Crispy Oven Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
Bacon wrapped asparagus is a simple, dependable side dish that always turns out well. Tender asparagus and crispy bacon roast together until everything caramelizes just a bit around the edges. It’s straightforward to make, doesn’t need many ingredients, and works with almost any dinner.
A Savory Side You Can Serve Anytime
This dish is one of those sides you can fold into a weeknight meal, game day party, or add to a holiday table. The bacon gives the asparagus a salty, savory layer, and the oven does all the work. Regular or thin-cut bacon crisps up in the same time it takes the asparagus to turn tender, so everything stays well balanced.
It takes only a few minutes to prep. Season the asparagus, wrap it in bacon, and roast until everything is crisp. In about half an hour, it’s ready to serve.
If you’re still looking for some more holiday inspo, check out my list of the Best Thanksgiving Menu Ideas!
Recipe Ingredients
- Fresh asparagus (trimmed)
- Bacon (regular or thin cut)
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Optional: balsamic glaze or grated parmesan
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
Step 1: Prep the Oven
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Season the Asparagus
Trim the woody ends and pat the spears dry. Add them to a bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss until lightly coated.
Step 3: Wrap Each Bundle
Gather the asparagus into small bundles of 3–4 spears. Wrap one slice of bacon around each bundle, starting just below the tips and spiraling downward. Place them seam-side down on the baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. The asparagus should be tender and the bacon crisp. If you want a little extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end and watch closely.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Transfer the bundles to a serving platter. Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of parmesan if you like. Serve warm.
Serving Ideas
These bundles go well with turkey, stuffing, baked salmon, ham, or holiday mains. They make a great appetizer too – easy for guests to pick up and enjoy!
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep the bacon crisp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Assemble the bundles a few hours in advance and keep them covered in the fridge. Bake right before serving.
Thick-cut bacon takes longer to crisp, so regular or thin cut works best.
Use fewer spears per bundle or cut the bacon slices in half so everything cooks evenly.
Yes. Cook at 375°F for about 10–12 minutes, turning once.
Red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, lemon zest, or parmesan all work well.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh asparagus about 20–24 spears, trimmed
- 8 slices bacon regular or thin cut
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Optional: drizzle of balsamic glaze or sprinkle of parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Trim the woody ends from the asparagus and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a large bowl, toss the asparagus with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until lightly coated.
- Gather 3–4 asparagus spears together and wrap one slice of bacon tightly around each bundle, starting just below the tips and spiraling downward. Place the bundles seam-side down on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is crisp and the asparagus is tender. For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end while watching closely.
- Remove from the oven and transfer to a serving platter. Optionally drizzle with balsamic glaze or sprinkle with parmesan cheese before serving warm.