If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing side dish that combines indulgence and nutrition, this bacon wrapped asparagus recipe is a must-try. Crisp-tender asparagus spears wrapped in sizzling, savory bacon come together in this quick and elegant dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, brunches, or fancy holiday spreads.
Why This Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Recipe Works
This dish is more than just delicious—it’s a flavor-packed, nutrient-rich side that complements everything from grilled ribeye to roasted chicken. Asparagus provides fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins A, C, E, and K, while bacon delivers that irresistible smoky crunch.
Perfect for:
- Dinner parties
- Holiday meals
- Keto, paleo, or low-carb lifestyles
- Elegant vegetable side dishes
Ingredients You’ll Need
Red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
1 lb fresh asparagus spears (medium thickness preferred)
12–16 slices center-cut bacon (thin-sliced works best)
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
½ tsp garlic powder
Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Kosher salt (optional)
Prep Tips for Perfect Results
Choosing Asparagus:
Look for bright green spears with firm stalks and tightly closed tips. Medium thickness cooks evenly without getting soggy or underdone.
Prepping Asparagus:
- Rinse well and pat dry.
- Snap or trim off the woody bottom ends.
Pro Tip:
Let ingredients come to room temperature before baking for even cooking and crispier bacon.
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Trim asparagus and cut bacon strips in half.
- Wrap each spear with a half-slice of bacon, spiraling from top to bottom.
- Place on baking sheet seam side down. Drizzle with olive oil and season with garlic powder, pepper, and salt.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, rotating halfway through, until bacon is crisp and asparagus is tender.
- Cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Optional Cooking Methods
| Method | Temp | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Oven Bake | 400°F | 15–20 mins |
| Grill | Med-High | 10–12 mins |
| Air Fryer | 390°F | 10–12 mins |
Serving & Pairing Ideas
Serve with:
- Grilled ribeye steak
- Roasted lemon herb chicken
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Fresh garden salad
Garnish with:
- Fresh thyme or chopped chives
- Shaved Parmesan or smoked paprika
- A splash of lemon juice for brightness
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness—avoid microwaving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Using Thick-Cut Bacon: This is the most frequent culprit for soggy bacon. Thick-cut bacon takes much longer to crisp up than regular or thin-cut bacon. By the time the thick bacon is crispy, your delicate asparagus will likely be overcooked and mushy. Solution: Stick to regular or thin-cut bacon. If you insist on thick-cut, par-cook it slightly in a skillet or microwave (just enough to start rendering fat, not to crisp) before wrapping the asparagus.
- Wet Asparagus: If your asparagus spears aren’t thoroughly dried after washing, the excess moisture will steam the bacon rather than allowing it to crisp. Solution: Pat the asparagus very dry with paper towels before wrapping.
- Overcrowding the Pan/Air Fryer Basket: When the bundles are too close together, they steam instead of roast or air fry. This prevents even cooking and crisping. Solution: Arrange the bundles in a single layer with a little space between each. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Overcooking the Asparagus: Asparagus cooks quickly. If the cooking time is too long while waiting for the bacon to crisp, the asparagus will become limp and mushy. Solution: Use medium-thick asparagus (not super thin or super thick). Stick to recommended cooking times (typically 15-25 minutes in the oven at 400°F/200°C, or less in an air fryer).
- Not Trimming Woody Ends: The bottom ends of asparagus stalks are tough and fibrous. Eating them is unpleasant. Solution: Bend each asparagus spear; it will naturally snap where the tough part ends. Discard the woody end.
- Wrapping Too Loosely or Too Tightly: If too loose, the bacon might unravel. If too tight, it can hinder even cooking of both the bacon and asparagus. Solution: Wrap the bacon snugly but not overly tight, often starting from just below the tip and spiraling down. Securing with a toothpick can help, especially for individual spears.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Why is my bacon not crispy?
- You might be using thick-cut bacon.
- The asparagus might have been wet.
- The pan might have been overcrowded, causing steaming.
- The oven temperature might not be high enough, or it needs more cooking time.
- Can I use turkey bacon?
- Yes, you can. Keep in mind turkey bacon is leaner and may cook differently. It might not get as crispy or could dry out faster. Some recommend partially cooking turkey bacon before wrapping.
- Can I make these ahead of time?
- Yes! You can assemble the bacon-wrapped asparagus bundles up to a few hours or even a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
- It’s best to cook them just before serving for optimal crispiness.
- Not recommended for fully cooking ahead and then reheating for crispness. The bacon tends to lose its crispness when chilled and reheated, especially in a microwave.
- What kind of bacon is best?
- Regular-cut or thin-sliced bacon is generally recommended for the best crisp results without overcooking the asparagus.
- What temperature and how long should I cook them?
- Oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 15-25 minutes, depending on bacon and asparagus thickness, until bacon is crisp and asparagus is tender-crisp. Flipping halfway through can help. You can broil for the last minute or two for extra crispiness, watching carefully!
- Air Fryer: Preheat to 375-400°F (190-200°C). Air fry for 10-18 minutes, flipping halfway. Cooking time varies greatly by air fryer model and thickness of ingredients.
- Do I need to par-cook the bacon?
- Generally, no, if you’re using regular or thin-cut bacon and high heat. However, if you prefer extra crispy bacon, or are using thick-cut, a quick partial cook of the bacon (3-5 minutes in a skillet or microwave) before wrapping can help.
- Can I add other seasonings?
- Absolutely! A drizzle of olive oil on the asparagus before wrapping, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before or after baking are popular additions. A drizzle of balsamic glaze after cooking is also delicious.
RECIPE CARD
Bacon Wrapped Asparagus (Easy Side Dish Recipe)
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Serves: 4–6
Ingredients
- 1 lb asparagus (medium thickness)
- 12–16 thin bacon slices
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- Optional: red pepper flakes, thyme, Parmesan
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line baking sheet.
- Trim asparagus, cut bacon in half.
- Wrap each spear with bacon, place seam-side down.
- Drizzle with olive oil & season.
- Bake 15–20 mins until crispy. Serve warm.
✅ Pro Tips
- Use medium spears for best texture.
- Rotate pan halfway for even crisping.
- Add red pepper flakes or lemon zest for a flavor twist.
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