Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

- 1 pound fresh asparagus, ends trimmed
- 8-10 slices of bacon (choose a thicker cut for best results)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze.

2. Bundle about 3-4 asparagus spears together and carefully wrap a slice of bacon around the center of each bundle, securing the asparagus inside. Repeat this process until all of the asparagus and bacon are used.

3. Place the wrapped bundles on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they're not touching. This helps the bacon crisp up perfectly.

4. Lightly drizzle the bundles with olive oil and then season them with a smidge of salt and freshly ground black pepper.

5. Roast in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes. The cooking time can vary a bit based on how thick your bacon is, so you're looking for the bacon to reach a lovely golden brown and the asparagus to become tender-crisp.

6. If you've opted for Parmesan cheese and garlic powder, now's the time to sprinkle them over the hot bundles right before you serve. This step adds an extra oomph of flavor that's just divine.

Variations & Tips:

- If you've got family members who aren't keen on asparagus, try using green beans or sliced zucchini as a handy substitute.
- For an extra kick of flavor, consider rubbing the bacon with a touch of brown sugar or a hint of cayenne pepper before baking. It lends a lovely sweet-spicy note to the dish.
- To ensure even cooking, pick asparagus spears that are similar in thickness. They'll cook more uniformly and make for better presentation as well.
- For those following a strict keto diet, keep an eye on the bacon you choose, making sure it doesn't contain added sugars.
- And lastly, if you're in a pinch for time, you can precook the bacon slightly before wrapping the asparagus. This reduces the oven time and is perfect when you need this dish on the table just a little quicker.