If you love the irresistible combo of smoky, crispy bacon and fresh green asparagus paired with a tangy, creamy dip, you are going to adore this Bacon Wrapped Asparagus with Dijon Dipping Sauce Recipe. It’s a delightfully simple yet elegant appetizer or side that takes just minutes to prepare and elevates any meal with its perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving a tasty snack, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels special without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these ingredients together is a breeze, but don’t let the simplicity fool you—each component plays a crucial role in making this dish shine. Fresh asparagus provides that vibrant green crunch, bacon adds smoky crispiness, and Dijon mustard delivers a sharp, creamy punch in the dipping sauce.
- 12 medium-thick asparagus spears: Choose sturdy, medium-thick spears for the perfect bite and ideal bacon wrapping.
- 6 slices thin-sliced pepper bacon: Thin bacon crisps beautifully without overpowering the asparagus.
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard: This smooth mustard offers just the right amount of tang and depth for the dipping sauce.
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Asparagus with Dijon Dipping Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Rack
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a rimmed baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. Then, lightly spray both sides of a wire cooking rack with nonstick spray and place it over the baking sheet. This setup helps the bacon cook evenly and stay crispy while allowing excess fat to drip away.
Step 2: Prep the Asparagus
Trim off the tough ends of the asparagus so each spear is uniform in length. If you notice any rough outer skin halfway down the stalk, gently peel it away to ensure your spears stay tender when cooked. Most asparagus won’t need peeling, so check before you start.
Step 3: Wrap the Asparagus with Bacon
Take half a slice of your pepper bacon and wrap it tightly around each asparagus spear. Make sure the bacon is snug so it clings to the asparagus during cooking without unraveling. Place each wrapped spear carefully on your prepared wire rack, spacing them out evenly.
Step 4: Bake and Crisp
Pop the bacon-wrapped asparagus into the oven and let it bake for 10 minutes. This initial bake will set the bacon in place and start the crisping process while softening the asparagus.
Step 5: Flip and Finish Baking
After 10 minutes, rotate the pan for even cooking, flip each spear to the other side, and bake for another 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on the bacon—it should be beautifully crisp but not burnt. If needed, switch your oven to broil for just 1 minute to add extra crispiness, but watch carefully so it doesn’t burn.
Step 6: Cool and Prepare Dip
Transfer your crispy bacon wrapped asparagus to a cooling rack to bring the temperature down to touch-safe. Whip up a quick Dijon dipping sauce by simply enjoying your 3 tablespoons of mustard as is, or mixing it with a little olive oil or honey if you like a twist. This dip is what pulls the whole dish together with a lively zip of flavor.
How to Serve Bacon Wrapped Asparagus with Dijon Dipping Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a light dusting of smoked paprika over the bacon wrapped spears before serving for an extra flavor kick. A few fresh herb leaves like parsley or chives add color and a hint of freshness that brightens the plate beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Bacon Wrapped Asparagus with Dijon Dipping Sauce Recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Think creamy mashed potatoes, roasted baby carrots, or a fresh mixed green salad to keep things light and balanced. It also works well alongside grilled meats or seafood to round out a hearty meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, gather the spears into mini bundles tied with kitchen twine or a strip of blanched green onion. Arrange the bundles on a large platter with a small bowl of the Dijon dipping sauce in the center for easy sharing. You can also serve them upright in a tall glass or jar for a fun, casual display that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the bacon wrapped asparagus in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay good for up to 2 days and retain much of their crispiness when reheated properly.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t ideal for this dish since bacon and asparagus textures can get mushy after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a day or two. If you must freeze, wrap each spear tightly and place in a freezer bag, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring back the crispy texture, reheat leftovers in a 375°F oven on a wire rack for about 8 to 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave if possible, since it tends to soften bacon rather than crisp it.
FAQs
Can I use thick asparagus spears for this recipe?
It’s best to stick with medium-thick spears because thick ones can take longer to cook and might not crisp up the bacon evenly. Thin spears tend to get lost under the bacon, so medium thickness is your sweet spot.
What’s a good substitute for pepper bacon?
If pepper bacon isn’t available, regular smoked thin-sliced bacon works perfectly. The pepper adds extra flavor complexity, but classic bacon delivers plenty of smoky deliciousness too.
Can I make the Dijon dipping sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The Dijon dipping sauce is super simple and can be made hours ahead and refrigerated. Just give it a quick stir before serving to bring back its smooth texture.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
You can swap bacon for vegetarian bacon or prosciutto-style plant-based wraps if you want to keep a similar flavor profile, but the classic bacon flavor is hard to beat with this particular dish.
How do I prevent bacon from unraveling?
Wrapping the bacon tightly around the asparagus and starting with thin-sliced bacon helps prevent unraveling. Using a toothpick for extra hold is also an option if you’re worried about it sliding off while cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Bacon Wrapped Asparagus with Dijon Dipping Sauce Recipe is one of those unforgettable dishes that combines elegant flavors with ease and minimal ingredients. It’s perfect when you want to impress without stress and enjoy something truly tasty. I hope you have as much fun making and sharing it as I do, and that it brings lots of smiles to your table!
