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BBQ bacon wrapped asparagus is one of the easiest and most delicious appetizers you can make on a grill.
It combines the smoky flavor of bacon with the fresh, crisp taste of asparagus, and it’s ready in minutes.
If you’ve ever wondered how to BBQ bacon wrapped asparagus, you’re in the right place.
This simple recipe uses just a few ingredients, but the result tastes like something from a steakhouse.
The salty bacon crisps up while the asparagus stays tender, and the grill adds a char that takes it over the top.
In this post, we’ll walk through how to BBQ bacon wrapped asparagus step by step, plus tips for getting perfect results every time.
Let’s fire up the grill.
How to BBQ Bacon Wrapped Asparagus: The Basic Method
Learning how to BBQ bacon wrapped asparagus starts with a few simple steps.
Once you get the technique down, you can make this dish any night of the week.
Here’s the core process.
1. Gather Your Ingredients
To BBQ bacon wrapped asparagus, you’ll need fresh asparagus spears, bacon strips, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Thin-cut bacon works best because it cooks faster and gets crispy without burning.
You can also add garlic powder, brown sugar, or a little cayenne for extra flavor.
Aim for about one slice of bacon for every two to three asparagus spears.
2. Prep the Asparagus
Wash the asparagus and snap off the woody ends.
You can do this by bending each spear near the bottom, and it will naturally break at the tough part.
Pat the spears dry with a paper towel, because wet asparagus won’t crisp up properly on the grill.
Toss them lightly in olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Wrap the Bundles
Group two to three spears together and wrap a slice of bacon around the middle.
Secure the bacon with a toothpick so it doesn’t unravel on the grill.
If you’re using thick-cut bacon, you may want to par-cook it in the microwave for a minute first.
That way the bacon finishes cooking at the same time as the asparagus.
4. Grill Over Medium Heat
Preheat your grill to medium heat, around 375°F to 400°F.
Place the bacon wrapped asparagus directly on the grates, seam side down.
Cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning every few minutes so the bacon crisps evenly.
You’ll know they’re done when the bacon is browned and the asparagus is tender with a slight bite.
Tips for the Best BBQ Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
Knowing how to BBQ bacon wrapped asparagus is one thing, but nailing it every time takes a few tricks.
Here are the tips that make the biggest difference.
1. Use Thin-Cut Bacon
Thin-cut bacon wraps more easily and cooks faster than thick-cut.
Since asparagus cooks quickly, you want bacon that will crisp up in the same amount of time.
If all you have is thick-cut, par-cooking it first is a smart move.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Grill
Give each bundle space so the heat circulates and the bacon gets crispy.
If you crowd the grill, the asparagus will steam instead of roast, and the bacon will turn soggy.
Work in batches if you have to.
3. Watch for Flare-Ups
Bacon drips fat, and fat causes flare-ups on a charcoal or gas grill.
Keep a spray bottle of water nearby to tame any flames.
You can also move the bundles to a cooler part of the grill if the fire gets too wild.
4. Add a Glaze for Extra Flavor
A simple glaze of maple syrup, brown sugar, and a pinch of chili powder brushed on during the last few minutes adds a sweet and spicy kick.
Just be careful, because sugary glazes can burn fast over high heat.
Common Mistakes When You BBQ Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
Even though this dish is simple, a few common mistakes can ruin it.
Avoid these and your bacon wrapped asparagus will turn out perfect.
1. Skipping the Toothpicks
Without toothpicks, the bacon unwraps as it shrinks on the grill.
A quick soak in water before grilling keeps the toothpicks from burning.
2. Cooking on High Heat
High heat burns the bacon before the asparagus is tender.
Medium heat is the sweet spot for how to BBQ bacon wrapped asparagus without charring it.
3. Not Drying the Asparagus
Moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
Dry the spears well before wrapping to get that perfect bacon crunch.
So, How Do You BBQ Bacon Wrapped Asparagus?
You BBQ bacon wrapped asparagus by wrapping fresh spears in thin-cut bacon, securing them with toothpicks, and grilling over medium heat for about 10 to 12 minutes.
The bacon crisps, the asparagus tenderizes, and the smoky flavor ties it all together.
With the right technique and a few simple tips, this dish becomes a go-to appetizer for cookouts, game days, and weeknight dinners.
Now that you know how to BBQ bacon wrapped asparagus, grab your ingredients and get grilling.