BACON-WRAPPED ASPARAGUS

Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus image

While asparagus season is here, keep this recipe near. It's a pretty and impressive side perfect for brunch or dinner-maybe alongside a steak! And it's a godsend when entertaining, since it's made with only five ingredients, a single pan and the simplest of techniques. The trick is wrapping bundles of asparagus, instead of individual stalks. As the bundles bake, the bacon drippings infuse the stalks with smoky flavor and transform this sometimes-woody vegetable into a silky smooth and meltingly tender masterpiece which, in our experience, no one can resist!

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Time 55m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 5

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter, melted
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 lb fresh asparagus spears, trimmed
8 slices bacon
1 lemon, cut in wedges

Steps:

Heat oven to 425°F. Line 18x13-inch rimmed pan with foil. Place large rack in pan; spray rack and foil with cooking spray.
In large shallow bowl or pie plate, mix melted butter and pepper flakes. Add asparagus; toss thoroughly to coat. Divide asparagus evenly into 8 bundles. Wrap each bundle in one slice of bacon. Do not overlap the bacon. If desired, secure each bundle with 2 toothpicks; place toothpick-side down on rack. Drizzle with any remaining butter mixture.
Bake 30 to 36 minutes, turning once, until asparagus is tender and bacon is cooked through. Serve with lemon wedges.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 80, Carbohydrate 3 g, Cholesterol 15 mg, Fat 1/2, Fiber 1 g, Protein 4 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, ServingSize 1 Bundle, Sodium 160 mg, Sugar 1 g, TransFat 0 g