Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus: a tasty recipe for a fast, easy-to-make appetizer

For an elegant yet completely irresistible appetizer that is perfect for parties, especially around the holidays or special occasions, bacon-wrapped asparagus is always a popular option. It's a super simple appetizer to make.

All you need is bacon or prosciutto if you're looking for a healthier option, asparagus, pepper, a bit of garlic, salt, and a drizzle or two of olive oil. In less than half an hour, you'll have a beautiful, savory appetizer with crispy bacon and tender spears of asparagus that will have your guests singing your praises.

Serve it as an appetizer, or pair your asparagus wrapped in bacon with other dishes to make it a complete meal.

How to Make Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

It's super easy to make this mouthwatering appetizer. To make bacon-wrapped asparagus at home, start by preheating your oven to 400°F and setting a wire rack over a baking tray.

Trim the Asparagus

The first thing you'll need to do is cut off the tough woody stems of the asparagus. Use a sharp knife and pop the ends into your compost bin.

Season the Asparagus 

Toss your asparagus in olive oil, or you can drizzle the oil over the spears. Season them with salt and pepper (along with any additional seasonings and spices you may wish to add).

Wrap the Asparagus with Bacon

Cut the bacon in half lengthwise so you have long, thin strips. Wrap the bacon strips tightly around each asparagus spear.

Put the wrapped spears on the wire rack with the seam side down.

Cook the Bacon Wrapped Asparagus 

Bake the bacon-wrapped asparagus for 10 minutes, turn them over, then cook them for another 10 to 15 minutes.

Finally, set your oven to broil and broil the asparagus for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the bacon gets nice and crispy.

How Long to Cook Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Bacon-wrapped asparagus needs a total of 20 to 25 minutes in the oven, plus an extra minute or two under the broiler to crisp up the bacon. You'll need to flip the asparagus halfway through cooking. Just use your handy kitchen tongs.

Can You Make Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Ahead of Time?

Although this is a quick recipe, you can save yourself time by prepping and wrapping the asparagus with bacon one to two nights before you plan on serving them.

Keep them wrapped in the fridge, then simply pop them in the oven and serve.

Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus Variations

You can replace bacon with prosciutto or jamon slices for a healthier, fancier option.

For an even more savory appetizer, sprinkle some parmesan, cheddar, or blue cheese over the asparagus.

You can also try drizzling them with some balsamic vinegar, seasoning the spears with spices like paprika, cayenne, or Italian seasoning, or adding a little maple syrup or brown sugar to candy the bacon. 

For an ultra-luxe appetizer, use white asparagus instead of green asparagus.

Tips for the Best Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Bacon-wrapped asparagus is naturally keto-friendly and gluten-free.

To make your asparagus wrapped in bacon even more decadent, add a cream cheese and garlic filling. Cook the bacon until not quite crispy, then leave them on a paper towel to drain. Combine the softened cream cheese and garlic, then spoon some of it onto the bacon. Wrap the bacon around the asparagus and bake for 5 minutes at 400F.

You can cook your bacon-wrapped asparagus in the air fryer. Fry the asparagus wrapped in bacon at 390F for 10 minutes.

To make stovetop asparagus wrapped in bacon, heat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Cook until the bacon is crispy.

What to Serve with Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

This delicious, savory asparagus dish is usually served as an appetizer for parties. You can serve it as part of a spread with various dips, crudités, and skewers.

You can also serve bacon-wrapped asparagus with poached or fried eggs to make them into a delicious full keto-friendly meal.

How to Store Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Let the asparagus and bacon cool down then transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and place them in the fridge for up to 2 to 3 days.

Reheat them in the oven at 375°F until heated through.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400F. Put a rack over a baking sheet.

Wash, pat dry and trim off the asparagus ends.

Peel off the stems, then toss the asparagus in oil. Garnish with garlic salt and pepper.

Wrap the bacon tightly around each stalk of asparagus. Arrange the asparagus on the rack, seam side down.

Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese, if using.

Top with breadcrumbs, if using.

Bake for 10 minutes, then flip, and bake for 10 to 15 more minutes. Switch the oven to broil and cook for 1 to 2 more minutes until the bacon is crispy.

Remove from the oven, then serve and enjoy!