Get ready to elevate your dinner table or party platter with this incredibly simple yet irresistibly delicious Bacon Wrapped Asparagus recipe. This dish isn’t just a crowd-pleaser; it’s a testament to how two simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. Seasoned perfectly with a blend of salt, pepper, and garlic, and often enhanced with a touch of Parmesan cheese, these savory bundles are a guaranteed hit. Whether you’re looking for an elegant appetizer for a gathering, a stunning side dish for a holiday feast, or simply a clever way to encourage even the pickiest eaters to enjoy their greens, this recipe checks all the boxes.

What makes Bacon Wrapped Asparagus truly special is its versatility and convenience. It comes together quickly, can be prepared in advance, and bakes up beautifully in the oven, or even crisps to perfection in an air fryer. Plus, it elegantly combines a fresh vegetable with a satisfying protein, making it a balanced and delightful addition to any meal. If you’re eager to explore more fantastic asparagus creations, you might also love our Bacon and Asparagus Quiche, this straightforward Easy Oven Roasted Asparagus, or the super speedy Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus.

The Ultimate Easy Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Recipe: A Guide to Perfection

Imagine a dish that is not only visually stunning but also bursting with flavor, incredibly simple to prepare, and offers a delightful combination of nutritious vegetables and savory protein. That’s precisely what you get with our easy Bacon Wrapped Asparagus recipe. It’s a culinary masterpiece that demands minimal effort yet yields maximum satisfaction, making it a favorite for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike.

This recipe transcends the ordinary, transforming simple ingredients into an extraordinary experience. You can stick to our classic method for consistently delicious results, or unleash your creativity with the exciting variations we’ll share later. Perfect as a sophisticated starter at your next dinner party, a complementary side for a weeknight meal, or a show-stopping addition to your holiday spread, these bundles are designed to impress. Prepare for an abundance of compliments and, most likely, very few leftovers!

Why You’ll Love This Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Recipe

Discover the compelling reasons why Bacon Wrapped Asparagus has become a beloved favorite and why it deserves a permanent spot in your recipe repertoire:

• Effortlessly Elegant Presentation: Despite its gourmet appearance, this dish is remarkably easy to assemble. The neat little bundles of vibrant green asparagus encased in crispy bacon strips look incredibly sophisticated, making them perfect for any special occasion or even a simple weeknight upgrade.
• Irresistible Flavor Harmony: The magic lies in the contrast. The smoky, salty, and undeniably savory notes of crispy bacon perfectly complement the fresh, slightly earthy, and subtly sweet taste of tender-crisp asparagus. It’s a flavor marriage made in culinary heaven that truly tantalizes the taste buds.
• Incredible Versatility: This recipe is a chameleon in the kitchen. Serve it as an elegant appetizer for a cocktail party, a stunning and healthy side dish for a holiday feast, a flavorful accompaniment to grilled meats or fish, or even a light lunch. It adapts seamlessly to various meal types and gatherings.
• Picky-Eater Friendly: For parents or hosts struggling to get diners to eat their greens, bacon is often the secret weapon. The irresistible allure of crispy bacon makes these vegetable bundles incredibly appealing, often encouraging even the most vegetable-averse individuals, especially children, to eagerly try—and love—their asparagus.
• Nutrient-Rich Goodness: Asparagus isn’t just delicious; it’s a nutritional powerhouse. It’s packed with essential vitamins (like K, A, C, E), folate, and a wealth of antioxidants. Enjoying this dish means you’re getting a healthy dose of beneficial nutrients alongside the deliciousness.
• Perfect for Meal Prep & Make-Ahead: Hosting a dinner party or simply planning ahead? This recipe is incredibly make-ahead friendly. You can assemble the bundles up to a day in advance, store them covered in the refrigerator, and simply pop them into the oven or air fryer just before you’re ready to serve. This reduces stress and saves valuable time on cooking day.
• Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Impact: With just a handful of common ingredients, you can create a dish that tastes and looks like it required hours of effort. It’s a fantastic way to impress with minimal fuss.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Crafting these delectable bundles requires just a few high-quality, readily available ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, allowing the natural flavors of each component to truly shine. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some tips for selecting the best:

• Bacon: This is undoubtedly the star of the show, providing that irresistible salty, smoky, and crispy element.
  • Type: Use your favorite brand and preferred thickness. Regular or thin-sliced bacon tends to work best, as it crisps up beautifully without overcooking the delicate asparagus spears. Thick-cut bacon can also be used, but you might need a slightly longer cooking time or to pre-cook the bacon slightly to ensure it renders fully and gets crispy.
  • Substitute: For a slightly more sophisticated and less greasy option, prosciutto can be a wonderful substitute. Prosciutto is much thinner and more delicate, offering a different, equally delicious flavor and texture. If using prosciutto, be mindful that it cooks much faster, so pair it with thinner asparagus stalks and reduce your cooking time accordingly.
• Fresh Asparagus: The vibrant green vegetable that forms the core of our bundles.
  • Selection: Look for firm, bright green stalks with tightly closed, compact tips. The spears should feel crisp and snap easily, indicating freshness.
  • Size: Thinner to medium-sized spears (about the thickness of a pencil) are ideal for this recipe. They cook evenly alongside the bacon, ensuring a tender-crisp texture. Overly thick stalks can remain tough even after the bacon is perfectly crispy, creating an uneven eating experience.
• Olive Oil: Essential for coating the asparagus, helping the seasonings adhere, and promoting even roasting.
  • Recommendation: A good quality extra virgin olive oil will impart a subtle fruitiness and depth of flavor.
  • Substitute: Avocado oil is an excellent alternative if you prefer a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point.
• Garlic: Adds an essential aromatic and pungent depth that beautifully elevates the entire dish.
  • Recommendation: Freshly minced garlic cloves offer the most vibrant and potent flavor.
  • Substitute: In a pinch, garlic powder can be used, but we highly recommend fresh garlic for the best results. About 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder can replace one fresh clove.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: These fundamental seasonings are crucial for enhancing and balancing the flavors of both the bacon and the asparagus.
  • Adjustment: Always season to your taste. Remember that bacon is inherently salty, so be mindful when adding extra salt.
• Parmesan Cheese (Optional, but highly recommended): This ingredient adds a wonderful savory, nutty, and umami boost.
  • Recommendation: Finely grated Parmesan melts beautifully and adheres well to the asparagus.
  • Usage: A sprinkle before baking infuses the bundles with flavor. You can also garnish the finished, hot bundles with an extra dusting of grated Parmesan for an additional layer of taste and a beautiful presentation.

How to Make Bacon Wrapped Asparagus in the Oven: Step-by-Step Guide for Flawless Results

The oven method is a classic for a reason, yielding beautifully tender asparagus and perfectly crispy bacon. Follow these detailed steps to create flawless bundles every time:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 420°F (215°C). This ensures the oven is at the optimal temperature for even cooking and crisping as soon as the asparagus goes in.
2. Prepare the Asparagus: Thoroughly wash your asparagus spears under cool running water. To remove the woody ends, gently snap off the bottom portion of each stalk – it will naturally break where the tough, fibrous part meets the tender, edible part. Alternatively, you can line up the spears and cut about 1-2 inches from the bottom with a sharp knife. Arrange the cleaned asparagus in a single layer in a 9″x13″ baking dish or on a large, rimmed baking sheet. For extra crispy bacon, consider placing a wire rack on top of your baking sheet to allow fat to drip away.
3. Season Generously: Drizzle the asparagus evenly with olive oil. Add the minced garlic, salt, freshly ground black pepper, and the optional (but highly recommended!) grated Parmesan cheese. Using kitchen tongs or your hands, gently toss the asparagus to ensure every single spear is thoroughly and evenly coated with the oil and seasonings. This step is crucial for infusing flavor into the asparagus itself.
4. Wrap with Bacon: Take your strips of bacon and cut them in half crosswise. Gather small bundles of 4-6 asparagus spears – aiming for bundles of roughly uniform size will ensure they cook evenly. Tightly wrap one half-strip of bacon around the center of each asparagus bundle. As you place each wrapped bundle into your baking dish or onto the wire rack, ensure the bacon seam is tucked underneath. This helps keep the bacon secure and prevents it from unraveling during the baking process. Arrange the bundles in a single layer, making sure there’s a little space between each for proper air circulation, which is key for crispy bacon.
5. Bake to Perfection: Place your baking dish or sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 12-18 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your asparagus and bacon, and how crispy you prefer your bacon. You’re looking for asparagus that is tender-crisp (not mushy) and bacon that is fully cooked, beautifully golden brown, and delightfully crispy. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent burning.
6. Serve Immediately: Once baked to your liking, carefully remove the bundles from the oven. If you used a wire rack, you can simply transfer them to a serving platter. If not, you might want to briefly blot any excess grease with a paper towel. Serve hot and savor the incredible combination of flavors and textures!

Air Fryer Method: For Extra Crispy Bacon and Rapid Cooking

For those who crave extra crispy bacon and a significantly faster cooking time, the air fryer is an absolute game-changer for Bacon Wrapped Asparagus. The super-heated circulating air ensures maximum crispness and efficiency.

1. Preheat Your Air Fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to 360°F (180°C). Allowing it to preheat properly will ensure consistent cooking results.
2. Prepare & Arrange Bundles: Prepare and wrap the asparagus bundles exactly as described in steps 2-4 of the oven method. The seasoning and wrapping technique remains the same.
3. Load the Air Fryer: Carefully place as many bacon-wrapped asparagus bundles as will fit in a single layer in your air fryer basket. It is crucial not to overcrowd the basket; proper air circulation is essential for crispy bacon and evenly cooked asparagus. If necessary, cook in multiple batches.
4. Air Fry to Crispness: Cook for 10-15 minutes, pausing halfway through to flip the bundles. This ensures both sides of the bacon crisp up beautifully. Continue cooking until the bacon is wonderfully golden brown and exquisitely crispy, and the asparagus is tender-crisp. Remember that cooking times can vary slightly between different air fryer models, so check frequently.
5. Serve Hot: Once cooked, remove the crispy bundles from the air fryer. If cooking multiple batches, transfer the cooked bundles to a plate or a wire rack while the remaining batches finish. Serve immediately and enjoy the superior crispness that only an air fryer can provide!

Delicious Recipe Variations to Ignite Your Culinary Creativity

While the classic Bacon Wrapped Asparagus is a triumph on its own, its simplicity makes it an excellent canvas for culinary experimentation. Don’t hesitate to try these delightful variations to suit your taste, complement your meal, or simply add a new twist to a beloved favorite:

• Kick Up the Heat (Spicy Asparagus Bundles): For those who enjoy a bit of fiery zest, incorporate some heat into your seasoning. Add a generous pinch of red pepper flakes (or more, to taste!) to the olive oil and seasoning mix before tossing the asparagus. A dash of cayenne pepper or a sprinkle of smoked paprika can also introduce a delightful warmth and depth of flavor.
• Sweet & Savory Delight (Candied Bacon Asparagus): Elevate this side dish into a truly decadent treat by transforming the bacon into a candied delight. Before wrapping, lightly brush or toss your bacon strips in a small amount of brown sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup. During baking, the sugar caramelizes beautifully, creating a sweet, sticky, and wonderfully crispy candied bacon coating that provides an exquisite contrast to the savory asparagus.
• Tangy & Sophisticated Finish (Balsamic Glaze): For an elegant and balanced finish, drizzle the cooked asparagus bundles with a rich, reduced balsamic glaze just before serving. The vibrant acidity and slight sweetness of the balsamic beautifully cut through the richness of the bacon and complement the savory Parmesan, adding a sophisticated touch that brightens the entire dish.
• Aromatic Herbal Infusion: Introduce an extra layer of fragrant complexity by incorporating fresh herbs into your seasoning. Finely chopped fresh thyme, rosemary, or a delicate blend of Italian herbs can be sprinkled over the asparagus along with the other seasonings before wrapping. These herbs infuse the dish with their distinct aromas as they bake.
• Cheese Lover’s Dream (Extra Cheesy): Beyond Parmesan, consider experimenting with other cheeses. For a gooey, cheesy interior, lay a thin slice of provolone, mozzarella, or a mild white cheddar cheese onto the asparagus spears before wrapping them with bacon. Alternatively, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded white cheddar or Gruyere over the bundles during the last 5 minutes of baking, allowing it to melt and form a delicious crust.
• Smoky Paprika Punch: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to your seasoning mix for an extra layer of smoky flavor that enhances the bacon and provides a beautiful color to the asparagus.
• Lemon Zest Brightness: Just before serving, grate a little fresh lemon zest over the hot bundles. The bright, citrusy aroma and flavor will add a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the bacon and asparagus.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Can I make this asparagus wrapped in bacon recipe in the air fryer?

Absolutely! The air fryer is a fantastic tool for achieving extra crispy bacon and significantly speeding up the cooking process. To use your air fryer, preheat it to 360°F (180°C). Place the prepared bacon-wrapped asparagus bundles in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them to allow for optimal air circulation. Air fry for approximately 10-15 minutes, flipping the bundles halfway through, until the bacon is golden brown and wonderfully crispy, and the asparagus is tender-crisp. Keep in mind that cooking times can vary depending on your specific air fryer model and the thickness of your ingredients, so monitor them closely.

Can I assemble these bacon-wrapped asparagus bundles ahead of time?

Yes, this is one of the many beauties of this recipe – it’s perfect for make-ahead preparation! You can fully assemble the bacon-wrapped asparagus bundles up to one day in advance. After wrapping, simply place them in an airtight container or cover them tightly with plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, just take them out and proceed with the baking or air frying instructions as directed. This convenient feature makes them ideal for entertaining or busy weeknights.

How can I ensure my bacon gets perfectly crispy, not chewy or soggy?

Achieving perfectly crispy bacon is key to this dish’s success! Here are a few expert tips:

• Choose the Right Bacon: Opt for regular or thin-cut bacon rather than thick-cut. Thinner bacon renders its fat more quickly and crisps up more efficiently.
• Use a Wire Rack: The best way to ensure crispy bacon is to cook the bundles on a baking sheet fitted with a wire rack. This elevates the bundles, allowing hot air to circulate all around them and enabling the bacon fat to drip away. This prevents the bacon from simmering in its own grease, which can lead to a soggy texture.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Ensure there’s adequate space between each bundle on the baking sheet or in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding inhibits air circulation, leading to steamed instead of crispy bacon.
• Proper Temperature: Make sure your oven or air fryer is fully preheated to the recommended temperature before you put the asparagus in.
• Pat Asparagus Dry: While seasoning, ensure your asparagus is as dry as possible. Excess moisture can steam the bacon rather than crisp it.

What’s the best way to trim asparagus?

The bottom ends of asparagus stalks are typically tough, fibrous, and quite woody, making them inedible and unpleasant to chew. The simplest and most common way to trim them is to gently hold each asparagus stalk and bend it. It will naturally snap at the point where the tough, fibrous portion transitions into the tender, edible part of the spear. Alternatively, you can line up all your asparagus spears and use a sharp knife to cut off about 1 to 2 inches from the bottom of each stalk, or until you reach the tender portion.

What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers?

While bacon-wrapped asparagus is undoubtedly best enjoyed fresh out of the oven or air fryer, you can certainly store leftovers. Allow any cooked bundles to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When it comes to reheating, a microwave will heat them but might leave the bacon soggy. For the best reheating results, use an air fryer or a conventional oven. Reheat in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, until warmed through and the bacon re-crisps slightly. If they lose their appeal as a standalone side dish, don’t throw them out! Chopped leftover bacon-wrapped asparagus is fantastic when added to salads, stirred into omelets, mixed with scrambled eggs, or even incorporated into pasta dishes for a wonderful smoky, savory flavor.

Average Rating: 5 from 4 votes

Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Recipe

Author: The Carefree Kitchen

This bacon wrapped asparagus is a quick and easy side dish that is always a hit. Seasoned simply with salt, pepper, garlic, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, this recipe is perfect for party appetizers, holiday dinners, or getting picky eaters to eat their veggies.

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Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 15 mins

Total Time: 25 mins

Yields: 6 people

Ingredients

You can use US Customary or Metric measurements.

• 2 bundles asparagus spears (approximately 1 lb total)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced (or 1/2 tsp garlic powder)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste, bacon is salty)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
• 1/2 pound sliced bacon, cut in half (regular or thin-sliced recommended)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 420°F (215°C). For crispier bacon, line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
2. Rinse the asparagus and trim the woody stem ends. Place in a baking dish or on the prepared wire rack. Drizzle with olive oil and add the minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Use kitchen tongs to toss the asparagus so that it is evenly covered with seasonings and oil.
3. Cut the strips of bacon in half. Gather 4-6 asparagus stems together per bundle and tightly wrap a piece of bacon around the center of each bundle.
4. Arrange the bundles in a single layer on the baking sheet/wire rack, ensuring the bacon seam is tucked underneath and there’s space between each bundle for even crisping.
5. Cook in your preheated oven for 12-18 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender-crisp and the bacon is fully cooked, golden brown, and slightly crispy. Cooking time may vary based on asparagus and bacon thickness.
6. Remove from the oven and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Notes

Make-ahead tips: You can assemble these up to 1 day in advance. Store in an airtight container in the fridge and bake when ready.

Air Fryer Method: Preheat air fryer to 360°F (180°C). Place bundles in a single layer (do not overcrowd) and air fry for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until bacon is crispy and asparagus is tender-crisp.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Calories: 85kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 222mg | Potassium: 159mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 581IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 2mg

Disclaimer: Nutritional values were calculated using a third-party tool and are provided as an estimation only.

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

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In conclusion, this Bacon Wrapped Asparagus recipe truly stands out as a culinary gem. It’s incredibly easy to make, visually appealing, and delivers a delightful explosion of flavor with every bite, blending the earthiness of asparagus with the irresistible crispness of bacon. Whether you’re preparing for a special holiday dinner, hosting a lively party, or simply aiming to make vegetables more appealing to discerning palates, these savory bundles are an ideal choice. We encourage you to try this effortless yet impressive recipe and experience its universal charm!