Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

Ingredients

• 1 pound asparagus spears trimmed (about 20 to 24 spears)
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 8 strips Kentucky Legend Bacon

Directions

1. Place a rack in the center of your oven and preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Place the asparagus in a large bowl or on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with the olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to coat.
3. Count the spears and divide the total number by 8. Gather that number of spears (likely 2 to 4 spears, depending upon their thickness) and hold them together in a single bundle. Starting midway to the top, wrap the bundle with one piece of bacon (overlap the starting end of the bacon slightly to secure it) and place the bundle on the prepared baking sheet, seam-side down. Repeat with the remaining spears.
4. Bake until the bacon is crisp and the asparagus is tender, about 22 to 28 minutes, depending upon the thickness of your bacon and desired crispiness. Serve warm or at room temperature.