Whole30 Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Asparagus: Fresh asparagus is key here! Choose bright green, firm spears. If asparagus isn’t available, try green beans or even zucchini sticks for a different twist.

Bacon: Whole30-compliant bacon adds amazing flavor. Look for sugar-free varieties. You can swap it for prosciutto if you’re after something lighter. I love the saltiness it adds to the asparagus.

Olive Oil: The olive oil is optional but adds flavor. If you’re avoiding oils, you can skip this step since the bacon has enough fat. For a different taste, try avocado oil.

Spices: Sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika enhance the taste. Feel free to skip the garlic powder if you want a cleaner taste, or try different spices like chili powder for a kick!

How Do I Trim Asparagus Like a Pro?

Trimming the woody ends of asparagus is essential to getting that tender bite. Here’s how to do it easily:

• Hold an asparagus spear in both hands, bending it gently until it snaps. It will naturally break where the tender part meets the woody end.
• Use this as a guide to trim the rest of the bunch. Lay the remaining spears alongside the broken one and cut them all to the same length for uniform cooking.

This simple technique ensures every bite of your dish is enjoyable. Happy cooking!

How to Make Whole30 Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For The Asparagus Bundles:

• 1 bunch fresh asparagus (about 20 spears)
• 10 slices of Whole30-compliant bacon (about 2 spears per slice)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional)
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20-25 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll spend about 35-40 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a quick and delicious side dish or appetizer!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is important for getting that perfect crispy bacon! While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup later.

2. Prepare the Asparagus:

Give the asparagus a good rinse to remove any dirt. Trim off the woody ends at the bottom, which is about 1-2 inches. You can do this by bending one spear until it naturally snaps, then use it as a guide to trim the rest.

3. Optional Olive Oil Toss:

If you’d like, toss the asparagus in a little olive oil. This is optional since the bacon will add plenty of flavor and fat on its own, but a little olive oil gives an extra layer of taste.

4. Season the Asparagus:

Sprinkle the asparagus spears lightly with sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika if you’re using it. This seasoning will really enhance the flavors!

5. Wrap the Asparagus:

Take 2-3 asparagus spears and bundle them together. Then, wrap one slice of bacon around each bundle, making sure to secure all the spears together. It helps to keep the bacon seam side down when you place them on the baking sheet.

6. Arrange on the Baking Sheet:

Place the bacon-wrapped bundles on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring the seam of the bacon is facing down. This prevents the bacon from unraveling while baking.

7. Bake to Perfection:

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender enough to pierce with a fork. Keep an eye on it toward the end to ensure it doesn’t burn.

8. Cool and Serve:

Once done, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the bundles cool for a few minutes. This makes them easier to handle when serving.

9. Enjoy Your Creation:

Serve the warm bacon-wrapped asparagus as a delicious side dish or a fun appetizer at your next gathering. Enjoy every bite of this Whole30-compliant treat!

Can I Use Different Types of Vegetables?

Absolutely! While asparagus is a great choice, you can substitute with other vegetables like green beans or zucchini. Just adjust the cooking time if using thicker veggies like zucchini to ensure they cook through.

What If I Don’t Have Whole30-Compliant Bacon?

If you can’t find Whole30-compliant bacon, try looking for sugar-free bacon options. You can also use pancetta or prosciutto, but keep in mind that they may have a slightly different flavor and texture!

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

This dish is best served fresh, but you can prep it ahead of time. Wrap the asparagus in bacon and store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just take it out and let it come to room temperature for a few minutes before baking.

How Do I Know When the Asparagus is Done?

Your asparagus is done when the bacon is crispy, and the asparagus is tender enough to pierce with a fork. If you want it a bit more tender, you can extend the baking time by a few minutes! Just keep an eye on the bacon to prevent burning.