Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus with Maple Glaze: A Perfect Sweet and Savory Appetizer

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There’s something magical about the combination of crispy bacon and tender asparagus, especially when it’s enhanced by the sweet, velvety flavor of maple syrup. If you’re searching for the perfect dish to impress your guests, elevate a weeknight dinner, or just indulge in something delicious, look no further. This Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus with Maple Glaze is everything you’ve been craving: savory, slightly sweet, crispy, and perfectly balanced.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a side dish for a holiday meal, or simply treating yourself to a flavorful snack, this recipe will quickly become your go-to. With a few simple ingredients and an easy step-by-step process, you’ll have a dish that looks as impressive as it tastes.

In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about making this irresistible dish. From choosing the right ingredients to preparing the perfect glaze and roasting the bacon-wrapped bundles, we’ll guide you through the process.

Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus with Maple Glaze

If you’ve never tried bacon-wrapped asparagus before, you’re in for a treat. This dish combines the best of both worlds: the smokiness of bacon and the earthy, slightly bitter flavor of asparagus. The maple glaze adds a beautiful touch of sweetness that complements the savory bacon, creating an irresistible flavor profile.

A Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer or Side Dish

• Perfect for almost any occasion: family gatherings, dinner parties, or casual meals.
• Bacon-wrapped asparagus is universally loved—whether you’re serving picky eaters or food enthusiasts.
• It’s visually impressive, so it’s sure to be the centerpiece of your meal.

Quick and Easy to Make

• You don’t need to be a professional chef to create this dish. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious, mouthwatering dish ready to serve.
• The ingredients are simple and easy to find at your local grocery store.

Healthy with a Twist

• While bacon adds a rich, indulgent flavor, asparagus is packed with nutrients like fiber, folate, and vitamins A and C.
• Maple syrup provides a natural sweetness without the processed sugars you might find in other recipes.  Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Baked Spinach Mushroom Quesadillas

Ingredients for Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus with Maple Glaze

Before you start, make sure you have all of the ingredients at hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

Table: Ingredients List

Ingredient	Quantity
Olive oil	2 tablespoons
Pure maple syrup	1 tablespoon
Garlic salt	1 teaspoon
Black pepper (plus extra for seasoning)	½ teaspoon
Thick-cut bacon	8 slices
Asparagus (trimmed to 7-inch spears)	1 pound
Kosher salt	To taste

With these simple ingredients, you can create a dish that feels sophisticated yet remains accessible to any home cook.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get to the fun part! Follow these steps to create Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus with Maple Glaze:

Step 1: Prepare the Bacon and Glaze

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and arrange the oven rack in the center. This is the ideal position for roasting the bacon while ensuring it gets crispy without burning.
2. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet and lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray. The wire rack helps the heat circulate around the bacon, ensuring it cooks evenly and becomes nice and crispy.
3. Lay five slices of bacon on the wire rack, evenly spaced out. Don’t overcrowd the slices—this will ensure each piece cooks properly.
4. Place the bacon in the preheated oven and roast for 5 minutes. You’re not looking for crispy bacon just yet—just enough to allow the bacon to shrink and take on a reddish hue, but still remain flexible. This step ensures that the bacon doesn’t break when wrapping it around the asparagus.

Step 2: Make the Maple Glaze

1. While the bacon is roasting, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, 1 teaspoon of garlic salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper in a small bowl. The glaze is key to adding that sweet-savory punch to your bacon-wrapped asparagus.
2. Set aside the glaze until the bacon is ready to be brushed.

Step 3: Brush the Bacon with Maple Glaze

1. Once the bacon is out of the oven, carefully brush both sides with the maple syrup glaze. Be sure to coat the bacon evenly with the glaze for maximum flavor.
2. Return the bacon to the oven for another 3 minutes. This allows the glaze to set, giving the bacon an extra layer of sweetness.

Step 4: Wrap the Asparagus with Bacon

1. While the bacon cools slightly, divide your asparagus into five equal bundles. Each bundle should be about 7-inch spears long—this makes them the perfect size for wrapping with bacon.
2. On a cutting board, take one slice of bacon and wrap it carefully around each asparagus bundle, ensuring that the bacon overlaps along the length of the spears. The bacon should tightly cover the asparagus, but not so tight that it squeezes the vegetable.
3. Use a toothpick to secure each bacon-wrapped bundle. This will help the bacon stay in place while roasting.

Step 5: Final Roasting and Serving

1. Arrange the bacon-wrapped bundles on the wire rack, placing them evenly apart so that they can cook evenly. Brush them generously with the remaining maple glaze.
2. Sprinkle each bundle with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper for extra seasoning.
3. Roast the bundles for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven. Brush with more maple glaze and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the bacon is golden brown and crispy and the asparagus is tender.
4. Once cooked, remove the toothpicks and serve your crispy bacon-wrapped asparagus hot!

Tips for Perfect Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

To make sure your bacon-wrapped asparagus comes out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:

1. Choose the Right Bacon

• Thick-Cut Bacon: For the best results, choose thick-cut bacon. It holds up better to the wrapping process and retains its crispiness after roasting. Thin bacon may burn too quickly before the asparagus is tender.

2. Use Pure Maple Syrup

• Avoid Imitation Syrups: The flavor of pure maple syrup makes a significant difference in the dish. It’s richer and adds a natural sweetness that imitation syrup simply can’t replicate.

3. Ensure Even Cooking

• Use a Wire Rack: Cooking the bacon on a wire rack helps to evenly distribute heat around the bacon and asparagus. This prevents the bacon from getting soggy or unevenly cooked.

4. Adjust the Cooking Time for Crispiness

• Watch the Bacon: If you prefer extra crispy bacon, feel free to leave it in the oven a little longer, but keep an eye on it to avoid burning. Every oven is different, so adjust accordingly.

5. Fresh Asparagus is Key

• Opt for Fresh Asparagus: Fresh asparagus is ideal for this recipe. The tender spears are easier to wrap with bacon and roast evenly. If you’re using frozen asparagus, make sure it’s fully thawed and dried to avoid excess moisture.

Nutrition Facts for Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus with Maple Glaze

Here’s the nutrition breakdown for one serving (one bundle) of Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus with Maple Glaze:

Table: Nutrition Information per Serving

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	250
Protein	13g
Fat	19g
Carbohydrates	5g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	3g

This dish provides a good balance of protein and healthy fats, making it a satisfying and tasty addition to your meal. Plus, asparagus adds a boost of fiber and essential vitamins!

Common Variations and Substitutes

• Turkey Bacon: If you’re looking for a leaner option, try turkey bacon. While it won’t have the same richness as regular bacon, it still provides a similar texture and flavor.
• Vegan Version: For a plant-based version, you can use vegetable bacon alternatives or even wrap the asparagus in puff pastry for a delicious, flaky option.
• Add Heat: For a spicy twist, sprinkle some chili flakes or cayenne pepper into the maple glaze to add a little heat to the sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus with Maple Glaze

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the bacon-wrapped asparagus in advance and refrigerate it before roasting. Bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve for the best results.

Can I use regular bacon instead of thick-cut bacon?

You can use regular bacon, but thick-cut bacon works better for wrapping as it holds its shape and crispiness longer.

How do I know when the bacon is crispy enough?

The bacon will turn golden brown and crispy after the final roasting. Check to make sure the edges are curling and the bacon has reached your desired level of crispiness.

Can I use frozen asparagus?

Fresh asparagus is ideal, but if you’re using frozen asparagus, make sure it’s completely thawed and dried before wrapping. Excess moisture could affect the crispiness of the bacon.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus with Maple Glaze

There you have it! With just a few simple ingredients and a straightforward process, you can create a delicious, visually stunning dish that will be a hit at any event. Whether you’re preparing this for a holiday meal, a dinner party, or just for yourself, Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus with Maple Glaze is sure to impress.

Don’t forget to try experimenting with different variations and flavor combinations to make it your own. And next time you’re looking for an appetizer or side dish that’s both easy to make and guaranteed to please, this recipe should be at the top of your list!

Now, it’s time for you to try it out! Grab your ingredients and get cooking. Your guests—and your taste buds—will thank you.

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