If you’re craving a vibrant vegetable side that brings together crisp texture and irresistible smoky flavor, this Bacon Roasted Asparagus Recipe will become your new favorite. Tender asparagus spears roast to perfection, kissed with fragrant garlic olive oil, and crowned with crunchy, savory bacon bits. It’s a delicious way to elevate a simple veggie into something spectacular that everyone at your table will love and ask for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Bacon Roasted Asparagus Recipe plays a special role, from the fresh asparagus that provides that satisfying snap to the garlic and olive oil that infuse deep flavor. Together with salty bacon and just the right seasoning, these basics create a harmonious dish bursting with color and taste.
- 2 bunches of asparagus (~2 lbs): Fresh, firm stalks are key for tender roasting and a beautiful presentation.
- 3 Tbsp olive oil: Adds richness and helps the garlic coat the asparagus for even roasting.
- 6 medium garlic cloves (minced): Infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic punch that complements the asparagus perfectly.
- Salt & pepper: Just enough to enhance natural flavors without overpowering.
- 6 slices of bacon (optional): Crisply sautéed and chopped for layering delightful crunch and savory depth on top.
How to Make Bacon Roasted Asparagus Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Oil
Start by combining minced garlic with olive oil in a small bowl. This simple garlic oil will infuse the asparagus with a subtle but essential depth of flavor, transforming each bite with aromatic richness when roasted.
Step 2: Trim the Asparagus
Hold each asparagus spear near the bottom and snap to remove the tough, fibrous ends naturally. This ensures you get tender spears without any chewy bits. Alternatively, trim about an inch from the base with a sharp knife for a clean edge.
Step 3: Toss and Roast
Place the trimmed asparagus on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any tender juices. Drizzle the garlic oil over the spears and toss to coat evenly. Lightly sprinkle with salt and cracked pepper. Roast in a preheated 400°F oven for 13 to 18 minutes, depending on the thickness of your stalks. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn lightly browned with tender yet crisp texture.
Step 4: Cook the Bacon
While the asparagus roasts, sauté six strips of bacon until they reach that perfect crispy texture. Drain on paper towels to remove excess grease, then chop coarsely. This crunchy bacon topping adds incredible flavor contrast to your roasted asparagus.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Once asparagus is out of the oven and still warm, sprinkle the chopped bacon over the top. The warm bacon melts slightly into the roasted veggie, creating a beautiful marriage of smoky, garlicky, and fresh tastes.
How to Serve Bacon Roasted Asparagus Recipe
Garnishes
Consider finishing your Bacon Roasted Asparagus Recipe with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or zest for a bright pop that cuts through the bacon’s richness. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt or some shaved Parmesan can also elevate the dish with complementary layers of flavor.
Side Dishes
This roasted asparagus is a fantastic accompaniment to grilled and roasted meats, from juicy steaks to roasted chicken. It also shines alongside creamy risottos or buttery mashed potatoes, balancing heavier dishes with its crisp freshness and smoky nuances.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve asparagus spears fanned out on a large platter with a bit of bacon crumbled artfully on top. You can also wrap individual asparagus bundles with bacon slices before roasting for an eye-catching presentation. Adding toasted nuts, like pine nuts or almonds, brings an unexpected crunch and makes the plate look gourmet.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Bacon Roasted Asparagus Recipe tastes just as good the next day. Store cooled asparagus and bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it easy to reheat and add a quick veggie side to any meal.
Freezing
While roasting maintains wonderful texture, freezing cooked asparagus can result in mushiness. Bacon Roasted Asparagus Recipe is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated rather than frozen. For longer storage, keep raw asparagus and bacon separately frozen and cook freshly when ready.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the asparagus gently in a 350°F oven for about 5 to 8 minutes so it doesn’t overcook or become soggy. You can add the bacon on top just before serving to maintain that crisp, salty bite.
FAQs
Can I make this Bacon Roasted Asparagus Recipe without bacon?
Absolutely! The garlic-roasted asparagus is delicious on its own, and you can also substitute crispy pancetta or smoked sausage for a similar smoky flavor without bacon.
What if I don’t have fresh asparagus?
Fresh asparagus is best for roasting because it holds up without becoming mushy. Frozen asparagus tends to get watery when roasted. If using frozen, thaw and pat dry thoroughly before cooking.
Can I prepare this recipe for a larger crowd?
Definitely! Just multiply the ingredients accordingly and roast the asparagus in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan, which helps everything cook evenly and get nicely roasted.
How do I tell when asparagus is done roasting?
Look for a slight browning on the spears and a tender texture where you can easily pierce the thickest part with a fork but still feel some firmness. Overcooking can make them limp.
Is olive oil the best choice for roasting?
Olive oil is perfect for this dish because it adds flavor and helps the garlic infuse the asparagus. You can use avocado oil or another mild oil if you prefer, but olive oil’s fruity notes pair beautifully here.
Final Thoughts
This Bacon Roasted Asparagus Recipe is one of those simple dishes that feels luxurious every time you make it. With only a handful of ingredients, you elevate basic asparagus into a side that’s packed with flavor, texture, and color. I promise it will bring something special to your table whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Don’t wait to try it and watch it become a family favorite in no time!
Print
Bacon Roasted Asparagus Recipe
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings (as a side dish)
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Bacon Roasted Asparagus recipe offers a delicious and easy way to enjoy fresh asparagus with a flavorful garlic olive oil coating and crispy bacon topping. Perfect as a savory side dish, the asparagus is roasted to tender perfection and enhanced by the rich, smoky crunch of bacon.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 bunches of asparagus (~2 lbs)
Oils and Seasonings
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 6 medium garlic cloves (minced)
- Salt & Pepper to taste
Other
- 6 slices of bacon (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Garlic Oil: Combine the minced garlic with 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a small bowl and set aside to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the asparagus.
- Trim Asparagus: Snap off the fibrous ends of the asparagus by bending each stalk until it naturally breaks; discard the tough ends. Alternatively, use a knife to cut about 1 inch from the base for clean trimming.
- Roast Asparagus: Arrange the trimmed asparagus on a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle the garlic olive oil over them and toss to coat evenly. Lightly season with salt and pepper. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C) for 13-18 minutes, depending on the thickness, until they are lightly browned and tender when pierced with a fork.
- Cook Bacon: While the asparagus roasts, sauté the 6 slices of bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Drain on paper towels, then chop coarsely.
- Serve: Remove the asparagus from the oven and serve warm, sprinkled generously with the crispy chopped bacon on top for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and consider adding toasted nuts or vegan bacon alternatives.
- Adjust roasting time based on asparagus thickness for optimal tenderness.
- Ensure to dry bacon well after cooking to prevent sogginess when added.
- This dish pairs well with grilled meats or can be enjoyed as a standalone side.
