There’s something almost magical about transforming a few simple ingredients into a dish that feels so special. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you look like a kitchen hero, without any of the stress. And really, who can resist the smoky, salty, crispy combination of bacon and asparagus?
These little bundles are perfect for so many occasions. They’re elegant enough for a dinner party, yet simple enough for a weeknight treat when you want to feel a little fancy. The best part? They come together in a flash, leaving you more time to enjoy the company of your guests, or just a quiet moment to yourself.
Ingredients Needed for the Recipe
Gathering your ingredients is the first step on this delicious journey. You won’t need a long shopping list, just a few key players that work together in harmony.
- 48 spears fresh asparagus, washed and dried
- 16 slices bacon of choice, regular not thick cut
- ⅓ cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, or regular parmesan
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- Balsamic glaze, to finish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
See? Nothing complicated. Just pure, good food waiting to happen.
Why This Dish is a Crowd-Pleaser
Let’s be honest, bacon is a universal language of deliciousness. Wrapping it around sweet, tender asparagus just makes sense. It’s a combination that has stood the test of time for a very good reason.
The contrasting textures are a joy to eat. You get the crisp bite of the bacon giving way to the tender-crisp asparagus inside. Then, there’s the flavor—smoky, salty, a little sweet, and with that tangy finish from the balsamic glaze. It’s a full sensory experience in one elegant bundle.
How to make Easy Bacon Wrapped Asparagus?
Prepping Your Asparagus
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F, giving it a head start on the heat. Now, take your asparagus spears and snap off, or slice off, the tough, woody ends. It’s a simple step, but it makes all the difference between tough and tender.
Just take a spear and gently bend the bottom end; it will naturally break at the point where the tough part ends. You can use this one as a guide to trim the rest of the bunch, about an inch from the bottom.
The Simple Seasoning
Place all your trimmed asparagus spears on a baking sheet or in a large bowl. Drizzle them with that extra virgin olive oil, and don’t be shy with a good pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper.
Now, use your hands to toss them all together. You want each spear to have a light, glossy coat of oil—this helps them roast beautifully and prevents them from drying out. It’s a little messy, but it’s the best way to ensure every bite is perfectly seasoned.
Creating the Perfect Bundles
This is where the fun really begins. Grab three spears of asparagus—this creates a nice, substantial bundle that holds its own against the bacon. Take one slice of raw bacon and start wrapping.
Begin about half an inch from the bottom of the spears, and spiral the bacon upwards. You don’t need to wrap it too tightly; just a nice, snug coil. Leave the beautiful green tips exposed—they’ll get wonderfully crispy in the oven.
Arranging for Success
As you finish each bundle, place it on a large baking sheet. This next part is crucial: make sure the bundles aren’t touching each other. Give them a little personal space on the pan.
This allows the hot air to circulate around each one, ensuring the bacon crisps up evenly instead of steaming. A crowded pan is the enemy of crispy bacon, and we are most definitely not enemies with crispy bacon.
The Initial Roast
Slide your baking sheet into the preheated oven and let the magic happen for 15 to 18 minutes. You’re waiting for the asparagus to become fork-tender, but please, not mushy.
The bacon will have started to cook and render its fat, which is basting your asparagus in pure flavor. Your kitchen will start to smell absolutely incredible, a sure sign that good things are coming.
The Crispy Finish
Now, for the final transformation. Switch your oven to broil, and keep a very close eye on things. This step can take anywhere from one to five minutes, depending on your oven.
You’re looking for that perfect, golden-brown crispness on the bacon and the tips of the asparagus. It’s the difference between good and great, so don’t walk away! This is the moment of truth.
The Grand Finale
Pull the pan from the oven—carefully, it’s hot! Immediately sprinkle the finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano over the sizzling bundles. The residual heat will gently melt it, creating a lovely, savory crust.
Then, artfully drizzle everything with the balsamic glaze. That sweet and tangy syrup is the final flavor note that ties this whole symphony together. Serve them right away, while they’re hot and at their absolute best.
Choosing Your Asparagus and Bacon
Not all asparagus is created equal, and for this recipe, you want to choose wisely. Look for spears that are firm and bright green, with tightly closed, compact tips. Avoid any bunches that look wilted or have slimy ends.
And for the bacon, regular-cut is your friend here. Thick-cut bacon is wonderful for breakfast, but it won’t cook through at the same rate as the asparagus, leaving you with either undercooked bacon or overcooked asparagus. Regular-cut provides the perfect balance.
Tips
If you’re preparing for a party, you can assemble the bundles up to 8 hours ahead. Just cover them tightly and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to roast. It makes entertaining so much smoother.
Don’t skip the broiling step! It’s the secret weapon for achieving that irresistible, crispy texture on both the bacon and the asparagus. Just stay by the oven, it happens fast.
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. While Parmigiano-Reggiano is classic, a crumble of sharp feta or a sprinkle of smoky gruyère can be a delightful change of pace. Make the recipe your own.
Beyond the Oven: Other Ways to Cook
No oven? No problem. This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. You can achieve fantastic results on the grill or in an air fryer, each method adding its own unique touch.
Grilling gives the bundles a wonderful smoky char, while the air fryer makes them incredibly crispy in a fraction of the time. It’s a versatile dish that fits into any cooking lifestyle.
What to Serve With Your Creation
So, you’ve made these beautiful bundles, but what do you serve them with? They are incredibly versatile. They shine as a stunning appetizer, placed on a platter for guests to grab and enjoy.
As a side dish, they are phenomenal next to a simple roast chicken, a juicy steak, or even a piece of pan-seared fish. They add a touch of elegance to any main course without overpowering it.
Storing and Enjoying Later
While they are truly best fresh from the oven, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, skip the microwave—it will make the bacon soggy.
Instead, place them on a baking sheet and warm them in a 375°F oven for about 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. It’s the best way to bring back that just-made texture and flavor.
Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Recipe
Description
These crispy bundles of bacon wrapped asparagus are an easy yet elegant appetizer or side dish. Roast them in the oven and finish them off with grated parmesan cheese and balsamic glaze for a touch of tangy sweetness.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
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Trim ~1 inch off the tough ends of the asparagus spears.
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Toss asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until evenly coated.
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Bundle 3 asparagus spears together. Wrap 1 slice of raw bacon around the bundle, starting ~½ inch from the bottom and spiraling upward, leaving the tips exposed. Repeat to make 16 bundles.
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Arrange bundles on a large parchment-lined or foil-lined baking sheet, spaced apart so they don’t touch.
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Bake for 15–18 minutes, until asparagus is tender-crisp and bacon is nearly cooked through.
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Switch oven to broil (high). Broil for 1–5 minutes, watching closely, until bacon is crispy and asparagus is lightly charred to your preference.Tip: Rotate tray halfway for even crisping. Do not walk away—bacon burns fast!
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Immediately after removing from oven, sprinkle with grated Parmigiano-Reggiano and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 16
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 115kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 10g16%
- Saturated Fat 3g15%
- Trans Fat 0.03g
- Cholesterol 16mg6%
- Sodium 182mg8%
- Potassium 142mg5%
- Total Carbohydrate 3g1%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 1g
- Protein 5g10%
- Calcium 37 mg
- Iron 1 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Pro Tips:
- Use medium or thick asparagus—thin spears overcook before bacon crisps.
- Regular-cut bacon cooks in sync with asparagus; thick-cut needs pre-cooking.
- Make bundles up to 8 hours ahead—store covered in the fridge, bake just before serving.
- For extra crunch: add ¼ tsp black pepper or smoked paprika to the oil toss.
Alternative Methods:
- Air Fryer: 375°F for 10–12 min, flip halfway.
- Grill: Medium heat (350–400°F), 10–12 min over indirect heat, turning occasionally.
