Two perfect foods come together with this bacon wrapped asparagus recipe in the oven! If you love bacon-y main dishes like bacon wrapped dates or bacon wrapped chicken tenders, you’ll enjoy asparagus wrapped in bacon as a healthy appetizer too. I’ll show you how to make wrapped asparagus in bacon that gets perfectly crispy every time, plus the best way to make it ahead of time for entertaining. With other bacon asparagus recipes, I’ve noticed that often times the asparagus is soft before the bacon has had the chance to crisp up. I was on a mission to avoid this, and discovered that the trick is similar to my foolproof crispy bacon in the oven. Although roasted asparagus tastes great on its own, properly cooked bacon takes the flavor to the next level.
Ingredients & Substitutions
This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for asparagus wrapped in bacon, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below.
Asparagus – Look for smooth, firm, and brightly colored fresh asparagus spears. Medium to thick spears work best for bacon wrapped asparagus, as they are less prone to overcooking by the time the bacon is done.Bacon – Center cut bacon works the best for appearance, but any bacon will work. Avoid thick cut bacon, which will take too long to get crispy, causing the asparagus to be limp and soggy.Olive Oil – I use extra virgin olive oil for flavor, but use your favorite cooking oil. You just need enough for seasonings to stick.Seasonings – Garlic salt and black pepper. If you don’t have garlic salt, you can easily substitute garlic powder and salt separately.
How To Make Bacon Wrapped Asparagus In The Oven
This section shows how to cook bacon wrapped asparagus in the oven, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below. Try these extra options to enhance this asparagus and bacon appetizer:
A sprinkle of brown sugar (conventional or a sugar free brown sugar substitute) before baking. (You’ll need to skip or reduce the broiling time, so sugar does not burn.) Parmesan cheese (before or after baking) A drizzle of balsamic glaze or honey (I use sugar-free honey) for finishing
How Long To Cook Bacon Wrapped Asparagus?
How long to bake bacon wrapped asparagus will depend on several factors, including bacon thickness, color of your pan and rack, and oven temperature. On average, it takes about 15 to 20 minutes at 400 degrees F, plus another couple minutes under the broiler to crisp up the bacon (highly recommended!). I prefer individually wrapped asparagus because they are easier to eat as an appetizer and you get more bacon in every bite. But if you prefer, you can wrap 4-6 spears at a time in a slice of bacon. (When wrapping each bundle, follow the same tips below.) The cook time will be about the same.
Alternate Cooking Methods
Grill – Preheat the grill over medium-high heat, then cook over direct heat (covered) for a total of 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crispy.Air Fryer – Follow the bacon wrapped asparagus recipe above as written, but instead of the oven, cook in the air fryer. Arrange the pieces in the basket in a single layer and cook for 10-12 minutes at 400 degrees F, flipping halfway through.Stovetop – I don’t like this method because it’s more fuss, but asparagus wrapped in bacon can be cooked on the stove. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the asparagus in a single layer and cook, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crispy.
Storage Instructions
Store: Although this recipe tastes best fresh (and you probably won’t have leftovers!), you can store this dish in the fridge for 4-5 days.Meal prep: Assemble asparagus, cover, and refrigerate for up to 1-2 days, until ready to bake. Avoid baking them ahead of time, as they can get soggy.Reheat: Broil until crisp and heated through.Freeze: Avoid freezing this recipe, as it will get mushy.
More Easy Asparagus Recipes
So many delicious ways to prep this veggie! Try it in these easy recipes next time. Share your recipe picture by tagging @wholesomeyum and hashtag it #wholesomeyum on Instagram, or in our Facebook support group, too – I’d love to see it!
