Crispy Beef Bacon Asparagus (Printable)
Tender asparagus wrapped in savory beef bacon and roasted until crisp with a hint of Parmesan and lemon zest.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 24 medium asparagus spears, trimmed
→ Meats
02 - 8 slices beef bacon
→ Seasonings & Condiments
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
05 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
→ Garnish (optional)
07 - 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
08 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
02 - Divide asparagus spears into 8 equal bundles, each containing 3 spears.
03 - Drizzle asparagus bundles with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Toss thoroughly to coat evenly.
04 - Wrap each asparagus bundle tightly with a slice of beef bacon, securing ends underneath, and place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
05 - Roast in the oven for 18 to 20 minutes, until beef bacon is crisp and asparagus is tender.
06 - Optionally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and lemon zest while hot. Serve immediately.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- They look fancy enough for guests but honest enough for a weeknight side dish.
- The contrast between crispy bacon and tender asparagus somehow tastes better than either one alone.
- Naturally gluten-free and low-carb, so you're not explaining your diet to anyone.
02 -
- Don't overlap the bundles on the baking sheet or the bottoms will steam instead of crisp—give them breathing room.
- Asparagus thickness matters more than you think; if yours are thin, reduce cooking time by a couple of minutes so they don't turn to mush.
03 -
- Pat your asparagus dry before seasoning so the oil actually coats them instead of sliding off water.
- If you're cooking for a crowd, assemble the bundles several hours ahead and refrigerate them—the cold actually helps the bacon stay in place during cooking.