Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Easy Bacon Wrapped Asparagus or Prosciutto is keto, with or without brown sugar, this oven baked, broiled or grilled asparagus wrapped in bacon is the best!

Asparagus Wrapped in Bacon

I’m passionate about food. It’s cathartic and nourishes the soul. Sharing what I cook is a joy and I hope you find these recipes pleasurable and rewarding.  

You may not be an asparagus fan and I get it. Depending on how you cook it, asparagus can taste ho-hum. But when you add bacon to the equation, the lack of flavor problem is solved.

There’s nothing like bacon. 

Asparagus is the super star of spring vegetables and one recipe I have been making for a long time is asparagus wrapped in bacon.  

One day, I suddenly realized that I hadn’t posted our bacon wrapped asparagus in the oven recipe on the site. Honestly, I thought I had.

There are certain things to consider when baking this bacon wrapped asparagus:

• Thickness of the bacon
• Rimmed baking sheet
• Rack position
• Oven temperature

These have an impact on how well this bacon wrapped asparagus in the oven turns out.

Making Asparagus Wrapped in Bacon is as easy as 1-2-3. Wash the spears, wrap each one with bacon, throw them in the oven and Bob’s your Uncle!  

The biggest challenge in making this asparagus wrapped in bacon recipe is the asparagus cooks much quicker than the bacon, leaving you with partially undercooked, chewy bacon on the bottom.

I can’t stand the taste and texture of undercooked bacon. It gives me the shivers just thinking about it.

One method of overcoming this is by heating a mixture of butter, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic salt, pepper and basting it on top of the bacon-covered asparagus while it cooks.

So good.

Not only does the bacon cook evenly around the asparagus, it tastes amazing! This takes a little more effort, but it’s definitely worth it! 

It was difficult getting my son, Patrick to eat asparagus when he was young. He loved bacon and I thought for sure he would eat it wrapped around asparagus.

One time, Ken and I caught him with his hands under the table trying to pry the bacon off the asparagus.

He never got the chance to eat it because Billie, my dog, grabbed the whole thing from his hands like lightning and gobbled it up. 

It took some convincing, but we got Patrick to try it as I explained the asparagus is completely soaked in the bacon juice. 

After I said it I remembered thinking bacon juice? That’s the best you could come up with? Luckily, it worked.

Ken and I were astonished when he said he liked it and actually asked for more!

I still can’t believe it but a win is a win.

Since then, bacon wrapped asparagus in the oven or on our grill has become such a family favorite.

I make this asparagus wrapped in bacon dish no matter what time of year it is.

Every time I make it, the responses I get are smiles and thumbs up. That’s very gratifying. 

My grandmother, being the wise woman she was, taught me to save the unused bacon fat.

It’s the gold standard of animal fat because the smokiness of the bacon flavor can be repurposed to make other recipes taste amazing. Does anyone else still do that? 

I can’t be the only one.

Broiled Asparagus with Bacon 

Broiled asparagus with bacon is quick and easy. I have to admit though, after several attempts at broiling it I stopped trying.

I had better results when I baked it at a lower temperature and broiled the bacon afterwards.

If you are interested in trying to make broiled asparagus with bacon I have included the recipe below. If you find success with it and are happy with the results please let me know how you did it.

As always, I would be grateful.

When broiling asparagus with bacon, you must cover the asparagus tips with tin foil. Ensure the oven rack is no higher than one slot above the middle or about 5-6 inches below the broiler.

Cut the bacon in half lengthwise and wrap it tightly around the asparagus.

Broiled asparagus with bacon should be done within 5-7 minutes.

Check often to avoid burning.

That was always my problem with broiled bacon wrapped asparagus. I always took the time to wrap tinfoil around the ends. The problem was the bacon was never cooked enough to our liking.

Without the time in the oven before broiling I couldn’t get results I was happy with.

If you’re able to get this broiled bacon wrapped asparagus recipe to work and work well, please let me know. I would really be grateful to hear.

Keto Bacon Wrapped Asparagus 

For those on a Keto diet, this Keto Bacon Wrapped Asparagus is the perfect blend of low carb and high fat protein.

Whole30 friendly and suitable for those on the Paleo diet, this guilt-free dish is one to truly savor.

Keto Bacon Wrapped Asparagus can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Easily reheated as a snack or a meal, depending on how many you eat!

When you’re ready to bake, arrange the bundles side-by-side on a rimmed baking sheet.

Bake at 400 degrees for 22 to 28 minutes.

The cooking time of these keto bacon wrapped asparagus spears will vary depending on the thickness of the bacon and how tightly-wrapped the bacon is around the spears. 

Asparagus with Bacon and Parmesan 

On occasion, as soon as the bacon wrapped asparagus is cooked, we sprinkle parmesan cheese all over it. The parmesan sticks to the bacon and adds a slightly different yet incredible flavor.

We have also sprinkled parmesan cheese all over the inside of each slice of bacon, pressed the cheese into the slice and then wrapped up the asparagus or asparagus bundle nice and tight.

Both methods taste great and I am curious to hear which version you prefer. We can’t agree in this house which version tastes better.

We enjoy them both.

Afterall, who doesn’t enjoy cheese? Making asparagus with bacon and parmesan cheese is definitely worth a try.

Just remember to sprinkle your parmesan cheese on immediately after you remove your asparagus wrapped in bacon from your oven or grill so it’s totally hot.

I always have the parmesan cheese ready to go so I don’t waste any time! I hope you give asparagus with bacon and parmesan a try. At least once.

Adding parmesan cheese still keeps these bacon wrapped asparagus treats keto too!

Grilled Asparagus with Bacon

First, whenever grilling, we recommend brushing and cleaning your grates first. Then, using tongs, grip a wad of paper towel that is dipped in oil and wipe on all of your grates.

Turn your barbecue up to high and leave it on high for 15 minutes with the lid closed so your barbecue will be hot.

Next, when making grilled asparagus with bacon, there are two ways to coat your asparagus in oil:

Option 1

• Place cleaned and trimmed asparagus into a large bowl or large resealable bag. (Personally, I find it easier to use a resealable bag).
• Pour in a few tablespoons of olive oil and toss until all of the asparagus is well-coated.

Option 2

• Place asparagus on parchment paper and coat with cooking spray.
• Turn over and spray again.
• To make it easier, spray cooking spray all over the parchment and roll the spears around until they are all coated. Move the asparagus around with your fingers or pick up both ends of the parchment paper and move it back and forth.

Prepare Bacon

Par-cook bacon until pliable and flexible (do not overcook).

Microwave

Place desired amount of bacon on a microwave-safe plate lined with 3-4 sheets of paper towel for 2 minutes (check every 30 seconds until par-cooked to your satisfaction).

Timing will depend again on the thickness of the bacon and how many slices you’re microwaving. If you only need a couple of half-cooked slices, less time will be required than if you need 25 pieces. So use your judge accordingly and check the bacon often to ensure desired texture. 

Oven

Advantages to par-cooking in the oven:

• Bacon stays flat and doesn’t curl.
• It doesn’t splatter or make a mess.
• You can cook a whole package of bacon at once.
• Once cooled, leftovers can be placed in a sealable plastic bag lined with paper towel and can be refrigerated or frozen for another recipe.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line rimmed baking sheet with tin foil. Bake approximately 10 minutes. 

Skillet

Par-cooking bacon in a skillet requires your constant attention. Make sure you cook it on low to medium heat. 

Allow bacon to cool enough to handle.

Grilling Asparagus with Bacon 

1. Preheat grill to medium heat (400 degrees)
2. At your workstation, lay out a strip of bacon.
3. Place coated asparagus spears on top of the bacon slice.
4. Secure the bacon end near the asparagus end with a toothpick.
5. Tightly wrap your asparagus up with each slice and secure remaining bacon end with another toothpick.
6. Wrap between 2 to 4 spears of asparagus with each slice of bacon. If asparagus is on the thinner side, wrap 4 spears in a bundle.
7. If using thicker asparagus, wrap a bacon slice around each spear.
8. Toothpicks are a lifesaver when flipping asparagus spears or bundles on the grill as bacon shrinks as it cooks and the toothpicks holds the bacon slices in place. You will be glad you took the time to do it.
9. Cover asparagus tips with small pieces of tin foil. It’s possible to wrap up more than one tip in each piece of foil. Adding tin foil will protect tips from burning while the bacon cooks.
10. Remove the tin foil for the last few minutes of cooking if you wish. (I rarely do).
11. Place asparagus bundles on oiled grate. Cover, if at all possible.
12. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes per side or until bacon is crisp and asparagus tender.
13. Remove tin foil, discard toothpicks and serve immediately.

Adapted from Taste of Home

Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus

Prosciutto is a thinly-sliced Italian ham. It differs from bacon because it’s cured, rather than smoked. 

If you have never tried prosciutto, I urge you to put it on your bucket list. This is also the perfect recipe for you to make to cross it off your bucket list too! ?

Prosciutto cooks faster than bacon and is terrific wrapped around asparagus. This is the perfect recipe for you to try Italian bacon or prosciutto.

Compared to bacon, prosciutto is softer, tender and almost melts away in your mouth.

Wash fresh asparagus and pat dry with paper towel or a clean dish towel.

Snap off the woody or non-green ends of the asparagus and discard or reserve for soup.  

Some prefer prosciutto cooked crispy and others would rather wrap a soft slice around a cooled, steamed, boiled or roasted asparagus spear. Both so different, but delightfully delicious.

If this is your first time trying prosciutto I hope you will try eating your wrapped asparagus in a variety of ways.

Just to see which is your favorite or which end result you prefer.

Whether you serve it as an appetizer or as a side dish, prosciutto wrapped asparagus will most definitely please the senses.

Soft Prosciutto

• Choose preferred method to cook asparagus. (I usually roast mine in the oven).
• Allow cooked asparagus to cool down completely.
• Wrap each asparagus spear with 1 piece of prosciutto, leaving both asparagus ends exposed.
• If prosciutto slices are thick, cut the slice in half lengthwise.
• Serve cool or at room temperature. Enjoy!

Asparagus Wrapped with Prosciutto 

Crispy Broiled Prosciutto

• Trim as many fresh asparagus spears as you wish and ensure one slice of prosciutto for each.
• Use cooking spray on a rimmed baking sheet with a rack. 
• Cover asparagus ends with tinfoil so they don’t burn.
• Broil Prosciutto-wrapped asparagus spears for 2-3 minutes per side until prosciutto is darkened and crisp.

Crispy Oven Baked Prosciutto

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees
2. Again, tightly wrap one slice of prosciutto around each asparagus spear. If prosciutto slice is thick remember to slice it in half lengthwise.
3. Cover asparagus ends with tinfoil so they don’t burn.
4. Place on baking sheet with a rack lightly coated in cooking spray.
5. Bake asparagus for around 8 minutes per side or asparagus is tender, and prosciutto crisp. Use tongs to rotate spears.

The asparagus will be bright green, tender and the prosciutto will be crispy and tightly-wrapped around the asparagus.

Before baking, you can sprinkle Parmesan cheese on the inside of each prosciutto slice before wrapping it around the asparagus or add the cheese the moment you remove the asparagus from the oven.

Skillet

In a large skillet, heat a few tablespoons of olive oil (or another oil of your choice), over medium-high heat. Cook until the prosciutto is crisp and the asparagus is tender (about 3 to 5 minutes).

Serve immediately.

Whatever method you choose, your prosciutto wrapped asparagus will come out perfectly.

Serve immediately and enjoy every bite.

If this is your first time trying prosciutto, please take a moment to let me know what you thought of it. I would really be grateful too hear.

Ingredients in Bacon Wrapped Asparagus in the Oven

• asparagus, thin to medium sized stalks, as evenly sized as possible
• bacon, thin or regular cut
• olive oil
• salt
• pepper
• lemon wedges for serving, if desired

Ingredients using Alternate Method

• butter
• brown sugar
• soy sauce
• garlic salt
• pepper

How to make Oven Baked Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

1. Line with tin foil a rimmed baking sheet with a rack and coat with cooking spray. Set aside.
2. Wash, trim and pat dry the asparagus.
3. Divide asparagus into piles of 3 or 5 stalks each.
4. Sometimes I rub and press a little brown sugar or parmesan cheese into the bacon slices before wrapping them around each asparagus spear. Make sure the brown sugar or parmesan cheese side is touching your asparagus and is tightly wrapped. This extra step occasionally is a nice, simple change.
5. Wrap the bacon tightly around each asparagus bundle, overlapping slightly, starting at one end and finishing almost at the other,
6. Secure with toothpicks, if necessary.
7. Mix the olive oil with the salt and pepper and brush over the asparagus and bacon.
8. Bake in the oven, ensuring the oven rack is in the upper middle position.
9. Turn oven on to 400 degrees. The bacon wrapped asparagus should be in the oven as it preheats.
10. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp.
11. If you want crispier bacon, set oven to broil (about 2 minutes). Ensure asparagus tips are covered with tin foil or watch closely to ensure tips don’t burn.
12. Serve with sliced lemons and herbs. 

Serve immediately and enjoy!

Bacon Wrapped Asparagus with Brown Sugar

If you’re looking to make brown sugar bacon wrapped asparagus I have two different ways I do this. One method easy, the other not so much.

Just the sound of bacon wrapped asparagus with this wonderful brown sugar mixture makes my mouth water. It is that delicious in my opinion.

Oh so good.

That being said, you can just press brown sugar into the inside of each bacon slice, right before you wrap asparagus spear or spears. Make sure the brown sugar is touching the asparagus.

This method is so tasty and a lot easier and quicker than reducing the brown sugar mixture on your stove!

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Combine and stir butter, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic salt and pepper together in a small saucepan. 
3. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
4. Simmer until mixture starts to thicken. While heating and reducing mixture, prepare asparagus.
5. Paint or baste mixture over bacon wrapped asparagus and bake for 25-30 minutes. Baste bacon at least once, if not twice while baking. I always add one last coating right before serving too.

Serve immediately and enjoy!

Can you make Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Ahead of Time?

Whether you’re making this as a snack, appetizer, side dish or main course, it can be made one day in advance. Cover and refrigerate until ready to cook.

Tips for making Bacon Wrapped Asparagus in the Oven 

• For best results, bacon wrapped asparagus should be close to room temperature, so leave it on the counter for 20 to 30 minutes before cooking.  
• Use toothpicks to secure bacon to the asparagus. Even though it takes a little time, you will be glad you did.
• Flip bacon wrapped asparagus individually or in bundles at least twice, if not more.
• Cut the bacon slices lengthwise, creating long, narrow strips if needed. This might be necessary depending on the size of your asparagus spears, how many spears you want to include in your bundle or on the thickness, length or width of the bacon strip.
• Wrap each bacon strip as tightly as possible around asparagus spear or spears.
• Slightly overlap the bacon while wrapping each spear. The more you overlap the bacon, the longer the wrapped asparagus will take to cook.
• Parcook or partially cook the bacon until pliable or flexible, if your asparagus spears are thin. You want to avoid undercooked bacon and burnt asparagus.
• Place tin foil over asparagus tips to protect them from burning. Remove tin foil for the last few minutes of cooking if desired. (I rarely do).
• Use a rimmed baking sheet with a rack coated in cooking spray. The rack allows air to circulate around the asparagus spears and will cook bacon evenly.
• If you’re making this recipe for an event and it cools down, turn on your broiler and reheat for a few minutes, if needed.

Quick Asparagus Recipes

Easy Broiled Asparagus

Asparagus with Mustard Vinaigrette

Italian Asparagus

Grilled Asparagus