Asparagus is one of the most underrated vegetables, IMHO. But with its earthy flavor, crisp texture, and striking shape, asparagus is truly a superstar! When I need a quick, easy side dish or appetizer, I turn to this bacon-wrapped asparagus recipe. It’s crisp, juicy, and fancy enough to have everyone oohing and aahing, but it comes together in just 30 minutes. Not to mention, it’s a tasty gluten-free and keto-friendly option. And the crispy bacon fun bundles are 100% kid-approved. So it makes entertaining a cinch! To prepare the asparagus, wash it well and trim off the woody ends. The easiest way to do that is by using the bend-and-break method. Hold one end of the asparagus in each hand and gently bend it until it snaps. It will automatically break where the woody end stops.

Recipe Ingredients

How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

Preheat oven to 400℉/200℃. Line a large baking sheet with parchment or foil paper. Set aside. Bacon – Place the bacon in a single layer on a prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes until bacon is crisp; cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the bacon. The idea is to cook the bacon halfway. (Photo 1) Seasonings – While bacon is cooking, make the spice mix. In a medium bowl, combine minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and oil. Finish Bacon – Remove the bacon from the oven, drain the grease, and let it cool enough to handle. Discard parchment paper and replace it with a clean one. Set the baking tray aside. Wrap – Grab 3-4 stalks of asparagus and place them on top of a slice of bacon. Wrap the bacon strips around them and tuck the ends underneath the asparagus. (Photos 2-3 Season – Place on the baking sheet with the bacon seam-side down. Repeat until you’ve wrapped all the asparagus. Brush the spice mixture over the asparagus and bacon bundles, covering every inch with the spice mixture. Bake wrapped asparagus bundles for 15-20 minutes or cooked to your preference. Time will vary depending on the thickness of the asparagus. (Photo 4) Serve – Take them out of the oven and garnish with parsley. Serve immediately.

Recipe Variations

Tips and Tricks

Make-Ahead Instructions

You can prepare the uncooked asparagus a day or two ahead. Prepare the asparagus bundles as directed and wrap them in the cooked bacon. Store the bundles in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Then, bake them before serving. For easy meal prep, let the cooked bundles cool completely. Then freeze them in a freezer ziplock back for around two months. Pull out one bundle per person and reheat it in the oven or microwave.

Serving and Storage Instructions

Bacon-wrapped asparagus is best right out of the oven with your favorite protein. However, it also tastes good at room temperature for an appetizer on a buffet table. You can store leftover asparagus bundles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place on a baking sheet and heat at 375℉ (190℃) until heated. Fresh asparagus gets mushy when frozen, but cooked asparagus freezes fine. Freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. You don’t even need to thaw it first. Just put your frozen wrapped asparagus in the oven and bake until heated.

What to Serve With Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

I love pairing bacon-wrapped asparagus bundles with oven-baked salmon or herb-crusted pork loin. Add some duchess potatoes or grilled potato wedges to the table, and you have a feast fit for a king!

More Tantalizing Bacon Recipes to Try

Conclusion

Take your side dishes to the next level with this elegant and kid-friendly bacon-wrapped asparagus! Hungry for more easy side dishes? Follow me on Instagram! 😉 This blog post was originally published in November 2020 and has been updated with additional tips and new photos.

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