Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Last spring, my neighbor brought over an armful of fresh asparagus from her garden, and I knew I had to do something special with it. The combination of smoky bacon and tender asparagus became an instant hit at our weekend BBQ, with friends hovering around the baking sheet waiting for them to come out of the oven.

I made these for my daughters birthday dinner last month, and my usually picky nephew ate three servings without realizing he was eating vegetables. Something about that bacon wrap makes asparagus feel like a treat rather than a healthy side dish.

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh asparagus: Look for bright green spears with tight tips, and snap off the woody ends where they naturally break
• 8 slices thin-cut bacon: Thin bacon crisps faster and wraps more easily around the asparagus bundles
• 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps the seasonings stick and promotes even roasting
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper: Freshly cracked pepper makes a noticeable difference in flavor
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory depth without overpowering the bacon
• 1/4 tsp sea salt: Use less if your bacon is particularly salty

Instructions

Preheat your oven:

Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup

Prep the asparagus:

Wash the spears and trim the tough ends by snapping them where they naturally break, then divide into 8 equal bundles

Season the spears:

Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, tossing gently to coat every bundle

Wrap with bacon:

Spiral a bacon slice around each asparagus bundle, starting at the bottom and working your way to the tip, then place seam side down

Roast to perfection:

Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender, then broil for 1 to 2 minutes for extra crunch

Save to Pinterest

My husband now requests these for Sunday breakfast instead of regular bacon, and I have started doubling the recipe because they disappear so quickly. There is something satisfying about watching people get excited about eating vegetables.

Making Ahead

You can wrap the asparagus bundles up to a day ahead and store them covered in the refrigerator. Let them sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before baking so they cook evenly.

Serving Suggestions

These work beautifully as an appetizer, brunch side, or alongside grilled steak and roasted potatoes. The smoky flavor pairs especially well with creamy dishes like scalloped potatoes.

Flavor Variations

Brush the bacon with maple syrup halfway through cooking for a sweet and salty twist, or sprinkle with parmesan cheese during the last 2 minutes of baking.

• Try wrapping with prosciutto instead of bacon for a more delicate, salty flavor
• Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika for extra depth
• Serve with a garlic aioli for dipping on the side

Save to Pinterest

These bacon wrapped asparagus bundles have become my go to dish for bringing to gatherings because they travel well and always receive compliments.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ How do I keep bacon from falling off asparagus?

Wrap the bacon tightly around the asparagus bundle, starting at one end and spiraling to the other. Place the bundles seam-side down on the baking sheet to help secure the bacon during cooking.

→ Should I blanch asparagus before wrapping in bacon?

No blanching is needed. The asparagus cooks perfectly in the oven alongside the bacon. The roasting time of 18-22 minutes at 400°F ensures tender-crisp asparagus without becoming mushy.

→ Can I make bacon wrapped asparagus ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the bundles up to 24 hours in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving for the crispiest bacon results.

→ What temperature should bacon wrapped asparagus be cooked at?

Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 18-22 minutes. This high heat ensures the bacon becomes crispy while the asparagus stays tender. Broil for 1-2 minutes at the end for extra crispiness.

→ Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

Yes, turkey bacon works well for a lighter option. Keep in mind that turkey bacon may not crisp up quite as much as pork bacon and might cook slightly faster, so check for doneness a few minutes early.

→ What goes well with bacon wrapped asparagus?

These pair beautifully with grilled steaks, roasted chicken, or fish. They're also perfect alongside eggs for brunch or as part of a holiday appetizer spread with other vegetable-based hors d'oeuvres.