Baked Asparagus with garlic-infused olive oil and crunchy bites of bacon – a simple and excellent side dish that makes everyone happy, and my picky eaters approve!
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I love the sweetness and texture of asparagus. It’s actually my son’s new favorite veggie. He always surprises me with his choices. He’s only 4 and eats romaine salad likes its going out of style! Anyway, the entire family loved this new Roasted Asparagus with Garlic and Bacon recipe.
I’m convinced it will go into your recipe box forever. What’s special about this asparagus recipe? I’m so glad you asked! Well (1) it’s easy, (2) the oil is infused with garlic, (3) it has B-A-C-O-N!! Need I say more?
Ingredients for Baked Asparagus with Bacon
2 bunches of asparagus (~2 lbs)
3 Tbsp olive oil
6 medium garlic cloves, minced
Salt & Pepper
6 slices of bacon, optional
How to Bake Asparagus with Garlic and Bacon
1. Combine minced garlic in a small bowl with 3 Tbsp olive oil and set aside while preparing your asparagus and gathering the rest of your ingredients.
2. Break off the fibrous ends of your asparagus by holding the base end and snapping it wherever it snaps. Discard the ends. I like this method most because it ensures that you won’t have any fibrous ends. My son loves to do this step all by himself. If it’ll help you sleep better at night, you can also use a knife to cut the ends off about 1″ up from the base.
3. Transfer asparagus to a rimmed baking sheet then drizzle and toss it with the garlic oil. Sprinkle lightly with salt & pepper and bake at 400°F for 13-18 mins (depending on the thickness of asparagus) or until lightly browned and easily pierced with a fork.
4. While baking, saute 6 strips of bacon, drain on paper towels then coarsely chop. Serve asparagus warm and sprinkle the top with bacon. I feel like I should have taken a bigger picture of the bacon (please stop licking the screen).
The combination of bacon, garlic, and olive oil is the perfect savory flavor combination. You’ll love the added crisp and salty bite from the crunchy bacon. It makes this baked asparagus memorable.
Baked Asparagus with Bacon
Ingredients
- 2 lbs asparagus, about 2 bunches, trimmed
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 6 medium garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt, or more to taste
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 6 slices bacon, optional
Instructions
- Combine minced garlic in a small bowl with 3 Tbsp olive oil and set aside while preparing your asparagus and gathering the rest of your ingredients.
- Break off the fibrous ends of your asparagus by holding the base end and snapping it wherever it snaps. Discard the ends. I like this method most because it ensures that you won’t have any fibrous ends. You can also use a knife to cut the ends off about 1″ up from the base.
- Transfer asparagus to a rimmed baking sheet then drizzle and toss it with the garlic oil. Sprinkle lightly with salt & pepper and bake at 400°F for 13-18 mins (depending on the thickness of asparagus) or until lightly browned and easily pierced with a fork.
- While baking, saute 6 strips of bacon, drain on paper towels then coarsely chop. Serve asparagus warm and sprinkle the top with bacon.