Oven-Roasted Asparagus With Asiago, Bacon, And Garlic

Last spring, while picking through the lush greens at the local farmer’s market, a sudden chill in the air reminded me that the fleeting days of warmer weather were behind us. I was there with my daughter, trying to decide which fresh produce to bring home for dinner.

As we strolled through the vibrant stalls, I spotted some stunning asparagus. The long, slender stalks reminded me of the times my grandmother would visit during the spring months, bringing fresh asparagus she had picked from her garden. We would sit on her porch, her weathered hands carefully snapping the ends of the stalks, and she’d always tell me stories about the best way to prepare them.

That day at the market, I decided to pick up a bunch of those beautiful asparagus and give it a new twist. I could almost hear my grandmother’s voice as I thought about roasting them with garlic and a little bit of crispy bacon.

When I got home, my husband was already heating the oven, eager to taste whatever I was cooking up. The simplicity of roasting asparagus, combined with the flavors of Asiago cheese, bacon, and garlic, turned out to be exactly what we all needed—a comforting yet elegant dish that felt like a nod to the past while embracing the present.

Short Description

Oven-Roasted Asparagus with Asiago, Bacon, and Garlic is a savory, crispy side dish that combines fresh asparagus with smoky bacon, aromatic garlic, and nutty Asiago cheese. It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and sure to impress your guests or family.

Key Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed
• 3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ cup shredded Asiago cheese
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Tools Needed

• Baking sheet
• Oven
• Knife (for trimming asparagus)
• Cutting board
• Mixing spoon
• Measuring spoons
• Broiler pan (optional)

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Asparagus
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take your fresh asparagus and trim off the tough, woody ends. Arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer.

Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Use a spoon or your hands to toss everything together so the asparagus is evenly coated.

Step 2: Roast the Asparagus
Once the asparagus is ready, place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Roast for 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your asparagus.

You’re looking for it to become tender but still have a slight crispness to it. The edges should be golden brown, and when you poke it with a fork, it should slide through easily but with a bit of resistance.

Step 3: Add the Toppings
Remove the asparagus from the oven. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the roasted asparagus and follow it up with a generous sprinkling of shredded Asiago cheese. Make sure the cheese gets into every little crevice so it can melt and create a deliciously cheesy crust.

Step 4: Broil the Asparagus
Turn your oven to broil. Place the baking sheet back into the oven for 1-2 minutes, or until the Asiago cheese melts and becomes bubbly and golden. Keep a close eye on it during this step to ensure it doesn’t burn!

Step 5: Serve
Take the asparagus out of the oven and give it a final sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately while it’s still warm and cheesy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Savory & Nutty: The combination of bacon, garlic, and Asiago creates a mouthwatering balance of savory and nutty flavors.

Simple & Quick: With only a few steps and a short roasting time, this recipe comes together effortlessly.

Healthful: Asparagus is packed with nutrients, and with just a light drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of cheese, it remains a relatively low-calorie, nutrient-dense dish.

Versatile: This recipe can be served as a side for nearly any main dish, from roasted chicken to grilled steak, or even as part of a Mediterranean-themed meal.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

1. Overcooking the Asparagus
Mistake: Roasting asparagus for too long can turn it mushy and less flavorful.
Solution: Aim for a slightly crispy exterior and tender interior. If you’re unsure, check it at the 12-minute mark.

2. Bacon Not Crisping
Mistake: If your bacon isn’t crispy, it can’t give that satisfying crunch.
Solution: Make sure to cook your bacon until it’s crispy before adding it to the asparagus. A nice crumble adds texture to the dish.

3. Garlic Burning
Mistake: Garlic can burn quickly at high temperatures, resulting in a bitter taste.
Solution: Mince the garlic and add it when you toss the asparagus with olive oil. The garlic will infuse the oil and roast without burning.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve as a Side: This dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats like chicken, pork, or steak. It’s also an excellent addition to any brunch spread.

Pair with Wine: A crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, complements the flavors of the asparagus and bacon perfectly.

Buffet Style: This recipe can be served on a large platter as part of a buffet or family-style meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating: Reheat the asparagus in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, just until heated through. You can also reheat it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to regain that crispy texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cheese?
Yes! If you don’t have Asiago, Parmesan or Pecorino Romano would work great as substitutes.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best fresh, you can prepare the asparagus up to the roasting step and store it in the fridge. When ready, roast and top with bacon and cheese before broiling.

3. How do I trim asparagus?
Hold the asparagus spear and gently bend it until it snaps. The woody end will naturally break off, leaving you with the tender part of the stalk.

4. Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon works well in this recipe for a leaner option. Just make sure it gets crispy before crumbling.

5. How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
To avoid burning, make sure to add the garlic during the tossing step before roasting. If you add it too early, it might burn in the oven’s heat.

Tips & Tricks

Toss the Asparagus Well: Make sure the asparagus is well-coated in olive oil for even roasting and flavor distribution.

Crisp Bacon for the Best Texture: For an extra crispy crunch, bake your bacon in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes before crumbling.

Recipe Variations

Bacon & Balsamic: Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze after roasting for a tangy-sweet contrast that pairs beautifully with the smoky bacon and nutty cheese.

Vegan Version: Swap the bacon for crispy chickpeas and use a dairy-free cheese to make this dish plant-based while still maintaining texture and flavor.

Garlic & Lemon: For a fresh twist, add a squeeze of lemon juice over the asparagus before roasting for a bright, zesty finish.

Oven-Roasted Asparagus With Asiago, Bacon, And Garlic

Sandra Myers Oven-Roasted Asparagus With Asiago, Bacon, And Garlic Print This

Nutrition facts: calories fat

Rating: 5.0/5

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Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed
• 3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ cup shredded Asiago cheese
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Asparagus
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Trim the tough ends of the asparagus and arrange them on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

Step 2: Roast the Asparagus
Roast for 12-15 minutes, until tender with slight crispness. The edges should be golden brown, and a fork should slide through easily but with a bit of resistance.

Step 3: Add the Toppings
Remove from the oven and sprinkle crumbled bacon and shredded Asiago cheese over the asparagus, ensuring the cheese melts into every crevice.

Step 4: Broil the Asparagus
Switch the oven to broil and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Step 5: Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley for color and flavor. Serve immediately while warm and cheesy.