Low Carb Bacon Asparagus

This bacon-wrapped asparagus recipe has become my go-to low-carb side dish for dinner parties and family gatherings, always impressing guests while keeping my carb count in check.

I first made these bacon wrapped bundles for a holiday dinner when I needed something impressive but easy. Three years later, it has become my most requested contribution to family gatherings, with my nephew specifically asking if "the bacon sticks" will be at every dinner.

Ingredients

• Fresh asparagus: Choose bright green stalks with tightly closed tips for optimal flavor and texture
• Thick cut bacon: Provides better wrapping stability and a perfect crisp to chewy ratio
• Olive oil: Helps achieve that golden brown finish and enhances the natural flavors
• Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that let the main ingredients shine
• Optional Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish that complements the smoky bacon beautifully
• Optional garlic powder: Creates depth of flavor with minimal effort

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the oven:

Set your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. The parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup significantly easier especially as the bacon releases fat during cooking.

Bundle and wrap:

Gather 3 to 4 asparagus spears of similar thickness and wrap a slice of bacon around the middle of each bundle. The bacon should overlap slightly to ensure it stays secure during cooking. Work methodically until all asparagus is wrapped.

Arrange for optimal cooking:

Place the bundles on your prepared baking sheet with at least an inch of space between each. This spacing allows hot air to circulate fully around each bundle ensuring the bacon crisps evenly on all sides.

Season thoughtfully:

Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over each bundle then season lightly with salt and pepper. Be cautious with the salt as bacon already carries significant sodium.

Roast to perfection:

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes watching carefully toward the end. The perfect bundle has golden brown crispy bacon and asparagus that maintains a slight firmness when pierced with a fork.

Final flavor boost:

If using Parmesan and garlic powder sprinkle these over the bundles immediately after removing from the oven. The residual heat will slightly melt the cheese creating a delicious finishing touch.

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Bacon quality makes a tremendous difference in this recipe. I discovered this when I splurged on some applewood smoked bacon from a local butcher instead of my usual grocery store brand. The flavor was so exceptional that my mother in law who typically avoids bacon had two servings and asked for the butcher's contact information.

Make Ahead Options

These bundles can be prepped up to 24 hours in advance. Simply assemble the bundles wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to cook remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to allow them to come to room temperature which promotes more even cooking. This make ahead capability makes them perfect for entertaining when you want to minimize last minute preparation.

Substitutions That Work

If asparagus isn't available or in season green beans make an excellent alternative with a similar cooking time. For those avoiding pork turkey bacon works surprisingly well though it won't render as much fat so consider adding an extra drizzle of olive oil before baking. Vegetarians in your life might appreciate a similar preparation using carrots or zucchini strips wrapped with thin slices of halloumi cheese instead of bacon.

Serving Suggestions

These bundles transition beautifully from casual family dinners to elegant entertaining. For weeknight meals pair them with a simple rotisserie chicken or grilled steak. When entertaining arrange them on a white platter with lemon wedges and fresh herbs for a restaurant quality presentation. I particularly love serving them alongside a creamy garlic aioli for dipping which elevates the entire experience to something truly special.

Troubleshooting Tips

When working with thicker asparagus spears you may need to blanch them briefly before wrapping. Simply dip in boiling water for 2 minutes then immediately transfer to ice water. Pat dry thoroughly before wrapping. This ensures the asparagus cooks through while preventing the bacon from burning. For those who prefer extra crispy bacon partially cook it in a skillet for about 3 minutes before wrapping being careful to maintain enough flexibility for wrapping.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I ensure the bacon stays crispy?

To keep the bacon crispy, make sure the asparagus bundles are placed evenly spaced on the baking sheet. This allows the heat to circulate properly while roasting.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the asparagus bundles a few hours in advance and store them in the fridge. When ready to cook, bring them to room temperature before baking.

→ What are good substitutes for asparagus?

Green beans or sliced zucchini are excellent substitutes. They offer a similar texture and cook quickly, just like asparagus.

→ How can I enhance the flavor of the bacon?

Adding a touch of brown sugar, cayenne, or even a Dijon mustard glaze to the bacon before wrapping can elevate the flavor with sweet, spicy, or tangy notes.

→ What's the best way to ensure even cooking?

Use asparagus spears of similar thickness. This helps them roast uniformly and ensures both the bacon and asparagus cook perfectly in the same amount of time.

→ Can this dish fit into a keto diet?

Yes, this is a great option for keto diets. Just be sure to choose bacon without added sugars to keep it strictly low carb.