Get ready to transform the humble asparagus into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have everyone at your dinner table begging for seconds! This Roasted Asparagus with Garlic and Bacon recipe is the ultimate game-changer, combining the earthy freshness of perfectly roasted asparagus with the irresistible crunch of crispy bacon and the aromatic punch of garlic. Whether you're a veggie skeptic or a seasoned foodie, this dish promises to revolutionize the way you think about vegetable side dishes.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb asparagus, trimmed
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to ensure easy cleanup.
- Wash the asparagus spears thoroughly under cold running water. Pat them completely dry using clean kitchen towels or paper towels.
- Trim the tough woody ends of the asparagus by holding each spear and snapping off the bottom where it naturally breaks, or cut approximately 1-2 inches from the bottom.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the trimmed asparagus with olive oil, ensuring each spear is evenly coated. Sprinkle with minced garlic, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Chop the bacon into small, roughly 1/2-inch pieces. Scatter the bacon pieces over the seasoned asparagus and mix gently to distribute evenly.
- Arrange the asparagus and bacon in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring the spears are not overcrowded to promote even roasting.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 12-15 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender and slightly crisp, and the bacon is golden and crispy.
- Halfway through cooking, carefully rotate the baking sheet to ensure even browning and prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter, ensuring to scrape any crispy bacon bits from the baking sheet.
- Serve immediately while hot, garnishing with additional freshly ground black pepper if desired.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Asparagus: Look for bright green, firm spears with tight, compact tips. Avoid limp or discolored asparagus.
- Drying is Key: Ensure asparagus is completely dry before roasting to achieve that perfect crispy texture. Excess moisture will steam instead of roast.
- Even Sizing: Try to select asparagus spears of similar thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
- Don't Overcrowd: Spread asparagus in a single layer on the baking sheet. Overcrowding will cause steaming instead of roasting.
- Bacon Placement: Distribute bacon pieces evenly to ensure each bite has a perfect balance of vegetable and crispy meat.
- Watch Closely: Ovens vary, so start checking at the 12-minute mark to prevent burning.
- Serving Tip: Serve immediately for the best texture and temperature. The crispy bacon and roasted asparagus are at their peak right out of the oven.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
