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Grilling bacon wrapped asparagus takes about 10 to 15 minutes over medium-high heat, turning occasionally until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender.
This timing can shift a little depending on how thick your asparagus spears are and how crispy you like your bacon.
If you’ve been wondering how long do you grill bacon wrapped asparagus, the short answer is roughly 10 to 15 minutes on a hot grill.
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how long to grill bacon wrapped asparagus, the best temperature to use, and a few tips so every bundle comes out perfect.
Let’s fire up that grill and get to it.
How Long Do You Grill Bacon Wrapped Asparagus?
You grill bacon wrapped asparagus for 10 to 15 minutes over medium-high heat, but getting it just right comes down to a few key factors.
Here’s what shapes that cooking time:
1. Thickness of the Asparagus Spears
Thin asparagus spears cook much faster than thick, jumbo ones.
A thin spear can be done in 8 to 10 minutes, while a thick spear may need the full 15 minutes or even a touch more.
This is why knowing how long to grill bacon wrapped asparagus really depends on what you bought at the store.
2. Thickness of the Bacon
Thick-cut bacon takes longer to crisp up than regular or thin-cut bacon.
If you’re using thick-cut bacon, lean toward the higher end of the 10 to 15 minute range so the bacon actually gets crispy instead of staying flabby.
3. Grill Temperature
Medium-high heat, around 375°F to 400°F, is the sweet spot for grilling bacon wrapped asparagus.
Too hot and the bacon burns before the asparagus cooks through, while too low and the bacon turns greasy and never crisps.
4. Direct vs. Indirect Heat
Cooking over direct heat gives you that crispy bacon char, but it also means you need to flip more often.
If you’re worried about burning, start over direct heat for a few minutes, then move the bundles to indirect heat to finish cooking.
Best Way to Grill Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
Once you know how long do you grill bacon wrapped asparagus, the next step is nailing the method so it comes out perfectly every time.
1. Prep the Asparagus First
Snap off the woody ends of the asparagus, then toss the spears in a little olive oil, salt, and pepper.
This simple step seasons the asparagus so it’s not bland once the bacon wraps around it.
2. Wrap Tightly With Bacon
Take 3 to 5 spears and wrap a single slice of bacon around them in a spiral.
Don’t wrap too loosely or the bacon will slide off while grilling bacon wrapped asparagus on the grates.
3. Secure With a Toothpick
Push a toothpick through the center of each bundle to hold the bacon in place.
Soak your toothpicks in water for 20 minutes first so they don’t catch fire on the grill.
4. Oil the Grates
Brush the grill grates with oil before placing your bundles down.
This keeps the bacon from sticking and tearing when you flip, which makes the whole process of grilling bacon wrapped asparagus way less frustrating.
5. Turn Every Few Minutes
Flip the bundles every 2 to 3 minutes so the bacon crisps evenly on all sides.
This keeps you in control of how long do you grill bacon wrapped asparagus without one side burning.
Tips for Perfectly Grilled Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
A few small tricks make a big difference when grilling bacon wrapped asparagus.
1. Par-Cook the Bacon If You’re in a Hurry
If your asparagus is thin, the bacon may not have time to crisp before the spears turn mushy.
Microwave the bacon for 1 to 2 minutes first, then wrap and grill.
This shortens how long do you grill bacon wrapped asparagus and guarantees crispy bacon every time.
2. Watch for the Crisp Test
The best way to know your bacon wrapped asparagus is done is to look at the bacon itself.
When it turns deep reddish-brown and looks crisp at the edges, it’s ready to come off.
3. Don’t Walk Away
Bacon fat drips cause flare-ups, and flare-ups burn food fast.
Stay near the grill while grilling bacon wrapped asparagus, and move bundles to a cooler zone if flames jump up.
4. Let Them Rest Before Serving
Give the bundles 2 to 3 minutes to rest after pulling them off the grill.
The bacon firms up as it cools, which makes it easier to eat and keeps the asparagus from steaming itself soggy.
So, How Long Do You Grill Bacon Wrapped Asparagus?
You grill bacon wrapped asparagus for 10 to 15 minutes over medium-high heat, turning every few minutes until the bacon is crispy and the spears are tender.
Thin asparagus and thin bacon cook faster, while thick spears and thick-cut bacon push you toward the 15-minute mark.
Keep an eye on flare-ups, oil your grates, and use the crisp test to know when they’re done.
Now that you know exactly how long do you grill bacon wrapped asparagus, you can serve this crowd-pleaser with confidence at your next cookout.