Crispy Beef Bacon Asparagus (Printable version)

Tender asparagus wrapped in savory beef bacon, roasted to a perfect crisp for flavorful enjoyment.

# Ingredient list:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed

→ Meats

02 - 8 slices beef bacon (about 7 oz)

→ Seasonings

03 - 1 tbsp olive oil
04 - 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
05 - 1/4 tsp garlic powder
06 - 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)

→ Garnish

07 - 1 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese
08 - 1 tsp lemon zest

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
02 - Wash asparagus and trim woody ends. Pat dry with paper towels.
03 - Drizzle asparagus with olive oil, then sprinkle with black pepper, garlic powder, and optional smoked paprika. Toss to coat evenly.
04 - Divide asparagus into 8 bundles. Wrap each bundle with one slice of beef bacon, securing ends underneath or with a toothpick if needed.
05 - Place bundles seam-side down on prepared baking sheet, spacing evenly. Roast for 18 to 20 minutes until asparagus is tender and bacon is crisp.
06 - Transfer bundles to a serving platter. Optionally, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and lemon zest before serving.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent an hour fussing, but really its just wrapping and walking away while the oven does the work.
  • The beef bacon gets so crispy it practically shatters, and the asparagus stays tender without going mushy.
  • You can prep the bundles in the morning and just slide them in when guests arrive.
02 -
  • Pat the asparagus completely dry before seasoning, or the oil just pools at the bottom of the bowl and nothing sticks.
  • Dont overlap the bundles on the sheet or the bacon steams instead of crisps, and you lose that shatter.
  • If the bacon isnt quite crispy enough at the end, flip the broiler on for a minute or two, but watch it close because it goes fast.
03 -
  • Use a rimmed baking sheet so the bacon fat doesnt drip into your oven and smoke everything out.
  • If the bacon starts browning too fast but the asparagus isnt tender yet, tent the sheet loosely with foil for the last few minutes.
  • Save any leftover bacon drippings on the parchment, theyre perfect for roasting potatoes later in the week.

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