What the heck is this?
Bacon Wrapped Asparagus is one of those ridiculously simple yet impressively delicious dishes that somehow manages to steal the show every time. Perfectly tender asparagus spears wrapped in crispy, smoky bacon make the ultimate side dish, party appetizer, or even a low-carb snack. It is the kind of recipe that feels fancy enough for a dinner party but easy enough to throw together on a random Tuesday night when you are craving something salty and savory. You only need two main ingredients and about 20 minutes, and you will be pulling golden bundles of goodness out of your oven or air fryer in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Just two main ingredients but tons of flavor
- Perfectly balances fresh, crisp asparagus with rich, salty bacon
- Flexible enough for a fancy dinner, barbecue, or casual snack
- Works for keto, paleo, and low-carb diets
- Can be made ahead for effortless entertaining
The Good Stuff You’ll Need
- 1 bunch asparagus (about 1 pound), trimmed
- 8 to 10 slices of bacon, thin cut preferred
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for serving
Let’s Do This
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup and set a wire rack on top if you have one. This lets the bacon crisp up better.
Step 2: Prep the Asparagus
Wash and trim the woody ends off the asparagus. You want the stalks to be about the same size so they cook evenly. If some are thicker, you can peel them slightly with a vegetable peeler.
Step 3: Season the Asparagus
Drizzle the asparagus lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder and black pepper. Toss gently to coat.
Step 4: Wrap the Asparagus
Take 3 to 4 spears of asparagus and bundle them together. Wrap a single slice of bacon tightly around each bundle, starting near the bottom and spiraling upward. Place the bundles seam side down on the prepared baking rack.
Step 5: Bake Until Crispy
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender. If you like extra crispy bacon, you can broil them for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, but watch them closely to avoid burning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Bacon Wrapped Asparagus bundles with just about anything:
- A perfectly grilled steak
- Roast chicken or pork tenderloin
- As part of a holiday spread next to mashed potatoes and stuffing
- As an easy appetizer with a side of ranch or garlic aioli
- With a drizzle of balsamic glaze or sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an extra pop of flavor
They are just as comfortable at a backyard barbecue as they are at a fancy brunch.
Switch It Up
- Add Cheese: Tuck a small piece of mozzarella, feta, or goat cheese under the bacon before wrapping for a melty surprise.
- Spice It Up: Use a spicy peppered bacon or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning.
- Make it Sweeter: Brush the bacon lightly with maple syrup or brown sugar before baking for a sweet and savory twist.
- Air Fry It: Cook the bundles in an air fryer at 380°F for about 10 to 12 minutes for a faster, crispier version.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Assemble the bacon wrapped bundles up to a day ahead and refrigerate them covered. Just pop them in the oven when ready.
- If you have leftovers, reheat them in the oven at 375°F for about 5 minutes to crisp the bacon back up. They are best enjoyed fresh but still tasty the next day.
Questions People Actually Ask
Q: Can I use thick cut bacon?
A: You can, but keep in mind that thick cut bacon takes longer to crisp up. You might want to partially pre-cook thick bacon before wrapping so the asparagus does not overcook.
Q: How do I keep the bacon from unraveling?
A: Make sure to place the bundles seam side down on the baking rack and stretch the bacon slightly as you wrap to hold it tight. If needed, you can secure with a toothpick.
Q: Can I grill these instead of baking?
A: Absolutely. Grill the bundles over medium heat, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crisp and the asparagus is tender, about 10 to 15 minutes.
Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (about 2 bundles per person) 1x
Description
Bacon Wrapped Asparagus is one of those ridiculously simple yet impressively delicious dishes that somehow manages to steal the show every time. Perfectly tender asparagus spears wrapped in crispy, smoky bacon make the ultimate side dish, party appetizer, or even a low-carb snack. It is the kind of recipe that feels fancy enough for a dinner party but easy enough to throw together on a random Tuesday night when you are craving something salty and savory. You only need two main ingredients and about 20 minutes, and you will be pulling golden bundles of goodness out of your oven or air fryer in no time.
Ingredients
1 bunch asparagus (about 1 pound), trimmed
8 to 10 slices of bacon, thin cut preferred
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional: a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for serving
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup and set a wire rack on top if you have one. This lets the bacon crisp up better.
Wash and trim the woody ends off the asparagus. You want the stalks to be about the same size so they cook evenly. If some are thicker, you can peel them slightly with a vegetable peeler.
Drizzle the asparagus lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder and black pepper. Toss gently to coat.
Take 3 to 4 spears of asparagus and bundle them together. Wrap a single slice of bacon tightly around each bundle, starting near the bottom and spiraling upward. Place the bundles seam side down on the prepared baking rack.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender. If you like extra crispy bacon, you can broil them for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, but watch them closely to avoid burning.
Notes
Serve these Bacon Wrapped Asparagus bundles with just about anything:
A perfectly grilled steak
Roast chicken or pork tenderloin
As part of a holiday spread next to mashed potatoes and stuffing
As an easy appetizer with a side of ranch or garlic aioli
With a drizzle of balsamic glaze or sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an extra pop of flavor
They are just as comfortable at a backyard barbecue as they are at a fancy brunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~230 calories per serving
- Protein: ~10g per serving