This Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus recipe is a delicious appetizer that combines crispy bacon with tender asparagus spears. The addition of a honey mustard glaze makes it a mouthwatering treat that is sure to impress your guests!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 12 slices bacon

• 12 oz. asparagus spears, trimmed

• 2 tablespoons honey or pure maple syrup

• 2 teaspoons hot water

• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard

• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with foil.

2. Prepare the bacon: Place bacon between double layers of paper towels on a plate. Microwave for 1.5 to 2 minutes until partially cooked but not browned. Allow to cool.

3. Wrap the asparagus: Divide the asparagus into six portions. Wrap two slices of bacon around each portion and secure with a toothpick. Place on the prepared baking sheet.

4. Make the glaze: In a small bowl, combine the honey (or maple syrup), hot water, Dijon mustard, and cayenne pepper.

5. Roast the bundles: Roast the wrapped asparagus for 8 minutes, then turn the bundles. Drizzle with the glaze and roast for an additional 7 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender and the bacon is fully cooked.

Nutritional Value (per serving):

• Calories: 107 kcal

• Total Fat: 6g (8% DV)

  • Saturated Fat: 2g (10% DV)

• Cholesterol: 16mg (5% DV)

• Sodium: 273mg (12% DV)

• Total Carbohydrate: 8g (3% DV)

  • Total Sugars: 7g

• Protein: 7g (14% DV)

• Vitamin C: 3.2mg (4% DV)

• Calcium: 16mg (1% DV)

• Iron: 1.4mg (8% DV)

• Potassium: 198mg (4% DV)

• Folate: 29.7mcg

• Vitamin B-12: 0.2mcg

• Vitamin B-6: 0.1mg

This dish is a great balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats while being rich in flavor from the bacon and glaze.

The Perfect Balance of Flavors

The allure of Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus lies in the harmonious contrast between the rich, savory bacon and the fresh, slightly grassy taste of the asparagus. Asparagus, when roasted, becomes tender and flavorful, but wrapping it in bacon elevates it to a whole new level of deliciousness. The bacon crisps up during roasting, giving each bite a satisfying crunch while allowing the asparagus to retain its juicy, tender texture.

To balance the savory richness of the bacon, the honey mustard glaze adds a sweet, tangy dimension. The combination of honey (or maple syrup) and Dijon mustard creates a simple yet flavorful glaze that enhances the dish without overpowering it. The cayenne pepper adds a slight kick, bringing a touch of heat to complement the sweetness, creating a well-rounded and mouthwatering bite.

Preparing the Bacon: A Key Step

One of the key steps in this recipe is partially cooking the bacon in the microwave before wrapping it around the asparagus. This step helps to ensure that the bacon cooks properly in the oven, achieving that perfect balance of crispiness without overcooking the asparagus. By microwaving the bacon for 1.5 to 2 minutes, you render some of the fat and soften the bacon, making it easier to wrap around the asparagus spears. This method also prevents the bacon from becoming too greasy or chewy during roasting, resulting in a crisp and flavorful finish.

Wrapping the Asparagus: Simple and Elegant

The asparagus spears are divided into six portions, each wrapped in two slices of partially cooked bacon. This method provides an ideal ratio of bacon to asparagus, ensuring that each bundle is flavorful and satisfying. The toothpicks are used to secure the bacon in place, keeping the bundle intact during roasting. Not only does this wrapping technique help to lock in the flavors, but it also creates a neat and appealing presentation.

Making the Honey Mustard Glaze

The honey mustard glaze is quick to prepare but adds a lot of flavor to the dish. Simply combine honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, hot water, and a touch of cayenne pepper in a small bowl. The result is a smooth, slightly runny glaze with a perfect balance of sweetness, tang, and spice. Drizzling this glaze over the bacon-wrapped asparagus in the final stages of roasting ensures that the flavors meld together, creating a glossy, flavorful coating that brings the entire dish together.

Roasting the Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

Once the bundles are assembled, they are placed on a baking sheet and roasted at 425°F. The high roasting temperature helps the bacon crisp up beautifully while allowing the asparagus to cook to perfection. The first roasting phase for 8 minutes ensures that the bacon starts to render its fat and become golden. After turning the bundles and adding the glaze, the second roasting phase allows the bacon to crisp up fully and the asparagus to become tender, all while the glaze creates a slightly caramelized coating.

This double-phase roasting method ensures the asparagus is cooked just right while the bacon achieves the perfect level of crispiness.

Serving and Enjoying

Once the Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus is roasted to golden perfection, it is ready to serve. The toothpicks can be removed before serving, or you can leave them in for a fun presentation. This dish is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while the bacon is still crispy and the asparagus is tender. The sweet and tangy glaze adds the perfect finishing touch, making each bite a delightful combination of flavors.

Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or even as part of a larger meal. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats, grilled fish, or even as a snack with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or a spicy aioli. The versatility of this dish makes it a great addition to a variety of occasions, from casual gatherings to more formal dinners.

Nutritional Benefits and Considerations

Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus offers a balanced combination of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Asparagus is low in calories and provides important nutrients like fiber, vitamin C, folate, and iron. The bacon, while higher in fat, provides a good amount of protein, and its savory richness complements the asparagus perfectly. The honey mustard glaze adds a touch of sweetness without overloading the dish with excess sugar.

Each serving (one bundle of bacon-wrapped asparagus) is relatively low in calories, ranging from 107 to 120 calories, making it a great choice for those looking for a flavorful snack or appetizer that won’t break their calorie bank. The sodium content may be higher due to the bacon and fish sauce, so those watching their sodium intake should enjoy this dish in moderation.

Conclusion

Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus is an easy yet impressive appetizer that brings together the best of both worlds—crispy bacon and tender asparagus—topped with a flavorful honey mustard glaze. This dish is simple to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing it for a dinner party, holiday gathering, or a casual family meal, these bacon-wrapped bundles are sure to be a hit. The balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors makes them a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone coming back for more. Enjoy these mouthwatering treats with friends and family for a memorable meal!