Prepare to transform your ordinary vegetable side into an extraordinary culinary experience! This Baked Asparagus and Bacon recipe is not just a dish—it's a flavor explosion that will have your dinner guests begging for seconds. Imagine perfectly roasted, tender asparagus spears wrapped in crispy, sizzling bacon, seasoned to perfection and baked to golden-brown deliciousness. Whether you're looking to impress at a dinner party or simply elevate your weeknight meal, this recipe is about to become your new go-to favorite.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb asparagus, trimmed
- 1/2 lb bacon, cut into pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to ensure easy cleanup.
- Wash the asparagus thoroughly under cold running water. Trim the tough woody ends by holding each spear and snapping off the bottom 1-2 inches where it naturally breaks.
- Pat the asparagus dry completely with paper towels to ensure crispy roasting and proper bacon crisping.
- Cut the bacon strips into 1-inch pieces using a sharp knife, ensuring relatively even sizing for consistent cooking.
- Arrange the trimmed asparagus in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, spreading them out to prevent overcrowding.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the asparagus, then sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss gently to ensure even coating.
- Distribute the bacon pieces evenly across and between the asparagus spears, ensuring they are not completely overlapping.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and the asparagus is tender but still bright green.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the bacon to crisp up slightly more and the asparagus to cool slightly.
- Transfer to a serving platter, ensuring to include all the crispy bacon bits. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy.
Tips
- Always choose fresh, firm asparagus with tight, compact tips for the best texture and flavor.
- Pat the asparagus completely dry before roasting to ensure maximum crispiness.
- Use thick-cut bacon for an extra-crispy result and more robust flavor.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet—give the asparagus and bacon pieces room to crisp up properly.
- For even cooking, try to cut bacon pieces into similar sizes.
- Use parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup and preventing sticking.
- Watch the bacon closely in the last few minutes of cooking to prevent burning.
- Let the dish rest briefly after cooking to allow the bacon to crisp up even more.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
- Optional: Sprinkle with some grated Parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 323kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 68mg
