Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Crispy bacon wrapped around fresh asparagus bundles, seasoned with smoky Okie Rub and finished with sweet and spicy hot honey. This easy side dish is perfect for holidays, cookouts, dinner parties, or weeknight meals.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Servings: 8

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 183

Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients

1 lb fresh asparagus medium-thick spears, woody ends trimmed
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt
1 tbsp The Spice Girl Kitchen Okie Rub see notes for swap
6 to 8 slices thin or regular cut bacon cut in half
2 tbsp light brown sugar
2 tbsp hot honey plus more for drizzling

Equipment

Large rimmed baking sheet: Catches the rendered bacon fat and gives the bundles plenty of room to cook evenly
Aluminum Foil or parchment paper: Lines the baking sheet for easier cleanup
Pastry brush: Helps evenly coat the bacon with the hot honey glaze
Large mixing bowl (optional): Makes it easy to season the asparagus evenly
Small bowl: Used to mix the brown sugar and hot honey glaze

Method

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
Pat the trimmed asparagus dry with paper towels. Place the asparagus in a large bowl or right on the prepared baking sheet, toss with olive oil, salt, and Okie Rub until evenly coated.
Divide the asparagus into equal bundles, using about 4 to 6 spears per bundle depending on their thickness.
Wrap one of the half slices of bacon around each bundle, starting near the bottom and spiraling upward with minimal overlap. Place each bundle seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Stir the brown sugar and 2 tbsp hot honey together in a small bowl until a loose glaze forms. (You may need to slightly warm it for 10 seconds in the microwave the losen the honey enough to brush.) Brush the glaze evenly over the bacon on each bundle.
Bake for 22 to 26 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, or until the asparagus is tender and the bacon is crisp.
Drizzle with additional hot honey, if desired. Transfer the bundles to a serving platter and let them rest for 2 minutes. Serve immediately.

Video

Notes

Bacon: Thin-cut bacon works best because it crisps before the asparagus becomes overcooked. Regular cut works too. Avoid thick-cut bacon.
Asparagus: Choose medium-thick asparagus spears so the asparagus and bacon finish cooking at approximately the same time.
Make Ahead: Assemble the bacon-wrapped asparagus bundles up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Add the brown sugar and hot honey glaze just before baking.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a 375°F oven or air fryer for 5 to 7 minutes, or until heated through and crisp. Microwaving will soften the bacon.
Substitution: Replace the Okie Rub with your favorite barbecue seasoning containing paprika, garlic, onion, black pepper, and mild chili spices. Regular honey mixed with a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can be used in place of hot honey.
Nutrition (per serving, 8 servings): 183 calories, 12g fat, 10g carbs, 8g protein, 2g fiber. Nutrition information is an estimate. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.