Bacon Wrapped Asparagus (Easy Appetizer or Side Dish)

Who doesn’t love bacon? This bacon-wrapped asparagus recipe is a guaranteed hit, and it can be made in the oven, grill, or air fryer. With hints of brown sugar, this sweet and savory recipe makes the perfect side or appetizer for any occasion.

Why I Love Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

While I love raising American Guinea hogs for their high bacon production, I’ve also been known to love asparagus. This faithful perennial plant comes back year after year, providing a harvest for my famous pickled asparagus, this mushroom asparagus quiche, and, of course, my favorite appetizer, bacon-wrapped asparagus.

Unlike overcooked, mushy asparagus you may have experienced before, this recipe makes delicious tender asparagus spears. Just like leather britches, adding bacon to asparagus enhances the flavor, so even if you aren’t an asparagus lover, you should give this bacon-wrapped asparagus recipe a try.

Recipe Variations

These bacon-wrapped asparagus bundles are savory and slightly sweet. Other variations include using different flavors of bacon, such as maple, applewood smoked, or peppered. You can also try some of these other flavor enhancers.

• Spicy – For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or jalapenos. 
• Salty and Nutty – If you prefer to highlight salty or nutty flavors, sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
• Tangy – To balance the sweetness with a little tang, create a balsamic glaze by drizzling the asparagus with some balsamic vinegar before baking.

Alternative Cooking Methods

You don’t have to cook bacon-wrapped asparagus in the oven. If you don’t have an oven (or don’t want to heat up your kitchen), you can make bacon-wrapped asparagus using an air fryer or grill. 

Follow the step-by-step directions (below) to prepare your fresh asparagus. If using an air fryer, make sure you don’t overcrowd your trays. If using a grill, heat the grill to medium-high and cook for 3-5 minutes before turning the asparagus over and cooking for another 3-5 minutes.

Cooking Method	Cook Time	Temperature	Flavor
Air Fryer	10-12 minutes	400°F	Crispy bacon, tender asparagus
Grill	3-5 minutes per side	Medium-high heat	Smoky, crispy bacon, tender asparagus

Harvest to Table Magazine

This recipe for bacon-wrapped asparagus was featured in the March 2025 edition of Harvest to Table Magazine. Eating fresh, seasonal produce is one of the best ways to improve your health and grow as a homesteader, but it can often feel overwhelming to keep track of it all. 

Each month, a new Harvest to Table digital issue is available. It includes what fruits and vegetables are in season, helpful guides and delicious recipes so you can make the most of your produce.

With your subscription, you’ll also receive access to our Pioneering Today Acadamy Vault – a library of exclusive videos and tutorials! All for less than 30¢ a DAY! So subscribe today, and gain instant access!

How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

Supplies Needed

• Rimmed Baking Sheet – Prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place a cooling rack on top so that the bacon can drain onto the parchment paper as it cooks.
• Bowl – Choose a small to medium-sized bowl.
• Knife – A sharp paring knife works well.
• Pastry Brush – If you don’t have a pastry brush, you can crumple a coffee filter, dip it into the butter, and use it like one.

Ingredients Needed

• Brown Sugar – For a Keto-friendly version, brown sugar can be omitted.
• Butter – Avocado, coconut, or olive oil can be substituted.
• Fresh Asparagus – Choose spears that are tight and green. Spears that are open or wilted are not fresh.
• Bacon – About 16-20 slices of bacon. Learn how easy it is to dry-cure meat at home.
• Garlic Powder – Learn how to grow garlic here.
• Black Pepper – To taste

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F, prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper and a cooling rack, and set aside.
2. Combine brown sugar and butter into a bowl and melt together. Stir to combine, set aside.
3. Chop the bottoms off your asparagus stalks.
4. Combine 3 or 4 asparagus stalks and wrap one slice of bacon around, starting at the bottom.
5. Place on a prepared baking sheet rack. Repeat the process till all the stalks are wrapped in bacon.
6. Brush the butter and brown sugar mixture over the bacon-wrapped asparagus.
7. Sprinkle the asparagus and bacon with the garlic powder.
8. Place the wrapped asparagus in the oven and bake for 20-30 minutes until the bacon is crispy.
9. Remove from the oven and enjoy it warm.

Did you make this recipe for bacon-wrapped asparagus? If so, please leave a star rating in the recipe card below (this really helps me out)… then, snap a photo and tag me on social media @melissaknorris so I can see! I love getting a glimpse of what you all make in your kitchens.