Around here, getting vegetables onto my kids’ plates used to feel like mission impossible. Of course, everything changed when I discovered that wrapping asparagus in bacon makes even the pickiest eaters ask for seconds!
Why This Recipe Works
In reality, finding vegetable dishes that excite kids can feel like searching for a unicorn. But this bacon-wrapped asparagus has become our family’s favorite side dish. The best moments are when Jack carefully helps wrap each spear while Aliana counts them to make sure everyone gets their fair share!
Key Components Breakdown
Essential Ingredients
- Fresh asparagus – Georgia taught me how to pick the perfect stalks
- Bacon – Emily’s tip about the right thickness changed everything
- Olive oil – Catrine’s high-quality oil makes a difference
- Seasonings – Simple but essential
- Fresh garlic – For that extra flavor boost
Equipment Needed
Must-haves:
- Large baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Tongs
- Sharp knife
Nice-to-haves:
- Wire rack
- Kitchen scissors
- Garlic press
- Serving platter
The Technique Section
Critical Steps
- Proper asparagus prep
- Bacon wrapping technique
- Even spacing
- Temperature control
- Perfect timing
The most common mistake? Not trimming the asparagus properly. After one particularly woody batch, I learned that snapping versus cutting makes all the difference!
Temperature and Timing
- Oven temperature: 400°F (200°C)
- Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
- Bacon crisping: 3-5 minutes
- Resting time: 5 minutes
Troubleshooting Guide
Common Issues
Bacon not crispy? Georgia’s solution: A quick blast under the broiler. When Jack helped me test this method last week, it worked perfectly!
Asparagus too soft? Emily taught me to partially cook the bacon first for faster asparagus cooking.
Variations and Adaptations
Seasonal Options
- Spring: Fresh garlic scapes
- Summer: Add cherry tomatoes
- Fall: Maple glaze
- Winter: Balsamic drizzle
Dietary Modifications
- Lower fat: Use turkey bacon
- Extra crispy: Precook bacon slightly
- Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes
Storage and Make-Ahead
- Prep ahead: Wrap and refrigerate
- Best served: Fresh and hot
- Leftovers: Reheat in oven
- Storage time: 2-3 days
FAQ
Q: Can I make these ahead? A: Yes! Wrap and store up to 24 hours ahead.
Q: How to keep bacon crispy? A: Use a wire rack while baking.
Q: Best asparagus size to use? A: Medium thickness works best.
Closing Thoughts
You know what makes this recipe truly special? It’s not just watching vegetables disappear from plates – it’s seeing Jack’s proud smile when he masters the perfect bacon wrap, or hearing Aliana declare herself the “asparagus expert.” Even John, who used to push vegetables aside, now reaches for seconds!
Since sharing this recipe on my Pinterest, I’ve heard from so many parents whose picky eaters have become vegetable converts. Some families have even started “veggie wrapping stations” where kids help prepare different bacon-wrapped vegetables!
Remember, your first batch might not look perfect (like my infamous “too-tight wrap” incident that had the bacon sliding off!), but keep experimenting. For more family-friendly vegetable recipes and kid-approved dishes, follow me on Pinterest @mealmia – where I share all our kitchen adventures, successful or otherwise!
PrintPerfect Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
Description
The vegetable side dish that kids actually ask for!
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh asparagus
- 1 pound bacon (not thick-cut)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Optional: grated parmesan
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line baking sheet with parchment.
- Snap woody ends off asparagus. (Jack’s favorite part – he calls it “asparagus snapping”!)
- Toss asparagus with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Cut bacon slices in half lengthwise.
- Wrap each asparagus spear with bacon strip. (Aliana loves making them look pretty!)
- Arrange on baking sheet, not touching.
- Bake 20-25 minutes until bacon is crispy.
- Optional: Broil 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness.
Notes:
- Choose uniform asparagus size
- Don’t overlap on baking sheet
- Georgia’s tip: pat asparagus dry
- Catrine’s secret: brush with garlic oil
Storage Tips:
- Best served immediately
- Can be prepped ahead
- Reheat in oven
- Don’t microwave
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 265
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbs: 6g
- Fiber: 3g
Final Thoughts
This bacon-wrapped asparagus has become more than just a recipe – it’s the dish that changed how our kids view vegetables. There’s something wonderful about watching them get excited about asparagus, even if it took a little bacon to make it happen!
Looking for more family-friendly recipes and brunch ideas? To get a behind-the-scene look and see what we are testing in the kitchen, follow Mia on Pinterest @mealmia for weekly ideas!
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