FREE 5-Ingredient Recipe EBook

  • Why You Need My Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Recipe
  • Ingredients & Substitutions
  • How To Cook Bacon Wrapped Asparagus In The Oven
  • My Recipe Tips
  • Alternate Cooking Methods
  • More Bacon Wrapped Recipes
  • Bacon Wrapped Asparagus (Super Crispy) Recipe card
  • Recipe Reviews

I’ve been making bacon wrapped asparagus for nearly a decade, and it’s still one of my favorite ways to enjoy this spring veggie. With tender roasted asparagus and ultra crispy (yes, actually crispy!) bacon, this is the perfect balance of nutrients and comfort. I make it every year when asparagus season hits — and even sneak it in when it’s out of season, because I just love this recipe so much. Make it with me!

Why You Need My Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Recipe

Maya in the kitchen. - 1
  • Tender asparagus wrapped in bacon that’s actually crispy – With other bacon wrapped asparagus recipes, I’ve noticed that oftentimes the veggies are soft before the bacon has the chance to crisp up. Where I think my version really shines is the crispy bacon without ruining the asparagus — just follow my tips !
  • Super easy to make – You need just a few ingredients, and I think wrapping the asparagus in bacon is pretty relaxing.
  • So many ways to enjoy it – This recipe works as a healthy side dish , as an appetizer , or even for a fun snack . And it’s great to prep ahead when I’m having people over!
Maya's signature. - 2 Crispy, tender asparagus wrapped in bacon. - 3

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my bacon wrapped asparagus recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

  • Asparagus – Medium to thick spears work best here, as they are less prone to overcooking by the time the bacon is done. I usually make sauteed asparagus if I have thin spears, but have a tip below to make them work with this recipe, too.
  • Bacon – I like this clean-ingredient brand . Avoid thick cut bacon, which will take too long to get crispy. You could also swap in prosciutto, like I do for my prosciutto wrapped asparagus .
  • Oil – Just a teaspoon to help the seasonings stick. I used this mild olive oil , but extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil also works.
  • Seasonings – Garlic salt (or just mix garlic powder and salt separately) and black pepper.
Labeled ingredients: asparagus, bacon, garlic salt, olive oil, and pepper.  - 4

How To Cook Bacon Wrapped Asparagus In The Oven

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

  1. Prep your asparagus and bacon. Trim the tough ends of asparagus, and cut bacon lengthwise into narrower strips. I usually just line up the spears and chop in a single go, but for the perfect spot to remove, you can bend each stalk and it’ll snap at the natural point where it starts to get woody.
  2. Season the spears. Drizzle them with olive oil, and season with garlic salt and black pepper. You can do this right on your baking sheet or in a large bowl.
  3. Wrap asparagus with bacon. Grab a stalk and wrap a narrow bacon piece tightly around it. Place it seam side down on a wire rack over a rimmed baking sheet . Repeat with all the asparagus and bacon. See my tips below for my notes about wrapping multiple spears.
Trimmed asparagus next to slices of bacon that were cut in half lengthwise. - 5 Asparagus wrapped in bacon on a rack over a sheet pan, before baking. - 6
  1. Bake, then broil. Pop the bacon wrapped asparagus in the oven and bake, flipping halfway though, until bacon is nearly crispy. Place under the broiler to crisp up more at the end.
Finished bacon wrapped asparagus recipe on the rack. - 7 My Recipe Tips - 8

My Recipe Tips

  • Go light on the salt and oil. The bacon is already salty and has plenty of fat, so you only need a tiny bit of oil for the spices to stick — and less salt than you’d normally use.
  • Avoid stretching or overlapping the bacon. Stretching can cause it to unravel as it cooks, and overlapping will leave it less crispy. I try to line up the edges side by side — they create the pretty pinstripe pattern (like my pictures here) as they shrink during cooking. This allows for more air flow, which is what you want for extra crispiness!
  • Do you have to use a wire rack? No, but I recommend it if you want the crispiest results! It prevents the bacon wrapped asparagus from sitting in the bacon grease or touching the hot pan, so it cooks more evenly and gets more crispy. I use this set and it’s the best! I actually have it in several sizes, and for my pictures above I used 2 pans of the jelly roll size. It’s also awesome for other crispy foods, like oven baked bacon by itself or coconut shrimp .
  • Don’t crowd the pan. Make sure there is space between all the pieces. Again, it’s about that air flow!
  • Cook time can vary, so double check a little early. It mainly depends on the thickness of your asparagus. You also want to remove a little early to account for the high-heat blast of the broiler at the end.
  • If you have a convection oven, this is a great time to use it. It will crisp up your bacon better! You’ll need to turn the asparagus sooner, around 5-7 minutes, and check on it 5-8 minutes later. (It should take 11-15 minutes total with the convection setting, before the broiling step.)
  • Watch closely when broiling. The bacon can go from crisp to burned super fast!
  • Have very thin asparagus spears? I generally recommend medium or thick ones here, because thin ones will overcook, but I found a trick if you’ve got thin ones! Just fry the bacon for a few minutes first, so it renders some of its fat but is still pliable. Then proceed with my bacon wrapped asparagus recipe using the partially cooked bacon, and you can get away with a shorter bake time to avoid limp stalks.
  • Prefer bacon wrapped asparagus bundles? I like to wrap asparagus in bacon individually, it’s easier to eat as an appetizer and you get more bacon in every bite — and the bundles just fall apart when you try to eat them. But if you want a faster method, you can wrap 4-6 spears at a time instead.
  • Want extra flavor? Sometimes I brush maple syrup over the bacon or sprinkle on parmesan cheese before baking. A drizzle of balsamic glaze or honey (I use sugar-free honey ) at the end is nice, too.
  • Eat it right away. The asparagus and bacon will both soften when they cool.
Bacon wrapped asparagus piled on a platter. - 9

Alternate Cooking Methods

I prefer to cook bacon wrapped asparagus in the oven, because it’s hands-off and can make a big batch, but have also cooked it in other ways:

  • Grill – Grilled asparagus usually takes only a few minutes (I do 2-4 minutes at medium-high heat), but I find it takes longer for the bacon to crisp up. You can just watch until it gets crispy. If you want to ensure your asparagus stays crisp-tender, you may want to grill the bacon on its own for a couple minutes to render some fat before wrapping.
  • Air Fryer – My favorite method for a smaller batch, because it’s a pro at crisping up food! Just season and roll asparagus in bacon, then follow the timing in my air fryer asparagus recipe .
  • Stovetop – I don’t like this method because it’s more fuss, but you can cook bacon wrapped asparagus on the stove. Just cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, until the bacon crisps up.

More Bacon Wrapped Recipes

So many foods are better wrapped in bacon, and I’ve got lots of recipes like this! Try one of my others next:

Recipe Video

YouTube video - 10

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

  • 24 stalks Asparagus (~10 oz trimmed) ▢
  • 12 slices Bacon ▢
  • 1 tsp Olive oil ▢
  • 1/4 tsp Garlic salt ▢
  • 1/4 tsp Black pepper ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C). Place an oven-safe wire rack (either greased or non-stick) over a baking sheet. (I use a set like this .)
  2. Trim the woody ends of the asparagus. Drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with garlic salt and black pepper to taste. (You don’t need a lot of oil, just enough for the salt and pepper to stick.)
  3. Cut the bacon slices lengthwise to make narrower strips. Wrap each bacon strip tightly around an asparagus stalk, trying not to overlap the bacon on each stalk (it will shrink during cooking, creating a “striped” pattern). Place seam side down onto the wire rack.
  4. Bake for 10 minutes . Use tongs to turn over. Bake for another 5-10 minutes , until the bacon is almost crispy. Set the oven to broil, then place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to crisp up more.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 4 pieces

  • Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get crispy bacon and perfectly tender asparagus, notes on asparagus thicknesses, the right way to wrap the bacon, variations for extra flavor, and more.
  • Other ways to cook it: The oven method is my fave, but see my alternate cooking methods above if you want to use your grill, air fryer, or stovetop instead.
  • Store: Asparagus tastes best fresh, but you can keep leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I don’t recommend freezing this dish, because the asparagus gets mushy.
  • Meal prep: I often prep this ahead to cook later! You can wrap asparagus in bacon and refrigerate for a day or two before baking.
  • Reheat: My favorite way to reheat is the air fryer, but a quick broil in the oven works, too.

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Low Carb Holiday Cookbook and Keto Ebook Bundle !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Bacon wrapped asparagus recipe pin. - 11

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

  • Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
  • The Basic Keto Meal Formula
  • Understanding Macros
  • Keto Food Swaps
  • Keto Food List
  • Electrolyte Basics
  • Keto Diet Types
  • Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
  • Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Keto Cheat Sheet System - printable pdf's and ebooks - 12

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

  1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
  2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
  3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
  4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
  5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
  6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
  7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
  8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
  9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System + EBooks (Only $37)

The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Pick A ProteinPick A VeggieAdd Fat
Beef Chicken Pork Eggs Lamb Turkey Fish Shellfish Protein powder VenisonCauliflower Broccoli Zucchini Leafy Greens Cucumbers Brussels Sprouts Cabbage Asparagus Radishes Bell Peppers Jicama CeleryButter Avocado Oil Cheese Bacon Avocado Lard Ghee Mayo Nuts MCT Oil

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Instead Of This…Eat This
PancakesAlmond flour pancakes or coconut flour pancakes
OatmealKeto oatmeal with hemp seeds
Cinnamon rollsFathead cinnamon rolls
CerealKeto nut granola
MuffinsAlmond flour muffins or coconut flour muffins
DonutsAlmond flour donuts
SconesAlmond flour scones
High-sugar smoothiesSmoothie with berries or avocado
Hash brownsCauliflower hash browns
Breakfast casseroleBreakfast casserole with no potatoes
Egg whitesWhole eggs
Turkey baconBacon
WafflesChaffles
Keto food swaps - breakfast - 13

Keto Swaps For Bread

Instead Of This…Eat This
BagelsFathead bagels
English muffinAlmond flour English muffin
White breadKeto white bread
Multigrain breadCoconut flour bread with seeds
Tortillas for wrapsCoconut flour tortillas
Corn taco shellsCheddar cheese taco shells
Burger bunsOopsie rolls , portobello mushroom caps
BreadsticksCauliflower breadsticks
BiscuitsAlmond flour biscuits
CornbreadAlmond flour cornbread
CroutonsParmesan crisps
RiceCauliflower rice , konjac rice
Keto food swaps - bread and grains - 14

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Instead Of This…Eat This
Breaded wingsCrispy air fryer wings (unbreaded)
Low-fat meat & poultryHigh-fat cuts, or cook low-fat cuts with fat
Mashed potatoesMashed cauliflower
Roasted potatoesRoasted or fried radishes
TacosTaco salad
PizzaFathead crust , chicken crust , or cauliflower crust pizza
LasagnaEggplant lasagna
Potato saladCauliflower “potato” salad
French friesJicama , rutabaga , or zucchini fries
Tater totsCauliflower tots
WrapsLettuce wraps , almond flour tortillas
SushiNaruto-style or homemade rice-free sushi
Breaded chicken or fishBreaded cuts with almond flour or pork rinds
SpaghettiZoodles , spaghetti squash , shirataki noodles, kelp noodles
Keto food swaps - meals and sides - 15

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Instead Of This…Eat This
NachosCheese crisps
High-sugar fruitBerries & other keto fruits
CrackersAlmond flour crackers
HummusCauliflower hummus
Soft pretzelsFathead pretzels
PopcornPuffed cheese
Granola barsGrain-free granola bars
JamSugar-free berry chia jam
Sweet fruity yogurtFull-fat plain Greek yogurt with berries
Sweet salad dressingRanch , blue cheese , or plain vinaigrette
KetchupMustard and/or sugar-free ketchup
BBQ sauceSugar-free BBQ sauce
Sweetened peanut butterNatural, sugar-free nut butters
Light mayoAvocado oil mayo
Maple syrupSugar-free, maple flavored syrup
Potato chipsZucchini chips , pepperoni chips , pork rinds
Keto food swaps - snacks and sauces - 16

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Instead Of This…Eat This
SugarMonk fruit or allulose
Powdered sugarPowdered monk fruit or allulose
White flourAlmond or Coconut flour (use in tested recipes)
Making baked goods soft/chewyXanthan gum, flax seed meal, psyllium husk powder
BreadcrumbsPork rinds or almond flour
MargarineButter, coconut oil, or ghee
Vegetable oilOlive or avocado oil
BananasBanana extract
Chocolate chipsSugar-free chocolate chips
Cornstarch or flour rouxXanthan gum or gelatin powder (used at the end)
Simple syrupDissolve monk fruit allulose blend in water over heat
Keto food swaps - baking and cooking - 17

Keto Swaps For Drinks

Instead Of This…Eat This
LemonadeWater with lemon
SodaFlavored sparkling water
MilkAlmond milk, coconut milk, heavy cream
LatteButter coffee
Coffee creamerHeavy cream
Sweet wineDry wine
BeerUltra light beer
Mixed drinksHard liquor with soda + lemon

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto food swaps - drinks - 18

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Keto foods to eat and avoid summary - 19

Foods To Eat On Keto

  • Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
  • Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
  • Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
  • Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
  • Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
  • Avocados
  • Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
  • Almond flour and coconut flour
  • Eggs
  • Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

  • White flour & sugar
  • Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
  • Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
  • Cereal
  • Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
  • Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
  • Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
  • Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
  • Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
  • Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

Keto Cheat Sheet System - printable pdf's and ebooks - 20

Get The Keto Cheat Sheet System PDF (Only $37)

Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

SodiumMagnesiumPotassium
Bone broth Boullion cubes Bacon Salted nuts PicklesSeaweed Seeds Nuts Avocado Leafy greensPotassium chloride Avocado Bone broth Spinach Broccoli Mushrooms Beef Pork

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

  • Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
  • Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
  • Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
  • Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

  1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
  2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
  3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
  4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
  5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
  6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
  7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
  8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
  9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.
Keto Cheat Sheet System - printable pdf's and ebooks - 21

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

Bacon Wrapped Asparagus (Super Crispy)

Bacon wrapped asparagus close up. - 22

My bacon wrapped asparagus recipe in the oven includes tips to make it extra crispy without overcooking the veggies. It’s quick and easy!

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/recipes/crispy-bacon-wrapped-asparagus/

Bacon Wrapped Asparagus - 23 Bacon Wrapped Asparagus - 24 Bacon Wrapped Asparagus - 25 Bacon Wrapped Asparagus - 26

Ingredients

  • 24 stalks Asparagus (~10 oz trimmed)
  • 12 slices Bacon
  • 1 tsp Olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp Garlic salt
  • 1/4 tsp Black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C). Place an oven-safe wire rack (either greased or non-stick) over a baking sheet. (I use a set like this .)
  2. Trim the woody ends of the asparagus. Drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with garlic salt and black pepper to taste. (You don’t need a lot of oil, just enough for the salt and pepper to stick.)
  3. Cut the bacon slices lengthwise to make narrower strips. Wrap each bacon strip tightly around an asparagus stalk, trying not to overlap the bacon on each stalk (it will shrink during cooking, creating a “striped” pattern). Place seam side down onto the wire rack.
  4. Bake for 10 minutes . Use tongs to turn over. Bake for another 5-10 minutes , until the bacon is almost crispy. Set the oven to broil, then place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to crisp up more.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 4 pieces

  • Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get crispy bacon and perfectly tender asparagus, notes on asparagus thicknesses, the right way to wrap the bacon, variations for extra flavor, and more.
  • Other ways to cook it: The oven method is my fave, but see my alternate cooking methods above if you want to use your grill, air fryer, or stovetop instead.
  • Store: Asparagus tastes best fresh, but you can keep leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I don’t recommend freezing this dish, because the asparagus gets mushy.
  • Meal prep: I often prep this ahead to cook later! You can wrap asparagus in bacon and refrigerate for a day or two before baking.
  • Reheat: My favorite way to reheat is the air fryer, but a quick broil in the oven works, too.

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Low Carb Holiday Cookbook and Keto Ebook Bundle !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)

FREE 5-Ingredient Recipe EBook

  • Why You Need My Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Recipe
  • Ingredients & Substitutions
  • How To Cook Bacon Wrapped Asparagus In The Oven
  • My Recipe Tips
  • Alternate Cooking Methods
  • More Bacon Wrapped Recipes
  • Bacon Wrapped Asparagus (Super Crispy) Recipe card
  • Recipe Reviews

I’ve been making bacon wrapped asparagus for nearly a decade, and it’s still one of my favorite ways to enjoy this spring veggie. With tender roasted asparagus and ultra crispy (yes, actually crispy!) bacon, this is the perfect balance of nutrients and comfort. I make it every year when asparagus season hits — and even sneak it in when it’s out of season, because I just love this recipe so much. Make it with me!

Why You Need My Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Recipe

Maya in the kitchen. - 27
  • Tender asparagus wrapped in bacon that’s actually crispy – With other bacon wrapped asparagus recipes, I’ve noticed that oftentimes the veggies are soft before the bacon has the chance to crisp up. Where I think my version really shines is the crispy bacon without ruining the asparagus — just follow my tips !
  • Super easy to make – You need just a few ingredients, and I think wrapping the asparagus in bacon is pretty relaxing.
  • So many ways to enjoy it – This recipe works as a healthy side dish , as an appetizer , or even for a fun snack . And it’s great to prep ahead when I’m having people over!
Maya's signature. - 28 Crispy, tender asparagus wrapped in bacon. - 29

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my bacon wrapped asparagus recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

  • Asparagus – Medium to thick spears work best here, as they are less prone to overcooking by the time the bacon is done. I usually make sauteed asparagus if I have thin spears, but have a tip below to make them work with this recipe, too.
  • Bacon – I like this clean-ingredient brand . Avoid thick cut bacon, which will take too long to get crispy. You could also swap in prosciutto, like I do for my prosciutto wrapped asparagus .
  • Oil – Just a teaspoon to help the seasonings stick. I used this mild olive oil , but extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil also works.
  • Seasonings – Garlic salt (or just mix garlic powder and salt separately) and black pepper.
Labeled ingredients: asparagus, bacon, garlic salt, olive oil, and pepper.  - 30

How To Cook Bacon Wrapped Asparagus In The Oven

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

  1. Prep your asparagus and bacon. Trim the tough ends of asparagus, and cut bacon lengthwise into narrower strips. I usually just line up the spears and chop in a single go, but for the perfect spot to remove, you can bend each stalk and it’ll snap at the natural point where it starts to get woody.
  2. Season the spears. Drizzle them with olive oil, and season with garlic salt and black pepper. You can do this right on your baking sheet or in a large bowl.
  3. Wrap asparagus with bacon. Grab a stalk and wrap a narrow bacon piece tightly around it. Place it seam side down on a wire rack over a rimmed baking sheet . Repeat with all the asparagus and bacon. See my tips below for my notes about wrapping multiple spears.
Trimmed asparagus next to slices of bacon that were cut in half lengthwise. - 31 Asparagus wrapped in bacon on a rack over a sheet pan, before baking. - 32
  1. Bake, then broil. Pop the bacon wrapped asparagus in the oven and bake, flipping halfway though, until bacon is nearly crispy. Place under the broiler to crisp up more at the end.
Finished bacon wrapped asparagus recipe on the rack. - 33 My Recipe Tips - 34

My Recipe Tips

  • Go light on the salt and oil. The bacon is already salty and has plenty of fat, so you only need a tiny bit of oil for the spices to stick — and less salt than you’d normally use.
  • Avoid stretching or overlapping the bacon. Stretching can cause it to unravel as it cooks, and overlapping will leave it less crispy. I try to line up the edges side by side — they create the pretty pinstripe pattern (like my pictures here) as they shrink during cooking. This allows for more air flow, which is what you want for extra crispiness!
  • Do you have to use a wire rack? No, but I recommend it if you want the crispiest results! It prevents the bacon wrapped asparagus from sitting in the bacon grease or touching the hot pan, so it cooks more evenly and gets more crispy. I use this set and it’s the best! I actually have it in several sizes, and for my pictures above I used 2 pans of the jelly roll size. It’s also awesome for other crispy foods, like oven baked bacon by itself or coconut shrimp .
  • Don’t crowd the pan. Make sure there is space between all the pieces. Again, it’s about that air flow!
  • Cook time can vary, so double check a little early. It mainly depends on the thickness of your asparagus. You also want to remove a little early to account for the high-heat blast of the broiler at the end.
  • If you have a convection oven, this is a great time to use it. It will crisp up your bacon better! You’ll need to turn the asparagus sooner, around 5-7 minutes, and check on it 5-8 minutes later. (It should take 11-15 minutes total with the convection setting, before the broiling step.)
  • Watch closely when broiling. The bacon can go from crisp to burned super fast!
  • Have very thin asparagus spears? I generally recommend medium or thick ones here, because thin ones will overcook, but I found a trick if you’ve got thin ones! Just fry the bacon for a few minutes first, so it renders some of its fat but is still pliable. Then proceed with my bacon wrapped asparagus recipe using the partially cooked bacon, and you can get away with a shorter bake time to avoid limp stalks.
  • Prefer bacon wrapped asparagus bundles? I like to wrap asparagus in bacon individually, it’s easier to eat as an appetizer and you get more bacon in every bite — and the bundles just fall apart when you try to eat them. But if you want a faster method, you can wrap 4-6 spears at a time instead.
  • Want extra flavor? Sometimes I brush maple syrup over the bacon or sprinkle on parmesan cheese before baking. A drizzle of balsamic glaze or honey (I use sugar-free honey ) at the end is nice, too.
  • Eat it right away. The asparagus and bacon will both soften when they cool.
Bacon wrapped asparagus piled on a platter. - 35

Alternate Cooking Methods

I prefer to cook bacon wrapped asparagus in the oven, because it’s hands-off and can make a big batch, but have also cooked it in other ways:

  • Grill – Grilled asparagus usually takes only a few minutes (I do 2-4 minutes at medium-high heat), but I find it takes longer for the bacon to crisp up. You can just watch until it gets crispy. If you want to ensure your asparagus stays crisp-tender, you may want to grill the bacon on its own for a couple minutes to render some fat before wrapping.
  • Air Fryer – My favorite method for a smaller batch, because it’s a pro at crisping up food! Just season and roll asparagus in bacon, then follow the timing in my air fryer asparagus recipe .
  • Stovetop – I don’t like this method because it’s more fuss, but you can cook bacon wrapped asparagus on the stove. Just cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, until the bacon crisps up.

More Bacon Wrapped Recipes

So many foods are better wrapped in bacon, and I’ve got lots of recipes like this! Try one of my others next:

Recipe Video

YouTube video - 36

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

  • 24 stalks Asparagus (~10 oz trimmed) ▢
  • 12 slices Bacon ▢
  • 1 tsp Olive oil ▢
  • 1/4 tsp Garlic salt ▢
  • 1/4 tsp Black pepper ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C). Place an oven-safe wire rack (either greased or non-stick) over a baking sheet. (I use a set like this .)
  2. Trim the woody ends of the asparagus. Drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with garlic salt and black pepper to taste. (You don’t need a lot of oil, just enough for the salt and pepper to stick.)
  3. Cut the bacon slices lengthwise to make narrower strips. Wrap each bacon strip tightly around an asparagus stalk, trying not to overlap the bacon on each stalk (it will shrink during cooking, creating a “striped” pattern). Place seam side down onto the wire rack.
  4. Bake for 10 minutes . Use tongs to turn over. Bake for another 5-10 minutes , until the bacon is almost crispy. Set the oven to broil, then place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to crisp up more.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 4 pieces

  • Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get crispy bacon and perfectly tender asparagus, notes on asparagus thicknesses, the right way to wrap the bacon, variations for extra flavor, and more.
  • Other ways to cook it: The oven method is my fave, but see my alternate cooking methods above if you want to use your grill, air fryer, or stovetop instead.
  • Store: Asparagus tastes best fresh, but you can keep leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I don’t recommend freezing this dish, because the asparagus gets mushy.
  • Meal prep: I often prep this ahead to cook later! You can wrap asparagus in bacon and refrigerate for a day or two before baking.
  • Reheat: My favorite way to reheat is the air fryer, but a quick broil in the oven works, too.

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Low Carb Holiday Cookbook and Keto Ebook Bundle !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Bacon wrapped asparagus recipe pin. - 37

FREE 5-Ingredient Recipe EBook

  • Why You Need My Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Recipe
  • Ingredients & Substitutions
  • How To Cook Bacon Wrapped Asparagus In The Oven
  • My Recipe Tips
  • Alternate Cooking Methods
  • More Bacon Wrapped Recipes
  • Bacon Wrapped Asparagus (Super Crispy) Recipe card
  • Recipe Reviews

I’ve been making bacon wrapped asparagus for nearly a decade, and it’s still one of my favorite ways to enjoy this spring veggie. With tender roasted asparagus and ultra crispy (yes, actually crispy!) bacon, this is the perfect balance of nutrients and comfort. I make it every year when asparagus season hits — and even sneak it in when it’s out of season, because I just love this recipe so much. Make it with me!

Why You Need My Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Recipe

Maya in the kitchen. - 38
  • Tender asparagus wrapped in bacon that’s actually crispy – With other bacon wrapped asparagus recipes, I’ve noticed that oftentimes the veggies are soft before the bacon has the chance to crisp up. Where I think my version really shines is the crispy bacon without ruining the asparagus — just follow my tips !
  • Super easy to make – You need just a few ingredients, and I think wrapping the asparagus in bacon is pretty relaxing.
  • So many ways to enjoy it – This recipe works as a healthy side dish , as an appetizer , or even for a fun snack . And it’s great to prep ahead when I’m having people over!
Maya's signature. - 39 Crispy, tender asparagus wrapped in bacon. - 40

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my bacon wrapped asparagus recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

  • Asparagus – Medium to thick spears work best here, as they are less prone to overcooking by the time the bacon is done. I usually make sauteed asparagus if I have thin spears, but have a tip below to make them work with this recipe, too.
  • Bacon – I like this clean-ingredient brand . Avoid thick cut bacon, which will take too long to get crispy. You could also swap in prosciutto, like I do for my prosciutto wrapped asparagus .
  • Oil – Just a teaspoon to help the seasonings stick. I used this mild olive oil , but extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil also works.
  • Seasonings – Garlic salt (or just mix garlic powder and salt separately) and black pepper.
Labeled ingredients: asparagus, bacon, garlic salt, olive oil, and pepper.  - 41

How To Cook Bacon Wrapped Asparagus In The Oven

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

  1. Prep your asparagus and bacon. Trim the tough ends of asparagus, and cut bacon lengthwise into narrower strips. I usually just line up the spears and chop in a single go, but for the perfect spot to remove, you can bend each stalk and it’ll snap at the natural point where it starts to get woody.
  2. Season the spears. Drizzle them with olive oil, and season with garlic salt and black pepper. You can do this right on your baking sheet or in a large bowl.
  3. Wrap asparagus with bacon. Grab a stalk and wrap a narrow bacon piece tightly around it. Place it seam side down on a wire rack over a rimmed baking sheet . Repeat with all the asparagus and bacon. See my tips below for my notes about wrapping multiple spears.
Trimmed asparagus next to slices of bacon that were cut in half lengthwise. - 42 Asparagus wrapped in bacon on a rack over a sheet pan, before baking. - 43
  1. Bake, then broil. Pop the bacon wrapped asparagus in the oven and bake, flipping halfway though, until bacon is nearly crispy. Place under the broiler to crisp up more at the end.
Finished bacon wrapped asparagus recipe on the rack. - 44 My Recipe Tips - 45

My Recipe Tips

  • Go light on the salt and oil. The bacon is already salty and has plenty of fat, so you only need a tiny bit of oil for the spices to stick — and less salt than you’d normally use.
  • Avoid stretching or overlapping the bacon. Stretching can cause it to unravel as it cooks, and overlapping will leave it less crispy. I try to line up the edges side by side — they create the pretty pinstripe pattern (like my pictures here) as they shrink during cooking. This allows for more air flow, which is what you want for extra crispiness!
  • Do you have to use a wire rack? No, but I recommend it if you want the crispiest results! It prevents the bacon wrapped asparagus from sitting in the bacon grease or touching the hot pan, so it cooks more evenly and gets more crispy. I use this set and it’s the best! I actually have it in several sizes, and for my pictures above I used 2 pans of the jelly roll size. It’s also awesome for other crispy foods, like oven baked bacon by itself or coconut shrimp .
  • Don’t crowd the pan. Make sure there is space between all the pieces. Again, it’s about that air flow!
  • Cook time can vary, so double check a little early. It mainly depends on the thickness of your asparagus. You also want to remove a little early to account for the high-heat blast of the broiler at the end.
  • If you have a convection oven, this is a great time to use it. It will crisp up your bacon better! You’ll need to turn the asparagus sooner, around 5-7 minutes, and check on it 5-8 minutes later. (It should take 11-15 minutes total with the convection setting, before the broiling step.)
  • Watch closely when broiling. The bacon can go from crisp to burned super fast!
  • Have very thin asparagus spears? I generally recommend medium or thick ones here, because thin ones will overcook, but I found a trick if you’ve got thin ones! Just fry the bacon for a few minutes first, so it renders some of its fat but is still pliable. Then proceed with my bacon wrapped asparagus recipe using the partially cooked bacon, and you can get away with a shorter bake time to avoid limp stalks.
  • Prefer bacon wrapped asparagus bundles? I like to wrap asparagus in bacon individually, it’s easier to eat as an appetizer and you get more bacon in every bite — and the bundles just fall apart when you try to eat them. But if you want a faster method, you can wrap 4-6 spears at a time instead.
  • Want extra flavor? Sometimes I brush maple syrup over the bacon or sprinkle on parmesan cheese before baking. A drizzle of balsamic glaze or honey (I use sugar-free honey ) at the end is nice, too.
  • Eat it right away. The asparagus and bacon will both soften when they cool.
Bacon wrapped asparagus piled on a platter. - 46

Alternate Cooking Methods

I prefer to cook bacon wrapped asparagus in the oven, because it’s hands-off and can make a big batch, but have also cooked it in other ways:

  • Grill – Grilled asparagus usually takes only a few minutes (I do 2-4 minutes at medium-high heat), but I find it takes longer for the bacon to crisp up. You can just watch until it gets crispy. If you want to ensure your asparagus stays crisp-tender, you may want to grill the bacon on its own for a couple minutes to render some fat before wrapping.
  • Air Fryer – My favorite method for a smaller batch, because it’s a pro at crisping up food! Just season and roll asparagus in bacon, then follow the timing in my air fryer asparagus recipe .
  • Stovetop – I don’t like this method because it’s more fuss, but you can cook bacon wrapped asparagus on the stove. Just cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, until the bacon crisps up.

More Bacon Wrapped Recipes

So many foods are better wrapped in bacon, and I’ve got lots of recipes like this! Try one of my others next:

Recipe Video

YouTube video - 47

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

  • 24 stalks Asparagus (~10 oz trimmed) ▢
  • 12 slices Bacon ▢
  • 1 tsp Olive oil ▢
  • 1/4 tsp Garlic salt ▢
  • 1/4 tsp Black pepper ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C). Place an oven-safe wire rack (either greased or non-stick) over a baking sheet. (I use a set like this .)
  2. Trim the woody ends of the asparagus. Drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with garlic salt and black pepper to taste. (You don’t need a lot of oil, just enough for the salt and pepper to stick.)
  3. Cut the bacon slices lengthwise to make narrower strips. Wrap each bacon strip tightly around an asparagus stalk, trying not to overlap the bacon on each stalk (it will shrink during cooking, creating a “striped” pattern). Place seam side down onto the wire rack.
  4. Bake for 10 minutes . Use tongs to turn over. Bake for another 5-10 minutes , until the bacon is almost crispy. Set the oven to broil, then place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to crisp up more.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 4 pieces

  • Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get crispy bacon and perfectly tender asparagus, notes on asparagus thicknesses, the right way to wrap the bacon, variations for extra flavor, and more.
  • Other ways to cook it: The oven method is my fave, but see my alternate cooking methods above if you want to use your grill, air fryer, or stovetop instead.
  • Store: Asparagus tastes best fresh, but you can keep leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I don’t recommend freezing this dish, because the asparagus gets mushy.
  • Meal prep: I often prep this ahead to cook later! You can wrap asparagus in bacon and refrigerate for a day or two before baking.
  • Reheat: My favorite way to reheat is the air fryer, but a quick broil in the oven works, too.

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Low Carb Holiday Cookbook and Keto Ebook Bundle !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Bacon wrapped asparagus recipe pin. - 48

FREE 5-Ingredient Recipe EBook

  • Why You Need My Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Recipe
  • Ingredients & Substitutions
  • How To Cook Bacon Wrapped Asparagus In The Oven
  • My Recipe Tips
  • Alternate Cooking Methods
  • More Bacon Wrapped Recipes
  • Bacon Wrapped Asparagus (Super Crispy) Recipe card
  • Recipe Reviews

I’ve been making bacon wrapped asparagus for nearly a decade, and it’s still one of my favorite ways to enjoy this spring veggie. With tender roasted asparagus and ultra crispy (yes, actually crispy!) bacon, this is the perfect balance of nutrients and comfort. I make it every year when asparagus season hits — and even sneak it in when it’s out of season, because I just love this recipe so much. Make it with me!

Why You Need My Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Recipe

Maya in the kitchen. - 49
  • Tender asparagus wrapped in bacon that’s actually crispy – With other bacon wrapped asparagus recipes, I’ve noticed that oftentimes the veggies are soft before the bacon has the chance to crisp up. Where I think my version really shines is the crispy bacon without ruining the asparagus — just follow my tips !
  • Super easy to make – You need just a few ingredients, and I think wrapping the asparagus in bacon is pretty relaxing.
  • So many ways to enjoy it – This recipe works as a healthy side dish , as an appetizer , or even for a fun snack . And it’s great to prep ahead when I’m having people over!
Maya's signature. - 50 Crispy, tender asparagus wrapped in bacon. - 51

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my bacon wrapped asparagus recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

  • Asparagus – Medium to thick spears work best here, as they are less prone to overcooking by the time the bacon is done. I usually make sauteed asparagus if I have thin spears, but have a tip below to make them work with this recipe, too.
  • Bacon – I like this clean-ingredient brand . Avoid thick cut bacon, which will take too long to get crispy. You could also swap in prosciutto, like I do for my prosciutto wrapped asparagus .
  • Oil – Just a teaspoon to help the seasonings stick. I used this mild olive oil , but extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil also works.
  • Seasonings – Garlic salt (or just mix garlic powder and salt separately) and black pepper.
Labeled ingredients: asparagus, bacon, garlic salt, olive oil, and pepper.  - 52

How To Cook Bacon Wrapped Asparagus In The Oven

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

  1. Prep your asparagus and bacon. Trim the tough ends of asparagus, and cut bacon lengthwise into narrower strips. I usually just line up the spears and chop in a single go, but for the perfect spot to remove, you can bend each stalk and it’ll snap at the natural point where it starts to get woody.
  2. Season the spears. Drizzle them with olive oil, and season with garlic salt and black pepper. You can do this right on your baking sheet or in a large bowl.
  3. Wrap asparagus with bacon. Grab a stalk and wrap a narrow bacon piece tightly around it. Place it seam side down on a wire rack over a rimmed baking sheet . Repeat with all the asparagus and bacon. See my tips below for my notes about wrapping multiple spears.
Trimmed asparagus next to slices of bacon that were cut in half lengthwise. - 53 Asparagus wrapped in bacon on a rack over a sheet pan, before baking. - 54
  1. Bake, then broil. Pop the bacon wrapped asparagus in the oven and bake, flipping halfway though, until bacon is nearly crispy. Place under the broiler to crisp up more at the end.
Finished bacon wrapped asparagus recipe on the rack. - 55 My Recipe Tips - 56

My Recipe Tips

  • Go light on the salt and oil. The bacon is already salty and has plenty of fat, so you only need a tiny bit of oil for the spices to stick — and less salt than you’d normally use.
  • Avoid stretching or overlapping the bacon. Stretching can cause it to unravel as it cooks, and overlapping will leave it less crispy. I try to line up the edges side by side — they create the pretty pinstripe pattern (like my pictures here) as they shrink during cooking. This allows for more air flow, which is what you want for extra crispiness!
  • Do you have to use a wire rack? No, but I recommend it if you want the crispiest results! It prevents the bacon wrapped asparagus from sitting in the bacon grease or touching the hot pan, so it cooks more evenly and gets more crispy. I use this set and it’s the best! I actually have it in several sizes, and for my pictures above I used 2 pans of the jelly roll size. It’s also awesome for other crispy foods, like oven baked bacon by itself or coconut shrimp .
  • Don’t crowd the pan. Make sure there is space between all the pieces. Again, it’s about that air flow!
  • Cook time can vary, so double check a little early. It mainly depends on the thickness of your asparagus. You also want to remove a little early to account for the high-heat blast of the broiler at the end.
  • If you have a convection oven, this is a great time to use it. It will crisp up your bacon better! You’ll need to turn the asparagus sooner, around 5-7 minutes, and check on it 5-8 minutes later. (It should take 11-15 minutes total with the convection setting, before the broiling step.)
  • Watch closely when broiling. The bacon can go from crisp to burned super fast!
  • Have very thin asparagus spears? I generally recommend medium or thick ones here, because thin ones will overcook, but I found a trick if you’ve got thin ones! Just fry the bacon for a few minutes first, so it renders some of its fat but is still pliable. Then proceed with my bacon wrapped asparagus recipe using the partially cooked bacon, and you can get away with a shorter bake time to avoid limp stalks.
  • Prefer bacon wrapped asparagus bundles? I like to wrap asparagus in bacon individually, it’s easier to eat as an appetizer and you get more bacon in every bite — and the bundles just fall apart when you try to eat them. But if you want a faster method, you can wrap 4-6 spears at a time instead.
  • Want extra flavor? Sometimes I brush maple syrup over the bacon or sprinkle on parmesan cheese before baking. A drizzle of balsamic glaze or honey (I use sugar-free honey ) at the end is nice, too.
  • Eat it right away. The asparagus and bacon will both soften when they cool.
Bacon wrapped asparagus piled on a platter. - 57

Alternate Cooking Methods

I prefer to cook bacon wrapped asparagus in the oven, because it’s hands-off and can make a big batch, but have also cooked it in other ways:

  • Grill – Grilled asparagus usually takes only a few minutes (I do 2-4 minutes at medium-high heat), but I find it takes longer for the bacon to crisp up. You can just watch until it gets crispy. If you want to ensure your asparagus stays crisp-tender, you may want to grill the bacon on its own for a couple minutes to render some fat before wrapping.
  • Air Fryer – My favorite method for a smaller batch, because it’s a pro at crisping up food! Just season and roll asparagus in bacon, then follow the timing in my air fryer asparagus recipe .
  • Stovetop – I don’t like this method because it’s more fuss, but you can cook bacon wrapped asparagus on the stove. Just cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, until the bacon crisps up.

More Bacon Wrapped Recipes

So many foods are better wrapped in bacon, and I’ve got lots of recipes like this! Try one of my others next:

Recipe Video

YouTube video - 58

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

  • 24 stalks Asparagus (~10 oz trimmed) ▢
  • 12 slices Bacon ▢
  • 1 tsp Olive oil ▢
  • 1/4 tsp Garlic salt ▢
  • 1/4 tsp Black pepper ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C). Place an oven-safe wire rack (either greased or non-stick) over a baking sheet. (I use a set like this .)
  2. Trim the woody ends of the asparagus. Drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with garlic salt and black pepper to taste. (You don’t need a lot of oil, just enough for the salt and pepper to stick.)
  3. Cut the bacon slices lengthwise to make narrower strips. Wrap each bacon strip tightly around an asparagus stalk, trying not to overlap the bacon on each stalk (it will shrink during cooking, creating a “striped” pattern). Place seam side down onto the wire rack.
  4. Bake for 10 minutes . Use tongs to turn over. Bake for another 5-10 minutes , until the bacon is almost crispy. Set the oven to broil, then place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to crisp up more.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 4 pieces

  • Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get crispy bacon and perfectly tender asparagus, notes on asparagus thicknesses, the right way to wrap the bacon, variations for extra flavor, and more.
  • Other ways to cook it: The oven method is my fave, but see my alternate cooking methods above if you want to use your grill, air fryer, or stovetop instead.
  • Store: Asparagus tastes best fresh, but you can keep leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I don’t recommend freezing this dish, because the asparagus gets mushy.
  • Meal prep: I often prep this ahead to cook later! You can wrap asparagus in bacon and refrigerate for a day or two before baking.
  • Reheat: My favorite way to reheat is the air fryer, but a quick broil in the oven works, too.

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Low Carb Holiday Cookbook and Keto Ebook Bundle !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Bacon wrapped asparagus recipe pin. - 59