on the grill, the good news is that it takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to make bacon wrapped asparagus on the grill, plus tips for getting that perfect crispy texture every single time.
 
Let’s get grilling.
 

How to Cook Bacon Wrapped Asparagus on the Grill

The best way to cook bacon wrapped asparagus on the grill is to use a two-zone setup with medium-high heat and to par-cook the bacon if you want extra crispy results.
 
Here’s why this method works so well for bacon wrapped asparagus on the grill.
 

1. Prep Your Asparagus Properly

Start by washing your asparagus and snapping off the woody ends.
 
To snap them, hold each spear near the bottom and bend it until it breaks naturally.
 
You can also trim bacon wrapped asparagus by lining up the spears and cutting the tough ends off with a knife.
 
Pat the asparagus completely dry because wet asparagus won’t get that nice char when you cook bacon wrapped asparagus on the grill.
 

2. Choose the Right Bacon

Regular-cut bacon works best for bacon wrapped asparagus on the grill.
 
Thick-cut bacon takes longer to cook than asparagus, which means your asparagus will turn mushy before the bacon crisps up.
 
If thick-cut is all you have, par-cook it in the microwave for about 2 minutes before wrapping.
 
This step is a game changer when you cook bacon wrapped asparagus on the grill.
 

3. Wrap the Asparagus Tightly

Gather 3 to 5 asparagus spears into a small bundle.
 
Wrap one slice of bacon around the bundle in a spiral, starting just below the tips and working your way down.
 
Secure the bacon with a toothpick so it stays put while you cook bacon wrapped asparagus on the grill.
 
Don’t wrap too loosely, or the bacon will unravel when you flip the bundles.
 

4. Season Simply

Bacon is already salty, so you don’t need much seasoning for bacon wrapped asparagus on the grill.
 
A light sprinkle of black pepper, garlic powder, or a pinch of brown sugar is all you need.
 
Brown sugar helps the bacon caramelize and gives your bacon wrapped asparagus on the grill a beautiful golden glaze.
 
Just don’t overdo it, or the sugar will burn on the grill.
 

Grilling Tips for Perfect Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Getting bacon wrapped asparagus on the grill right comes down to heat control and timing.
 
Here are the key tips to keep in mind.
 

1. Use a Two-Zone Fire

Set up your grill with one hot side and one cooler side.
 
Sear your bacon wrapped asparagus on the hot side for 2 to 3 minutes per side.
 
Then move them to the cooler side to finish cooking through without burning the bacon.
 
This technique keeps your bacon wrapped asparagus on the grill crispy without drying out the asparagus.
 

2. Watch for Flare-Ups

Bacon drippings cause flare-ups, and flare-ups burn your food fast.
 
Keep a spray bottle of water nearby and mist any flames that pop up while you cook bacon wrapped asparagus on the grill.
 
You can also move the bundles to the cooler side until the flames die down.
 

3. Don’t Walk Away

Bacon wrapped asparagus on the grill cooks quickly, usually in 8 to 12 minutes total.
 
Stay close and flip every few minutes so each side gets even heat.
 
The bacon is done when it’s browned and crispy, and the asparagus is tender when pierced with a fork.
 

4. Consider a Grill Basket or Foil

If you’re worried about spears slipping through the grates, use a grill basket.
 
You can also lay a sheet of aluminum foil on the cooler side and finish your bacon wrapped asparagus there.
 
This is a handy trick when you cook bacon wrapped asparagus on the grill for a crowd.
 

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Bacon Wrapped Asparagus on the Grill

Even simple recipes can go wrong if you skip a few basics.
 
Here’s what to avoid when you make bacon wrapped asparagus on the grill.
 

1. Using Wet Asparagus

Wet asparagus steams instead of grills, so your bacon wrapped asparagus won’t get that smoky char.
 
Always pat the spears dry with paper towels before wrapping.
 

2. Wrapping Too Soon

If you wrap the bacon tightly the night before, the salt in the bacon will draw moisture out of the asparagus.
 
Wrap your bacon wrapped asparagus right before grilling for the best texture.
 

3. Crowding the Grill

Overcrowding steams the food and prevents browning.
 
Leave space between each bundle so the heat circulates and your bacon wrapped asparagus on the grill crisps up properly.
 

4. Skipping the Rest

Let your bacon wrapped asparagus rest for 2 to 3 minutes after grilling.
 
This lets the juices settle and makes the bacon easier to bite through.
 

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

Cooking bacon wrapped asparagus on the grill is simple when you prep the asparagus, use regular-cut bacon, and grill over a two-zone fire.
 
Keep the bundles small, season lightly, and watch for flare-ups so nothing burns.
 
With 8 to 12 minutes on a medium-high grill, you’ll get crispy bacon and tender asparagus every time.
 
Now you know exactly how to cook bacon wrapped asparagus on the grill, so fire it up and enjoy.