Save Tender asparagus spears bundled in smoky bacon, roasted to perfection and finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan—this Keto Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus Bundles recipe is a deliciously simple, keto-friendly side or appetizer. With only 10 minutes of preparation, it is an elegant yet easy way to elevate your vegetable game.
Save These bundles are not just visually appealing but also packed with flavor. The high-heat roasting process ensures that the bacon fat renders beautifully, coating the asparagus and making it incredibly savory.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) fresh asparagus, trimmed
- 8 slices bacon (thin-cut preferred)
- 1/4 cup (25 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: Bundle
- Divide the trimmed asparagus into 8 equal bundles.
- Step 3: Season
- Drizzle the asparagus with olive oil, then sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Step 4: Wrap
- Wrap one slice of bacon snugly around each asparagus bundle, overlapping slightly as you go. Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 5: Roast
- Roast in the oven for 18–20 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and the asparagus is tender.
- Step 6: Cheese
- Remove from oven, sprinkle each bundle with Parmesan cheese, and return to the oven for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
- Step 7: Serve
- Serve immediately, hot from the oven.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the best texture, always trim the woody ends of the asparagus. Using thin-cut bacon is ideal because it crisps up at the same rate the asparagus becomes tender. Always place the bundles seam-side down to prevent the bacon from unraveling during the roasting process.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a sharper flavor profile, you can swap the Parmesan cheese for freshly grated Pecorino Romano. If you want a bit of heat, consider adding a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix before roasting.
Serviervorschläge
These savory bundles pair exceptionally well with a dry white wine or served as a sophisticated side to grilled meats like steak or chicken. They are best served immediately while the cheese is melted and the bacon is at its crispiest.
Save With a total time of just 30 minutes, these Keto Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus Bundles with Parmesan are a reliable addition to your rotation of low-carb side dishes. Enjoy the perfect crunch and savory finish!
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I prevent the bacon from unraveling during cooking?
Wrap the bacon snugly around each asparagus bundle, overlapping the ends slightly. Place the bundles seam-side down on the baking sheet to help the bacon stay in place while cooking.
- → Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the bundles up to 24 hours in advance. Wrap them tightly and refrigerate until ready to cook. Add an extra 2-3 minutes to the cooking time if starting from cold.
- → What other cheeses work well in this dish?
Pecorino Romano offers a sharper flavor, while aged cheddar or gruyère provide rich, nutty notes. For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast adds savory umami flavor.
- → How do I know when the asparagus is done?
Pierce one spear with a fork—it should offer slight resistance but feel tender. The bacon should be crisp and golden, and the Parmesan melted and slightly browned at the edges.
- → Can I use thick-cut bacon?
Thick-cut bacon works but requires longer cooking time. Reduce oven temperature to 375°F and cook for 22-25 minutes to ensure the asparagus doesn't overcook before the bacon crisps.
- → What's the best way to trim asparagus?
Hold each spear near the bottom and bend until it snaps naturally. This removes the woody ends. Alternatively, trim about 1 inch from the base of uniform thickness.