Crispy Beef Bacon Asparagus (Printable version)
Tender asparagus bundles wrapped in savory, crisp beef bacon. Simple, flavorful, and perfect for any meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
→ Meats
02 - 8 slices beef bacon (approximately 7 ounces)
→ Seasonings
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
05 - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
→ Garnish (optional)
07 - 1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmesan cheese
08 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
# How to Prepare:
01 - Set the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
02 - Wash the asparagus and trim away woody ends, then pat dry thoroughly.
03 - Drizzle asparagus with olive oil, then sprinkle with black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika if using. Toss to coat evenly.
04 - Divide asparagus into 8 bundles and wrap each with one slice of beef bacon, securing the ends underneath or with toothpicks if needed.
05 - Place bundles seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
06 - Cook for 18 to 20 minutes until asparagus is tender and bacon is crispy.
07 - Transfer bundles to a serving platter and, if desired, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and lemon zest.
# Expert advice:
01 -
- It uses just a handful of ingredients but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
- The bacon crisps up perfectly while the asparagus stays tender and sweet inside.
- You can prep these ahead and pop them in the oven when guests arrive.
02 -
- Pat the asparagus completely dry before wrapping, or the bacon won't crisp properly.
- Don't overlap the bundles on the pan, or they'll steam instead of roast.
- If your bacon is thick, add 2 to 3 minutes to the cooking time.
03 -
- Use medium-thick asparagus spears, the thin ones can overcook before the bacon crisps.
- If the bacon starts browning too fast, tent the pan loosely with foil halfway through.
- Let them rest for a minute after pulling them out, the bacon firms up as it cools just slightly.