The Story Behind Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus Bundles a Savory Thanksgiving Side Dish

Bacon-wrapped asparagus is a dish that brings together one of the world's oldest vegetables with one of its most universally beloved cured meats. Asparagus has been cultivated for over 2,000 years — the ancient Egyptians grew it, the Romans considered it a delicacy, and Emperor Augustus was said to have used the expression "velocius quam asparagi conquantur" (faster than you can cook asparagus) to describe doing something quickly. The vegetable was brought to America in the 17th century and became popular in kitchen gardens throughout the colonial period. Bacon — salt-cured pork belly — has an equally ancient history, with evidence of pork preservation going back to China around 1500 BC. The genius of wrapping asparagus in bacon lies in the contrast: the delicate, grassy sweetness of the asparagus against the smoky, salty richness of crisped bacon, the fat basting the vegetable as they cook together. Simple, dramatic, and utterly irresistible.

Time and Servings:

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Servings: 6 servings

Nutrition (per serving):

  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Protein: 5g
  • Fat: 10g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 2g

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed
  • 6 slices bacon
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Ingredients:

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
    • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it for easy cleanup.
  2. Trim the Asparagus:
    • Wash and trim the woody ends of the asparagus stalks.

Assemble the Bundles:

  1. Divide into Bundles:
    • Divide the asparagus into 6 small bundles, with 4-5 stalks per bundle depending on their thickness.
  2. Wrap with Bacon:
    • Wrap each asparagus bundle with one slice of bacon, overlapping slightly as you wrap to secure the bundle.
    • Use a toothpick to secure the bacon if needed.

Season and Bake:

  1. Season the Bundles:
    • Place the bacon-wrapped bundles on the prepared baking sheet.
    • Drizzle each bundle with olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper (go easy on the salt, as bacon is salty).
  2. Bake:
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender.
    • Flip the bundles halfway through baking for even cooking.

Serve:

  1. Serve Warm:
    • Remove the toothpicks, if used, and arrange the bundles on a serving platter.
    • Serve warm as a savory side dish or appetizer.

Tips for Success:

  • For extra flavor, sprinkle the bundles with garlic powder or a pinch of red pepper flakes before baking.
  • Use thinner asparagus spears for quicker cooking and better wrapping.
  • To make ahead, assemble the bundles in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Wine, Cocktail, or Drink Pairing:

  • Pair this dish with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, a light Pilsner beer, or a festive cranberry mocktail for a perfect holiday match.