These simple-yet-impressive, bacon-wrapped bundles are ready in under 20 minutes. They’re a great addition to dinner parties and get-togethers, although we’d gladly fire up the grill any night of the week to make them! You will find fresh asparagus and pasture-raised bacon at the market this week!
- 1 1/2 pounds asparagus spears, trimmed 4 to 5 inches long tips
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- A few grinds black pepper
- 4 slices center cut bacon or pancetta
- Chopped chives or scallions, optional garnish
Preheat oven, if using, to 400 degrees F.
Lightly coat asparagus spears in extra virgin olive oil. Season the asparagus with black pepper. Take a quick count of the spear tips. Divide the total number by four. Gather that number of spears and use a slice of bacon to wrap the bundle and secure the spears together. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
To grill, place bundles on hot grill and cover. Cook 10 to 12 minutes until bacon is crisp and asparagus bundles are tender.
For oven preparation, place bundles on slotted broiler pan. Bake 12 minutes.
