Keto Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus Bundles
Tender-crisp asparagus bundled with crispy bacon and seasoned with garlic, black pepper, and pink sea salt. A simple vegetable side dish with savory depth, perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday tables. This version uses a hybrid cooking method—microwaving bacon first for even cooking, then roasting with fresh asparagus—ensuring the bacon crisps while the spears stay tender.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 400°F.
- 2
Place 2 layers of paper towels on a microwavable plate and arrange bacon in a single layer. Cover with 1 layer of paper towel.
- 3
Microwave on HIGH until bacon is partially cooked, 1 to 2 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
- 4
Toss asparagus with oil in a large bowl. Sprinkle with seasoning and toss to coat.
- 5
Divide asparagus evenly into 4 bundles.
- 6
Wrap 1 piece of bacon around the center of each asparagus bundle.
- 7
Place bundles on a foil-lined shallow baking pan.
- 8
Roast until asparagus are tender-crisp and bacon is crispy, 7 to 10 minutes, turning once halfway through.
Tips
Microwave bacon until just partially cooked so it finishes crisping in the oven alongside the asparagus without burning.
Divide asparagus into 4 equal bundles to ensure even cooking and balanced bacon-to-vegetable ratio in each serving.
Good to Know
Refrigerate in airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat in 350°F oven for 5 minutes to restore crispness.
Trim asparagus and partially cook bacon up to 4 hours ahead. Assemble bundles and refrigerate up to 2 hours before roasting.
Serve hot as a side dish alongside grilled proteins, roasted chicken, or at brunch alongside eggs and toast.
Common Mistakes
Do not skip the microwave step or use raw bacon—it won't crisp evenly before asparagus overcooks.
Do not pack asparagus bundles too tightly—leave space for heat circulation to achieve tender-crisp texture.
Substitutions
adds smokiness
FAQ
Can I prep these ahead and refrigerate?
Yes. Trim asparagus and partially cook bacon up to 4 hours prior. Assemble bundles and wrap tightly; refrigerate up to 2 hours before roasting. Add 2-3 minutes to roast time if starting from cold.
What if my asparagus spears are very thick or thin?
Thinner spears (under 0.5 inch) may roast in 5-7 minutes; thicker spears need the full 7-10 minutes or slightly more. Check tenderness by piercing with a fork near the tip.
How long can I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat uncovered in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes to restore bacon crispness.