Irresistible Bacon Wrapped Asparagus: Your New Favorite Easy Side Dish!
Searching for a side dish that effortlessly combines elegance with incredible flavor? This bacon wrapped asparagus recipe is a culinary masterpiece that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. It features tender, vibrant asparagus spears enveloped in crispy, savory bacon, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Whether you’re planning a quick weeknight dinner, hosting a brunch, or looking for an impressive appetizer for a special occasion, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit. It’s not just easy; it’s absolutely fantastic and will quickly become a cherished recipe in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with Asparagus with Bacon
This isn’t just another recipe; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly extraordinary. Here are several compelling reasons why bacon-wrapped asparagus is about to become a beloved staple in your culinary repertoire:
- Effortless and Quick Preparation: Forget complicated recipes that demand hours of your time. This dish is designed for efficiency, coming together in less than 30 minutes from the moment you start prepping to when it’s ready to serve. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need a delicious and nutritious side without any fuss.
- Unbelievably Versatile Pairing: The harmonious blend of savory bacon and earthy asparagus makes this side dish incredibly versatile. It pairs beautifully with virtually any main course you can imagine. Whether you’re serving succulent grilled chicken, a juicy steak, tender pork chops, or delicate baked fish, bacon-wrapped asparagus will complement your entrée without overpowering it, making it a reliable choice for any meal.
- Perfect for Low-Carb and Keto Lifestyles: For those adhering to a low-carb or ketogenic diet, this recipe is a true gem. It’s naturally low in carbohydrates and packed with healthy fats and essential nutrients from the asparagus. Enjoy a satisfying and flavorful side dish that aligns perfectly with your dietary goals, without compromising on taste.
- Impressively Elegant Presentation: Despite its straightforward preparation, bacon-wrapped asparagus boasts a sophisticated appearance that looks far more intricate than it is. The neatly bundled spears, with their vibrant green contrasting against the golden-brown crispy bacon, add a touch of gourmet flair to your plate. It’s ideal for entertaining guests, enhancing a holiday spread, or simply making an ordinary dinner feel a bit more special.
- Bacon’s Irresistible Magic: While we cherish the crisp simplicity of air fryer asparagus, there’s a special magic that happens when bacon enters the picture. The bacon fat renders as it cooks, infusing the asparagus with a rich, smoky flavor and creating an irresistible crispy texture that elevates the entire dish. It’s proof that sometimes, the simplest additions make the biggest difference.
Should you miraculously have any leftover bacon (a rare occurrence for most bacon lovers!), remember that its savory goodness can enhance nearly anything. Consider using it to add a delightful smoky depth to a delicious lima bean recipe for another night of culinary enjoyment!
🥘 Essential Ingredients for Your Delicious Dish
One of the beauties of this recipe is its reliance on just a few high-quality, easily accessible ingredients. Choosing fresh and good-quality components will ensure the most flavorful results.
- Bacon: The undeniable star that brings the savory crunch. You can use your favorite brand and cut of bacon. Thin-cut bacon crisps up faster and provides a delicate crunch, while thicker-cut bacon offers a more substantial, chewier texture with a longer cooking time. Standard smoked bacon is excellent, but feel free to experiment with applewood smoked or maple-flavored bacon for nuanced flavor profiles.
- Asparagus: For this recipe, fresh, raw, and uncooked asparagus spears are non-negotiable. Look for spears that are firm, bright green, and have tightly closed tips. Avoid any spears that appear limp, dry, or have open, flowering tips, as these indicate older produce. Canned or frozen asparagus simply won’t yield the desirable tender-crisp texture and vibrant color, so always opt for fresh.
- Salt and Pepper: These fundamental seasonings are truly all that’s necessary to enhance the natural deliciousness of both the asparagus and the bacon. A generous sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of high-quality sea salt will elevate the flavors significantly.
- Olive Oil: A light drizzle of olive oil plays a crucial role. It helps to keep the asparagus juicy and tender during roasting, preventing it from drying out. Furthermore, it aids in achieving that coveted crispy bacon texture and ensures the salt and pepper adhere beautifully to the bundles. Select a good quality extra virgin olive oil that you enjoy the taste of, or use avocado oil as a neutral-flavored alternative.
Optional Additions to Elevate Your Flavor Profile:
- Garlic Powder or Granulated Garlic: A subtle sprinkle of garlic powder can infuse the asparagus with an aromatic depth that complements the smoky bacon perfectly.
- Onion Powder: Similar to garlic powder, onion powder adds another layer of savory complexity, enhancing the overall umami of the dish.
- Red Pepper Flakes: If you appreciate a gentle warmth and a touch of heat, scatter some red pepper flakes over the bundles before baking.
- Parmesan Cheese: For a delightful nutty and salty finish, a light grating of fresh Parmesan cheese over the cooked asparagus bundles just before serving is highly recommended.
- Balsamic Glaze: A delicate drizzle of balsamic glaze after cooking can introduce a wonderful sweet and tangy counterpoint to the rich bacon and fresh asparagus.
🔪 Simple Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
Creating this gourmet-looking side dish is surprisingly easy. Follow these clear, straightforward instructions to achieve perfectly cooked, crispy bacon and tender-crisp asparagus every single time.
- Prepare the Asparagus: Begin by thoroughly washing your fresh asparagus spears under cold running water. Pat them completely dry with a clean paper towel. Next, trim off the tough, woody ends. The easiest way to do this is to gently bend each spear; it will naturally snap at the point where the fibrous end meets the tender stalk. Discard the woody ends.
- Bundle and Wrap: Gather 3-4 asparagus spears into a small, tight bundle. Take one strip of bacon and wrap it snugly around the center of each asparagus bundle. Ensure the bacon is wrapped securely enough to hold the spears together throughout the cooking process. Continue this step until all your asparagus spears are beautifully bundled and wrapped.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for effortless cleanup. Place the bacon-wrapped asparagus bundles in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. It’s important to leave a little space between each bundle to allow for proper air circulation, which is key to achieving crispy bacon and even roasting.
- Season and Drizzle: Generously drizzle olive oil over all the bacon-wrapped asparagus bundles. Then, evenly sprinkle them with salt and freshly ground black pepper. If you choose to use any of the optional seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or red pepper flakes, now is the time to add them.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Carefully transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes. The exact cooking time may vary slightly based on the thickness of your bacon and asparagus. You’re looking for the bacon to turn golden brown and delightfully crispy, while the asparagus should be tender-crisp—cooked through but still retaining a slight bite.
- Optional Crispness Boost (Broil): If, after 20 minutes, your bacon isn’t quite as crispy as you desire, you have an optional step. Briefly place the baking sheet under the broiler for 1-2 minutes. This step requires constant vigilance, as broiling can quickly transition from perfectly crisp to burnt. Watch continuously until the bacon reaches your preferred level of crispness.
- Serve Immediately: For the ultimate enjoyment of both flavor and texture, serve your freshly baked, bacon-wrapped asparagus immediately while it’s still warm and the bacon is at its crispiest.
👪 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Asparagus and Bacon
Here are answers to some of the most common questions you might have when preparing this delicious bacon-wrapped asparagus recipe:
No, there is absolutely no need to soak asparagus before cooking. Soaking can make the asparagus absorb too much water, leading to a less desirable soggy texture after cooking. The most important step is to thoroughly wash the asparagus spears under cool running water to remove any dirt, sand, or debris that might be present. After washing, gently pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This ensures they roast properly and achieve a beautiful tender-crisp texture, rather than steaming.
For most bacon-wrapped recipes, especially those that involve roasting or baking for a significant duration like this asparagus dish, precooking the bacon is generally not necessary. The bacon will cook and crisp up beautifully in the oven alongside the asparagus. In fact, precooking bacon can sometimes make it too brittle and difficult to wrap neatly, or it might become overly crispy or even burnt by the time the main ingredient is fully cooked. The natural fat in raw bacon also helps infuse flavor into the asparagus as it renders.
Asparagus can develop a bitter taste primarily if it is overcooked. When roasting, it’s crucial to remove the asparagus from the oven as soon as it reaches a tender-crisp state – it should be cooked through but still have a slight snap. If the spears become too soft, mushy, or if their edges start to turn black, they are likely overcooked and may develop bitterness. Another factor can be the age or variety of the asparagus; older spears or certain varieties can naturally be slightly more bitter, so always aim for fresh, young spears.
The entire asparagus spear is edible, from its delicate tip down to where the fibrous base begins. However, the very bottom ends of the spears tend to be tough, woody, and unpleasantly fibrous, making them difficult and undesirable to chew. The most practical way to identify and remove this woody section is to gently bend an asparagus spear; it will naturally snap at the point where the tender, edible part transitions to the tough, inedible base. Discard these tough ends.
Yes, absolutely! Bacon-wrapped asparagus is an excellent candidate for meal prep. You can easily assemble the asparagus bundles, wrap them in bacon, and arrange them on a baking sheet a few hours, or even up to a day, in advance. Cover the baking sheet tightly with plastic wrap or store the bundles in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, simply take them out, drizzle with oil, season, and bake as directed.
Achieving perfectly crispy bacon is key to this dish. Several tips can help: First, ensure your oven is fully preheated to 400°F (200°C). Second, do not overcrowd the baking sheet; leave ample space between each asparagus bundle to allow hot air to circulate freely around the bacon. Third, thin to medium-cut bacon typically crisps up better than very thick-cut varieties within the given cooking time. Finally, if the bacon isn’t quite crispy enough after roasting, a brief 1-2 minute stint under a preheated broiler (watching constantly!) can deliver that desired extra crunch.
For even more valuable information and insights into this versatile vegetable, be sure to check out this comprehensive guide that answers the question: what does asparagus taste like, and much more!
If you’re a devoted fan of vegetables wrapped in savory bacon, then you absolutely must expand your horizons with these delicious Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts – another fantastic way to enjoy this delightful combination!
🧊 Storage and Reheating Tips for Leftovers
While this bacon-wrapped asparagus is undoubtedly at its peak when served fresh from the oven, it’s also convenient to prepare ahead or enjoy as leftovers. Proper storage and reheating techniques are key to maintaining its delicious flavor and texture.
Refrigeration: Allow any leftover bacon-wrapped asparagus bundles to cool completely to room temperature before storing them. This prevents condensation buildup, which can lead to sogginess. Transfer the cooled bundles to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes them perfect for meal prepping a few days in advance or enjoying later in the week.
Reheating: To restore the bacon to its desired crispiness, it’s best to avoid reheating in the microwave, as this often results in soft, rubbery bacon. Instead, opt for these methods:
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the asparagus bundles in a single layer on a baking sheet. Reheat for approximately 5-10 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy once more and the asparagus is thoroughly heated through.
- Air Fryer: For an even quicker and superior re-crisping, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the bundles in a single layer in the air fryer basket (do not overcrowd) and cook for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket gently halfway through, until they are hot and the bacon has regained its perfect crispness.
Freezing: Yes, you can freeze cooked bacon-wrapped asparagus! First, ensure the cooked bundles are cooled entirely. For best results, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash-freeze them for about an hour until they are solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container, ensuring as much air as possible is removed to prevent freezer burn. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To Reheat from Frozen: It’s recommended to thaw the frozen asparagus bundles in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Once thawed, follow the oven reheating instructions above, baking them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until the bacon is hot and crispy and the asparagus is tender.
Creative Leftover Ideas: Don’t let any delicious bites go to waste! If you have leftover roasted asparagus and bacon, consider dicing them up and adding them to other dishes. They would be incredibly flavorful in a breakfast scramble, folded into an omelet, incorporated into a savory casserole, tossed with a pasta dish, or even as a unique and delicious component in your favorite asparagus pasta salad.
💭 Helpful Tips for the Best Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
To ensure your bacon-wrapped asparagus turns out perfectly every single time, keep these expert tips in mind. They’ll help you achieve maximum flavor, ideal texture, and effortless preparation:
- Versatile Serving: While this is a commonly enjoyed side dish, don’t limit yourself! Bacon-wrapped asparagus makes an unexpectedly delightful addition to breakfast or brunch. Serve it alongside fluffy scrambled eggs, a perfectly poached egg, or as part of a hearty frittata for an elevated morning meal.
- Customizable Seasoning: While salt and pepper are fundamental, don’t hesitate to personalize your seasoning. A pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or a touch of red pepper flakes can add an exciting new layer of flavor that complements the smoky bacon. Lemon zest or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice after cooking can also brighten the flavors.
- Prepare Ahead: To make your meal prep a breeze, you can easily wrap the asparagus in bacon the night before you plan to cook it. Arrange the prepped bundles on a baking sheet, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. The next day, simply remove them from the fridge, add your seasonings and olive oil, and bake!
- Enhance Presentation and Flavor with Garnishes: For an extra touch of drama and a burst of fresh flavor, consider garnishing your finished dish. A sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs like parsley, chives, or dill adds color and freshness. A light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese, a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat, or a grind of fresh black pepper just before serving will truly elevate the experience.
- Avoid Overcrowding: For bacon that crisps up beautifully, it’s crucial to give each asparagus bundle enough space on the baking sheet. Arrange them in a single layer with a little room between each. Overcrowding the pan will trap moisture, causing the bundles to steam rather than roast, which can result in soggy bacon.
- Line Your Baking Sheet: For significantly easier cleanup, always line your baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This simple step prevents the rendered bacon grease from baking onto the pan, saving you scrubbing time later.
- Achieve Tender-Crisp Asparagus: The ideal texture for asparagus in this dish is “tender-crisp.” It should be cooked through, vibrant green, and offer a slight snap when bitten. Be careful not to overcook it, as mushy asparagus loses its appeal and can become bitter. Keep an eye on the oven; cooking times can vary.
Asparagus wrapped in bacon is a versatile and delectable choice, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
📖 Delicious Variations to Try
The beauty of this bacon-wrapped asparagus recipe lies in its adaptability. Feel free to get creative and customize it with these delicious variations to suit your taste or dietary preferences:
- Lighter Bacon Alternatives: If you’re looking to reduce the fat content slightly, you can easily swap traditional pork bacon for turkey bacon. Turkey bacon still offers a satisfying savory flavor and crisps up nicely in the oven, providing a delicious and lighter alternative that doesn’t compromise on the experience.
- Explore Other Vegetables: While asparagus is fantastic, many other vegetables benefit from being wrapped in bacon! You can substitute fresh green beans for asparagus to make delicious bacon-wrapped green beans. For a colorful and texturally varied dish, you can even combine both green beans and asparagus in the same bundles. Other great options to experiment with include slender zucchini sticks, thin carrot spears, or even small broccoli florets.
- Sweet and Savory Glazes: For an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful glaze, brush the bacon bundles with a touch of maple syrup, brown sugar, or balsamic glaze before baking. This creates a wonderful caramelized sweetness that perfectly complements the savory bacon and earthy asparagus.
- Cheesy Indulgence: For a more indulgent side, try adding a thin slice of cream cheese, a sprinkle of goat cheese, or a dash of shredded Parmesan cheese inside the bacon wrap before bundling the asparagus. The cheese will melt and become wonderfully gooey during baking.
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, mix a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of your favorite hot sauce, or some finely minced jalapeño into your olive oil mixture before drizzling it over the bundles.
If you have an insatiable love for anything wrapped in bacon, then you absolutely cannot miss this exquisite recipe for Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon. It even includes an amazingly delicious blue cheese butter that will take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey!
🥩 Perfect Pairings: Suggested Entrees for Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
A truly exceptional side dish like bacon-wrapped asparagus deserves an equally delicious main course to complete the meal. Its versatile flavor profile, blending savory bacon with fresh, tender asparagus, makes it an excellent companion to a wide array of proteins. Here are some of our personal favorites that pair wonderfully, ensuring a balanced and memorable dining experience:
Beyond these, consider pairing this delightful side with a perfectly grilled salmon fillet, succulent roasted chicken, or a classic pan-seared steak for an unforgettable and well-rounded meal experience that will impress any palate.
🥕 More Delicious Side Dish Ideas to Explore
If you’ve enjoyed the simple elegance and irresistible flavors of our bacon-wrapped asparagus, you’ll be thrilled to discover these other fantastic side dish ideas. They are equally delicious and perfect for complementing a wide range of main courses, adding variety and excitement to your meals:
- Oven Fried Crispy Green Beans: Craving the satisfying crunch of fries but looking for a healthier alternative? These oven-fried green beans deliver all the delicious crispiness without the deep-frying, making them a guilt-free and incredibly satisfying side that’s sure to be a family favorite.
- Slow Cooker Olive Parmesan Bread Recipe: Imagine the irresistible aroma of warm, freshly baked bread infused with the rich, briny flavors of olives and savory Parmesan cheese. The best part? It’s all made effortlessly in your slow cooker! This tender, crusty bread is an ideal accompaniment to hearty soups, stews, or any main course.
- Jalapeno Garlic Basil Pickles: For a vibrant, tangy, and subtly spicy kick, these homemade pickles are an unexpected yet wonderfully refreshing side. They provide a bright, zesty contrast to rich dishes and are incredibly invigorating, adding a unique twist to your meal.
Bacon Wrapped Asparagus: Your Go-To Recipe!
We truly hope you adore this incredible bacon-wrapped asparagus recipe as much as we do! It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly special. If you’ve enjoyed making and tasting this delightful dish, please consider showing your appreciation by giving it a 5-star ⭐ rating below! Your feedback helps other food enthusiasts discover this amazing recipe and helps us continue creating content you’ll love. And if you whip up a batch, we’d be absolutely thrilled to see your culinary creations – snap a photo and tag us on Instagram! You can find us at @DizzyBusyandHungry or use the hashtag #dizzybusyandhungry!
📋 Recipe Card: Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
Tonje
📌Pin Recipe
❤️Bookmark
5 minutes
20 minutes
6 bunches
Equipment
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Baking sheet
Ingredients
- 24 asparagus spears
- 6 bacon strips
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
Instructions
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Wash and trim 24 asparagus spears, snapping off the tough woody ends. Gather 3-4 asparagus spears into small, tight bundles, and tightly wrap one piece of bacon around each bundle, ensuring it holds the spears securely. Repeat until you have 6 bundles.24 asparagus spears, 6 bacon strips
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place each bacon-wrapped asparagus bunch on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each bundle. Drizzle olive oil evenly over the tops, then sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper.½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon olive oil
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Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the bacon is golden brown and crispy, and the asparagus is tender-crisp.
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Optional Step for Extra Crispy Bacon: If your bacon isn’t as crispy as you prefer, carefully place the baking sheet under the oven’s broiler for 1-2 minutes after roasting. Watch continuously and closely to prevent burning.
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Serve the asparagus wrapped in bacon immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Video
Notes
- Store any leftover bacon-wrapped asparagus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results when reheating, use an oven or air fryer to help maintain the bacon’s crispy texture.
- This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before freezing in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.
- Feel free to customize the flavor by adding extra seasonings or toppings such as a squeeze of lemon juice, a dash of garlic powder, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences, specific brands, and products used.
Tonje is the owner of Hintofhealthy.com, where she shares easy and healthy everyday recipes designed for real life. Follow her on Facebook or Instagram for more family-friendly meal inspiration and healthy cooking tips.