How to cook bacon wrapped asparagus on the grill?

To cook bacon wrapped asparagus on the grill, follow these simple steps:

1. Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat.
2. While the grill heats up, wash and trim the asparagus spears. Remove the tough ends by snapping them off.
3. Take a slice of bacon and wrap it tightly around each asparagus spear, starting from one end and spiraling your way to the other end.
4. Secure the bacon-wrapped asparagus with toothpicks, making sure they are firmly in place to prevent the bacon from unraveling during grilling.
5. Brush the bacon wrapped asparagus with olive oil or melted butter, which will help prevent sticking and add flavor.
6. Once the grill is hot, place the asparagus spears diagonally across the grates, ensuring that the exposed ends of the toothpicks hang over the edges of the grill for easy removal later.
7. Close the grill and cook for approximately 10-12 minutes, flipping the asparagus halfway through to ensure even cooking and crispy bacon.
8. Keep an eye on the grill to prevent burning. The bacon should be crispy and the asparagus cooked through but still slightly firm.
9. Remove the bacon wrapped asparagus from the grill and allow them to cool for a few minutes.
10. Carefully remove the toothpicks and serve the bacon wrapped asparagus as a delicious appetizer or side dish.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to enjoy perfectly cooked bacon wrapped asparagus every time you grill.

FAQs:

1. Can I use thin or thick-cut bacon for bacon wrapped asparagus?

Yes, you can use either thin or thick-cut bacon depending on your preference. Thin-cut bacon will cook more quickly, while thick-cut bacon will result in a meatier texture.

2. Can I grill bacon wrapped asparagus on a gas grill?

Absolutely! Bacon wrapped asparagus can be grilled on both gas and charcoal grills, as long as you follow the recommended cooking time and temperature.

3. Can I use frozen asparagus for this recipe?

Fresh asparagus is preferred for this recipe, as frozen asparagus may become too soft and lose its texture during grilling.

4. Can I substitute butter for olive oil?

Yes, if you prefer the flavor of butter, feel free to use it instead of olive oil. Just make sure it’s melted before brushing it onto the bacon wrapped asparagus.

5. Can I add other seasonings to the bacon wrapped asparagus?

Certainly! You can experiment with different seasonings such as garlic powder, lemon zest, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before grilling. Just remember to keep it simple to allow the flavor of the bacon and asparagus to shine.

6. Can I cook bacon wrapped asparagus in the oven instead?

Yes, if you don’t have access to a grill, you can bake bacon wrapped asparagus in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 15-20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy.

7. How do I know when the bacon wrapped asparagus is done?

The bacon should be nicely browned and crispy, while the asparagus should be tender but still have a slight crunch. If the bacon is still chewy, you can cook it for a few more minutes.

8. Can I prepare the bacon wrapped asparagus ahead of time?

Yes, you can wrap the bacon around the asparagus ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill. Just make sure to remove them from the fridge and bring them to room temperature before grilling.

9. Should I soak the toothpicks in water before using them?

Soaking the toothpicks in water for about 10 minutes before using them can help prevent them from burning during grilling.

10. Can I grill bacon wrapped asparagus on a grilling pan instead?

Yes, you can use a grilling pan or a foil packet to cook bacon wrapped asparagus if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

11. Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

Yes, if you prefer a leaner option, turkey bacon can be used as a substitute for regular bacon. Keep in mind that the texture and taste may be slightly different.

12. Can I cook bacon wrapped asparagus without toothpicks?

While toothpicks help hold the bacon in place while grilling, you can try using kitchen twine to secure the bacon if toothpicks are not available. Just make sure to remove them before serving.

Now that you know how to cook bacon wrapped asparagus on the grill, it’s time to fire up the barbecue and impress your family and friends with this delicious appetizer or side dish. Enjoy!