Utah Bacon-Wrapped Grilled Asparagus

Introduction

Crispy, smoky, and utterly delicious – this Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus recipe brings together the freshness of asparagus and the rich flavor of bacon, grilled to perfection on the Arteflame Grill. The powerful heat of the Arteflame sears the bacon beautifully while keeping the asparagus tender-crisp. Perfect for summer BBQs or as a tasty side dish, this recipe uses no pots, pans, or oven—just fire, flavor, and simplicity.

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh asparagus spears (ends trimmed)
• 12 slices of thick-cut bacon
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted for brushing)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• Toothpicks (optional, to secure bacon)

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame Grill

1. Place three paper napkins in the center of the Arteflame grill.
2. Soak the napkins with vegetable oil, ensuring good saturation.
3. Stack firewood over the napkins to form a loose crisscross pattern.
4. Light the napkins and allow the fire to burn and heat the cooktop.
5. Wait approximately 20 minutes until the center grate reaches searing temperature (around 1,000°F) and the flat top is hot.

Step 2: Prepare the asparagus bundles

1. Wash and trim the woody ends off the asparagus.
2. Divide the asparagus into bundles of 3-4 spears each (depending on thickness).
3. Wrap each bundle tightly with a single slice of bacon, starting from the base upward.
4. If needed, secure with a toothpick.
5. Brush each bacon-wrapped bundle with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder and black pepper.

Step 3: Grill on the Arteflame flat cooktop

1. Place the bacon-wrapped asparagus bundles on the flat griddle cooktop near the center for higher heat zones.
2. Grill for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally so the bacon crisps up on all sides.
3. As the bacon renders and crisps, the asparagus will become tender-crisp inside.
4. Move the bundles to cooler outer zones of the griddle if needed to prevent overcrisping.

Step 4: Serve and enjoy

1. Remove from the grill when the bacon is golden brown and crispy. Let rest for 2-3 minutes.
2. Serve hot as a side or appetizer. No cleanup needed, just enjoy!

Tips

• Use thick-cut bacon for best grill performance and richer flavor.
• Don’t overcrowd the griddle – give each bundle some space to caramelize evenly.
• Add a touch of smoked paprika or chili flakes for a flavor kick.
• Monitor outer-edge temperatures to prevent overcooking asparagus if the bacon finishes first.
• Brush with melted butter occasionally while grilling for extra crispiness and flavor depth.

Variations

1. Parmesan Twist: Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the bundles in the last minute of grilling for a cheesy crust.
2. Maple Bacon Asparagus: Glaze bacon with a light layer of maple syrup before grilling for a sweet-savory finish.
3. Spicy Sriracha Bacon Wraps: Add a thin layer of sriracha sauce to the bacon before wrapping for a spicy bite.
4. Lemon Herb Asparagus: Add chopped fresh rosemary and a squeeze of lemon juice over the finished bundles for a zingy hit.
5. Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus: Replace bacon with thin prosciutto slices for a lighter Mediterranean variation.

Conclusion

Bacon-Wrapped Grilled Asparagus on the Arteflame Grill delivers the ideal combination of crispy, smoky bacon and crisp-tender asparagus, all done effortlessly on the flat griddle cooktop. Whether you’re entertaining guests or looking for a new side dish favorite, this flavor-packed recipe never fails to impress in both taste and presentation.

Best pairings

• Grilled ribeye steak with herb butter
• Charred corn on the cob with lime and cotija cheese
• A chilled glass of white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
• Grilled artisan flatbreads with garlic and parmesan
• Fresh garden tomato salad with balsamic glaze