I first discovered the magic of bacon-wrapped asparagus at a backyard barbecue. It wasn’t on the menu, just something a neighbor whipped up on a whim. She brought over a plate of perfectly charred asparagus wrapped in crispy bacon, and the aroma alone had everyone crowding around. One bite, and I was hooked—it was like the perfect marriage of indulgence and health.
Later that night, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. What made it so irresistible? Was it the smoky bacon hugging the tender, slightly sweet asparagus? Or the way the flavors balanced so effortlessly? I had to recreate it in my kitchen.
The next day, I tinkered with the seasoning, adding garlic and smoked paprika to elevate the dish. By the time the first batch came out of the oven, the sizzle and aroma had filled my kitchen, and I knew this was going to be a keeper. It wasn’t just about the recipe anymore; it was about the memory of that gathering, the laughter, and how something so simple brought people together. Now, every time I make these bacon-wrapped asparagus bundles, it feels like a little celebration—no special occasion required. 🥓🌱
Keto Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
4
servings10
minutes15
minutes200
kcalIngredients
1 lb asparagus spears (trim the woody ends)
8 slices of bacon (thin slices work best for even cooking)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. - Prep the Asparagus
Wash and dry the asparagus thoroughly.
Trim the woody ends (about 1-2 inches) for a tender bite.
Toss the asparagus with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. - Wrap the Asparagus
Group the asparagus into bundles of 3-4 spears.
Wrap one slice of bacon tightly around each bundle, starting from the bottom and overlapping slightly as you go up. Secure the bacon with a toothpick if necessary. - Bake
Place the bundles on the prepared baking sheet, seam side down.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender.
Nutrition (Per Serving):
- Calories: 200
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Net Carbs: 1g
Each serving includes 2 bundles of bacon-wrapped asparagus (about 5 spears total), making it perfect for a satisfying side dish or snack!
Tips for Success
- Crispier Bacon: Use a wire rack on the baking sheet to let the bacon fat drip off as it cooks.
- Thin Bacon: Thinly sliced bacon wraps better and cooks evenly with the asparagus.
- Optional Finish: Broil for 1-2 minutes at the end for extra crispiness.
Variations
- Dairy-Free: Add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
- Extra Flavor: Brush the bacon with sugar-free BBQ sauce or a dash of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Low-Sodium: Opt for reduced-sodium bacon to control the saltiness.
Plating Suggestions
Serve the Keto Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus hot as a side dish with:
- Grilled Salmon
- Garlic Butter Chicken
- Cauliflower Mash
For a party platter, arrange the bundles on a large serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Love this recipe? Save it for later or share it with friends who are always on the lookout for keto-friendly sides! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag us – we’d love to see your creations. 😊
