This bacon-wrapped asparagus is crispy and tasty, and it’s great as an appetizer or side dish for dinner. Low carb but full of flavor!.
With all my main meals, I always need sides to keep me full. There are a lot of tasty sides I could make, but there are a few that I make almost every week.
This asparagus wrapped in bacon is a firm family favorite because, hello, bacon! Table of Contents
Bacon-wrapped asparagus is a beloved appetizer or side dish for good reason. The combination of crisp, fatty bacon complementing tender, grassy asparagus spears is hard to beat. But when serving up this tasty dish, it’s important to pick side dishes that will properly accentuate the flavors.
The right sides should balance out the rich smokiness of the bacon and highlight the freshness of the asparagus. You want options that add texture, color, and other flavors to make for a cohesive and delicious meal.
After thorough research and testing, I’ve compiled this list of my top 16 side dish recommendations for bacon-wrapped asparagus:
1. Baked Potatoes
A classic baked potato, with its fluffy interior and crispy skin, can be an excellent side dish to serve with bacon-wrapped asparagus. The neutral, earthy flavor of the potato serves as a great counterbalance to the rich, smoky asparagus dish.
2. Korean Corn Dogs
For a fun unique side dish consider Korean corn dogs. The sweet, slightly chewy batter contrasts nicely with the salty bacon and fresh asparagus. This combination of savory and sweet, along with the contrast in textures, makes for a unique and satisfying side dish.
3. Polenta
Creamy polenta can be a fantastic partner for bacon-wrapped asparagus. The smooth, buttery polenta is a lovely contrast to the crispy bacon and tender-crisp asparagus. Its mild flavor also ensures that it won’t compete with the asparagus but will complement it instead.
4. Blooming Onion
A blooming onion is a visually impressive side that’s also packed with flavor. The sweet, slightly caramelized onion pairs beautifully with the savory bacon-wrapped asparagus, while the crispy fried coating adds a delightful crunch to the meal.
5. Caesar Salad
A Caesar salad, with its crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and tangy, creamy dressing, can provide a fresh, light counterpoint to the rich bacon-wrapped asparagus. The salad’s vibrant freshness can balance out the rich, smoky flavors of the asparagus dish.
6. Mushroom Risotto
Mushroom risotto, creamy and packed with umami flavor, can be a fantastic side to serve with bacon-wrapped asparagus. The earthy flavor of the mushrooms and the creamy texture of the risotto offer a comforting, savory component that pairs well with the asparagus.
7. Shrimp Skewers
Shrimp skewers can add a touch of elegance to your meal. The sweet, tender shrimp can offer a contrast to the smoky, savory bacon-wrapped asparagus, creating a surf-and-turf vibe. Season the shrimp simply with olive oil, garlic, and a squeeze of lemon to let their natural flavor shine.
8. Plantain Chips
For a side dish with a crunch, consider plantain chips. Their slight sweetness and crisp texture can be a delightful contrast to the savory, smoky asparagus. They’re also a great gluten-free option for those with dietary restrictions.
9. Quinoa Salad
Quinoa salad, mixed with fresh vegetables and a tangy vinaigrette, can be a light, refreshing side dish that pairs well with bacon-wrapped asparagus. Its nutty flavor and variety of textures from the added vegetables provide a wholesome, tasty complement to the asparagus.
10. Corn on the Cob
Grilled corn on the cob, with its sweet, slightly charred kernels, adds a delightful summer touch to your meal. The natural sweetness of the corn balances the salty, smoky flavor of the bacon-wrapped asparagus, creating a delicious contrast.
11. Garlic Bread
Garlic bread, with its crispy crust and soft, buttery interior, is a classic side dish that goes well with just about anything, including bacon-wrapped asparagus. The robust garlic flavor complements the smoky bacon, and the bread offers a comforting, starchy element to the meal.
12. Tomato Soup
A bowl of tomato soup, with its bright, tangy flavor, can be a warming and comforting side dish for bacon-wrapped asparagus. The acidity of the tomatoes balances the rich, smoky flavors of the bacon and asparagus, creating a harmonious dining experience.
13. Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries, with their sweet flavor and crispy edges, can be a fantastic side dish to serve with bacon-wrapped asparagus. The fries’ natural sweetness provides a nice contrast to the savory bacon and asparagus, and their crispy texture is a delightful counterpart to the tender asparagus spears.
14. Steamed Broccoli
Steamed broccoli, with its bright color and mild, earthy flavor, makes a nutritious side dish for bacon-wrapped asparagus. The steamed broccoli’s simplicity lets the flavors of the bacon and asparagus shine, and its crunch adds a nice textural contrast.
15. Cauliflower Mash
Cauliflower mash, with its creamy texture and mild, sweet flavor, can be a great low-carb side dish for bacon-wrapped asparagus. The creamy cauliflower serves as a nice contrast to the crisp bacon and tender asparagus, and its subtle sweetness balances the salty bacon.
16. Lemon Garlic Pasta
Lemon garlic pasta, with its bright, zesty flavor and comforting texture, can be a fantastic side dish for bacon-wrapped asparagus. The lemon adds a fresh, citrusy note that cuts through the rich bacon, and the garlic ties in nicely with the savory asparagus.
With any of these 16 sides accompanying crispy bacon-wrapped asparagus spears, you’ll have a well-rounded and delicious meal that highlights the best qualities of the tasty appetizer. So don’t be afraid to get creative with your side dish selections!
Why I love this recipe
- 3 ingredients. You can make it with only three key ingredients!.
- Low in carbs. Each serving has less than 2 grams of net carbs.
- Multiple cooking methods. I’m pretty good in the kitchen, so I tried this recipe in the oven, air fryer, stovetop, and grill.
- Asparagus spears- Fresh and equally sized asparagus are preferred. Don’t forget to cut or snap off the stalk’s woody ends.
- Bacon strips: Any kind of bacon will do, but I like to use thinner slices so they hold the asparagus better and get as crispy as possible.
- Butter- Unsalted and measured when melted.
- Balsamic vinegar: Gives the asparagus a pop of flavor and makes it crisp.
- Salt and black pepper- To taste.
How to make bacon wrapped asparagus
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of this post to print out the full recipe instructions and amounts of the ingredients.
Step 1- Prep: Preheat the oven to 200C/400F.
Step 2- Prepare bacon asparagus bundles: Separate and trim asparagus. The asparagus stalks should be wrapped in one or two pieces of bacon. The stalks should then be put in a baking dish or wire-rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with the melted butter, salt, and pepper.
Step 3- Bake and serve: Bake for 18-20 minutes. Once removed from the oven, brush with balsamic then serve immediately.
As I already said, I like to bake the bacon-wrapped asparagus in the oven, but you can also use a grill, stovetop, or air fryer.
Grilled method: Heat the grill to 200C/400F and cover with foil. Prep the asparagus and bacon as instructed and place on top of the foil. Grill for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Stovetop method: Take a large non-stick skillet and place it over medium-high heat. Add some olive oil. Add bacon asparagus bundles without overcrowding the pan when the oil becomes hot. Cook for several minutes and then flip to cook the other side. Keep cooking until asparagus becomes tender and the bacon is crispy.
Using an air fryer: Put the asparagus bundles in a lightly greased air fryer basket and cook at 200C/400F for 7 to 8 minutes, or until the bacon turns crispy. Just like with asparagus.
- Add cheese. Sprinkle your favorite cheese before serving. If you want to wrap bacon around asparagus, parmesan cheese, goat cheese, or mozzarella cheese work best.
- Add some sweetness. In a small pan, melt the butter and add the brown sugar. Drizzle the mixture over bacon-wrapped asparagus before baking. You can also add honey.
- Use different meat. Even though bacon is better, prosciutto or turkey bacon will also work.
To store, put leftovers in a container that won’t let air in. Then, put it in the fridge for up to three days.
To freeze: Cool them, then place them in a ziplock bag. Store it in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Reheating: Either reheat in the microwave, air fryer, or preheated oven.
What does asparagus pair well with?
You can soak the asparagus before cooking to remove the sand and soil. If it’s already clean, soaking isn’t necessary, and it does not affect the dish’s outcome.
If your asparagus isn’t the same size all over or the bacon is too thick, the asparagus could get soft and soggy.
Asparagus is a fantastic vegetable to include on a keto diet. A half-cup serving has just 1. 5 grams of net carbs. It works in tons of dishes, especially when paired with bacon!.
Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Recipe
FAQ
What does asparagus pair well with?
What protein goes well with asparagus?
What flavour goes well with asparagus?
How many calories are in bacon-wrapped asparagus?
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5
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30
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198
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Ingredients
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Minutes
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Calories
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Prep
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Cook
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Servings
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10 min
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20 min
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6
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How to cook bacon wrapped asparagus?
To cook bacon wrapped asparagus, begin by wrapping each strip of cut bacon around the asparagus as tightly as possible. Line a baking sheet with foil, place a wire rack on top, and then place the bacon-wrapped asparagus (seam side down) onto the wire rack. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. Begin wrapping each strip of cut bacon around the asparagus.
What to serve with bacon wrapped asparagus?
Air fryer bacon wrapped asparagus is great served as a side dish or appetizer. If served as an appetizer, it’s great alongside a hollandaise sauce for dipping. As a side, it works great with all kinds of mains, chicken, seafood and steaks and all great companions.
Can bacon wrapped asparagus be frozen?
You cannot freeze bacon wrapped asparagus (the texture will not hold up). However, you can refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. To reheat, arrange the leftover bundles on a greased baking sheet and reheat in a 375 degree F oven until warmed through.
Is bacon wrapped asparagus edible?
Bacon wrapped asparagus is edible and can be served as a side dish or hearty appetizer. It also tastes great at room temperature, making it an excellent option for parties or a buffet table.