Bacon Asparagus Recipe

Asparagus: Fresh green spears that are tender and slightly sweet.

Bacon: Adds a savory, crispy element to the dish.

Olive oil: Used to drizzle over the asparagus for added flavor and to help crisp the bacon.

Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the dish.

When wrapping the asparagus with bacon, ensure that the bacon slices overlap slightly to secure them in place. This will help prevent the bacon from unraveling during the baking process. Additionally, for an extra layer of flavor, consider brushing the bacon-wrapped asparagus with a mixture of honey and Dijon mustard before baking. This will add a delightful sweet and tangy glaze to the dish.

• trimmed asparagus - Substitute with green beans: Green beans have a similar texture and can be roasted or sautéed in the same way as asparagus.

• bacon - Substitute with turkey bacon: Turkey bacon is a leaner option that still provides a similar smoky flavor.

• bacon - Substitute with prosciutto: Prosciutto is a thinly sliced cured ham that offers a rich, savory taste and can be wrapped around the asparagus.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a good alternative for roasting vegetables.

• olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil is neutral in flavor and also has a high smoke point, suitable for cooking at high temperatures.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty and umami flavor, which can enhance the taste of the dish.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used to provide a subtle heat without altering the color of the dish.

• black pepper - Substitute with red pepper flakes: Red pepper flakes add a bit of heat and a different kind of spice to the dish.

• Allow the bacon asparagus to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the bacon soggy.
• Place the cooled bacon asparagus in an airtight container. If stacking, separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to regain crispiness.
• For freezing, arrange the bacon asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. This prevents them from sticking together.
• Once frozen, transfer the bacon asparagus to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover bacon asparagus on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the bacon from over-crisping. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the leftover bacon asparagus and cover with a lid. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is heated through.

• Microwave Method: Place the bacon asparagus on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the bacon asparagus in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is warmed through.

• Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bacon asparagus on the toaster oven tray. Heat for about 10 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is heated through.

• Oven: Preheats to 400°F (200°C) to bake the bacon-wrapped asparagus until the bacon is crispy.

• Baking sheet: Holds the bacon-wrapped asparagus spears while they bake in the oven.

• Parchment paper: Lines the baking sheet to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

• Knife: Trims the asparagus to remove any tough ends.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface to trim the asparagus.

• Measuring spoons: Measures the olive oil, salt, and black pepper accurately.

• Tongs: Helps to handle the hot bacon-wrapped asparagus when removing them from the oven.

• Small bowl: Holds the olive oil, salt, and pepper for easy drizzling and sprinkling.

Pre-trim asparagus: Trim the asparagus in advance and store them in the fridge to save time on prep day.

Use pre-cooked bacon: Opt for pre-cooked bacon to cut down on cooking time and ensure even crispiness.

Line baking sheet: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Batch process: Wrap multiple asparagus spears at once to speed up the wrapping process.

Preheat oven early: Start preheating your oven while you prep to ensure it’s ready when you are.