Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus Recipe
As a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate programs, Quick Prep Recipes may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. This comes at no additional cost to you, and all the prices and availability are accurate at the time of publishing.
Bacon-wrapped asparagus is proof that the simplest pairings create the most wonderful dishes. Tender-crisp asparagus is wrapped in smoky bacon, seasoned right, then baked to perfection in the oven. This appetizer has been around for a long time, but remains to be a top party favorite today because of its simplicity and effortless elegance. If you’ve never made bacon-wrapped asparagus before and want it done right, keep reading and let’s make it together!
I know you’ll agree when I say that bacon is life. I would eat it everyday if I could! I’ve actually shared a number of recipes here which you all loved, including maple bacon, oven bacon, and bacon-wrapped filet mignon for everyday meals. For parties, we have cheese and bacon cob loaf, bacon-wrapped pineapple bites, and the newest addition – bacon-wrapped asparagus!
This is another showstopper that couldn’t be easier to make. Just a handful of ingredients, a few minutes of prep, and you’ve got an appetizer or side that works for everything from weeknight dinners to fancy holiday feasts. So let’s turn up the flavor, crank up the crunch, and get to wrapping, because once you try these, it will be your new favorite way to enjoy your beloved bacon!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy appetizer: Prep for 10 minutes, and your oven will do the rest.
- Minimal ingredients: You just need bacon, asparagus spears, oil, and seasonings to make this delicious appetizer!
- Delicious combo: Bacon and asparagus are a match made in appetizer heaven. Together, they make a dish that’s smoky, salty, juicy, tender, and crispy all at the same time!
- Kid-approved: Even kids (and self-proclaimed veggie haters) will be tempted by the crispy bacon – it’s a fun way to get kids to eat their greens!
- All-around treat: Works as a versatile side dish, party appetizer, quick snack, lunchbox treat, or even a fun way to add veggies to your home meals.
How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
This recipe makes bacon-wrapped asparagus that looks and tastes like something from a high-end steakhouse, but is actually incredibly easy to make. You simply have to wash and season the asparagus, wrap them in bacon, and bake. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a superstar side or appetizer ready!
Scroll to the bottom of this post for a printable recipe card with a full list of ingredients, measurements, and step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients You Need
- Asparagus spears: I recommend using medium asparagus spears (not too thin and not too thick), preferably uniform in size, so that they hold up better during cooking and stay tender-crisp by the time the bacon is cooked perfectly. Don’t forget to trim the ends of the stalk!
- Bacon: I go for regular-cut bacon – just the right thickness to cook evenly without falling apart. Thin-cut can tear too easily, while thick-cut might take too long to crisp up and overpower the flavors. Choose high-quality bacon that isn’t overly salty, so it complements the dish without overwhelming it.
- Olive oil: Helps the seasoning to stick.
- Black crushed pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder: The essentials for enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Only 3 simple steps to make perfectly-baked bacon-wrapped asparagus! Spend only 10 minutes prepping everything – from washing and trimming the asparagus to wrapping the bundles in bacon. After that, your oven does the rest. Just don’t forget to flip them halfway through baking time so they cook evenly.
Step 1: Prep the asparagus
Preheat the oven to 375 F and lightly grease a rimmed baking tray.
Wash and trim the asparagus and arrange them all on the tray, then sprinkle evenly with the olive oil, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss gently with your hands, so all asparagus are coated with the oil and seasoning.
Step 2: Wrap in bacon
Divide the asparagus into 8 bundles and wrap each bundle with a slice of bacon. Start at the bottom and work your way up toward the tips.
Step 3: Bake
Bake in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes, flipping over with tongs halfway through the cooking time.
Substitutions
This recipe requires just a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. If that’s not the case, use what you have on hand or what you prefer. Here are my substitution recommendations:
- Asparagus spears: If asparagus isn’t available, try green beans or broccolini for a similar crunch and shape.
- Bacon: Substitute with turkey bacon for a leaner option, or prosciutto for a lighter, crispier wrap.
- Olive oil: Swap out with extra virgin olive oil, or avocado oil, which works well for high-heat cooking. If your bacon has enough fat to coat the asparagus, you can skip the oil altogether.
- Black crushed pepper: Try white pepper for milder heat or red pepper flakes for more spice.
- Garlic and onion powder: Use fresh minced garlic and finely chopped onion for a stronger, fresher taste, or smoked paprika for a different kind of depth.
Expert Tips
- Use a wire rack: For extra crispy bacon, place your wrapped asparagus on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This allows the bacon to cook evenly, helping it crisp up better than when it sits directly on the sheet. This also helps keep them from sitting in bacon grease!
- Don’t overcook: Asparagus cooks quickly, so don’t let it stay in the oven too long. It’s best to keep an eye on it and pull it out as soon as the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender but still has a little bite. You don’t want it to turn mushy!
- Double the flavor: Brush honey or maple syrup over the bacon or sprinkle some parmesan cheese before baking, or drizzle a little balsamic glaze over the top after for an extra burst of flavor.
- Prep ahead: Want to save time? You can prep these the night before, wrap the asparagus with bacon, and store them in the fridge. When it’s time to cook, just pop them in the oven – perfect for busy evenings or when you’re entertaining guests!
How to Store This Recipe
Transfer leftovers into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Do not freeze. To reheat, place the bundles on a greased baking sheet and warm in the oven at 375 F until heated through.
What to Serve with Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
Bacon-wrapped asparagus bundles are excellent on their own, but are best enjoyed with a dipping sauce like ranch, honey mustard, French onion dip, or spinach and artichoke dip. For a heartier pairing, serve them with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted parmesan potatoes.
Pair them with a glass of crisp white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc, a light beer, or a seasonal cocktail like frozen cranberry margarita during the holidays to keep things refreshing.
More Easy Appetizers To Try
- Cream cheese stuffed mushrooms
- Tomato bruschetta
- Slow cooker spinach and artichoke dip
- Pull-apart bread
- Chocolate popcorn
The Easiest Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus trimmed
- 8 strips bacon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper crushed
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 °F and lightly grease a rimmed baking tray.
- Wash and trim the asparagus and arrange them all on the tray. Sprinkle the olive oil, black pepper, garlic powder and onion powder evenly over the asparagus. Toss gently with your hands, so all asparagus are coated with the oil and seasoning.
- Divide the asparagus into 8 bundles and wrap each bundle with a slice of bacon. Start at the bottom and work your way up toward the tips.
- Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes, flipping over with tongs halfway through the cooking time.
Notes
- For extra crispy bacon, place your wrapped asparagus on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This allows the bacon to cook evenly, helping it crisp up better than when it sits directly on the sheet. This also helps keep them from sitting in bacon grease!
- Asparagus cooks quickly, so don’t let it stay in the oven too long. It’s best to keep an eye on it and pull it out as soon as the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender but still has a little bite.
- Brush honey or maple syrup over the bacon or sprinkle some parmesan cheese before baking, or drizzle a little balsamic glaze over the top after for an extra burst of flavor.
- You can prep these the night before, wrap the asparagus with bacon, and store them in the fridge. When it’s time to cook, just pop them in the oven – perfect for busy evenings or when you’re entertaining guests!
