Looking for more impressive appetizers and side dishes? Try tuna tartare, armadillo eggs, and cream cheese stuffed peppers. With all my main meals, I always need sides to keep me full. While I have a ton of delicious sides to choose from, I have a few standbys I make almost weekly. This asparagus wrapped in bacon is a firm family favorite because, hello, bacon!
Why I love this recipe
3 ingredients. You can make it with only three key ingredients! Low in carbs. Each serving has less than 2 grams of net carbs. Multiple cooking methods. I consider myself a kitchen jack of all trades and tested this recipe in the oven, air fryer, stovetop, AND grill.
Ingredients needed
Asparagus spears- Fresh and equally sized asparagus are preferred. Remember to trim or snap the woody ends off the stalk. Bacon strips- While any bacon works, I like to choose thinner slices of bacon, so it holds the asparagus better and has maximum crispness. Butter- Unsalted and measured when melted. Balsamic vinegar- Adds a punch of flavor and adds crispiness to the asparagus. Salt and black pepper- To taste.
How to make bacon wrapped asparagus
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post. Step 1- Prep: Preheat the oven to 200C/400F. Step 2- Prepare bacon asparagus bundles: Separate and trim asparagus. Wrap one or two bacon pieces and wrap them around the asparagus stalks, then place them in a baking dish or wire rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with the melted butter, salt, and pepper. Step 3- Bake and serve: Bake for 18-20 minutes. Once removed from the oven, brush with balsamic then serve immediately.
Recipe variations
Add cheese. Sprinkle your favorite cheese before serving. The options that work the best bacon wrapped asparagus are parmesan cheese, goat cheese, or mozzarella cheese. Add some sweetness. Melt butter in a small pan and add some brown sugar. Drizzle the mixture over bacon-wrapped asparagus before baking. You can also add honey. Use different meat. While bacon is preferred, turkey bacon or prosciutto will also work.
Storage instructions
To store: Place leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Grilled method: Heat the grill to 200C/400F and cover with foil. Prep the asparagus and bacon as instructed and place on top of the foil. Grill for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Stovetop method: Take a large non-stick skillet and place it over medium-high heat. Add some olive oil. Add bacon asparagus bundles without overcrowding the pan when the oil becomes hot. Cook for several minutes and then flip to cook the other side. Keep cooking until asparagus becomes tender and the bacon is crispy. Air fryer method: Similar to air fryer asparagus, place the asparagus bundles in a lightly greased air fryer basket and air fry at 200C/400F for 7-8 minutes or until the bacon crisps up. To freeze: Cool them, then place them in a ziplock bag. Store it in the freezer for up to 6 months. Reheating: Either reheat in the microwave, air fryer, or preheated oven.
More bacon-wrapped recipes to try
Bacon wrapped dates with goat cheese Bacon wrapped chicken breast Bacon wrapped filet mignon
Originally published April 2022, updated and republished March 2024
Poultry– Blackened chicken, air fryer chicken breast, air fryer chicken thighs, or air fryer chicken drumsticks. Seafood– Air fryer salmon, keto salmon, salmon patties, or air fryer shrimp. Meat– Air fryer pork chops, stuffed meatloaf, healthy meatloaf, and keto meatballs. Vegetable main courses– Eggplant lasagna, zucchini lasagna, or a cauliflower pizza crust.
