Pioneer Woman bacon wrapped asparagus bundles are an easy side dish made with crispy bacon, maple syrup and olive oil, ready in just 50 minutes. That makes them a go-to for Easter dinner, spring potlucks or weeknight meals, since the 15-minute prep means you spend more time eating than cooking.
Brushing maple syrup on the bacon before roasting is what makes these special, since the sugar caramelizes and creates a salty-sweet glaze. Skip that step and the bacon crisps fine but tastes flat next to the asparagus.
Most bacon-wrapped asparagus recipes use full strips with no glaze, so the bite ends up heavy and one-note. This version cuts each strip in half for a thinner wrap, and the maple glaze adds a sweet edge you won’t find elsewhere.
Pioneer Woman Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Bundles
Course: Side DishCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy10
servings15
minutes35
minutes57
kcalTender asparagus spears wrapped in thin, caramelized bacon and roasted at high heat until everything crisps and the sweet glaze turns sticky.
Ingredients
5 strips bacon
1 1/2 lb. asparagus, trimmed
1 tbsp. olive oil
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
Black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp. maple syrup
Directions
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 425°F, then place a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet so air can circulate under the bundles.
- Prep the bacon: Cut each strip of bacon in half lengthwise so you have 10 thin strips ready to wrap.
- Wrap the bundles: Divide the asparagus into 10 bunches, then wind one half-strip of bacon around each bunch.
- Oil and season: Drizzle the bundles with olive oil and gently turn to coat the tips, then arrange on the rack and season with salt and pepper.
- Glaze and roast: Brush the bacon with maple syrup, then roast until the asparagus is tender and the bacon is crispy and caramelized, 30 to 35 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Turkey bacon works but it won’t crisp the same way, since it has less fat to render and caramelize against the maple syrup. You’ll get a chewier texture, so try cooking them an extra 5 minutes to get more crunch.
How long do bacon wrapped asparagus bundles last in the fridge?
They keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days, though the asparagus softens as it sits. Reheat them on a sheet pan at 400°F for about 5 minutes to re-crisp the bacon before serving.
Can I prep the bundles ahead of time and roast them later?
You can wrap the bundles a day ahead and store them covered in the fridge, then oil and season right before roasting. Wait to brush the maple syrup on until they go into the oven, since it can make the bacon soggy if it sits too long.
Do I need a wire rack, or can I roast them directly on the sheet pan?
A wire rack helps the bacon crisp evenly because air circulates underneath, so the bottom doesn’t steam and turn rubbery. If you don’t have one, line the pan with parchment and flip the bundles halfway through to get even browning.
What is the most common mistake people make with bacon wrapped asparagus?
Using thick-cut bacon is the biggest issue, since it takes much longer to render and the asparagus overcooks before the bacon crisps. Stick with regular-cut strips and slice them in half lengthwise so they wrap thin and crisp in the same time the asparagus needs.
