Roasted Parmesan Asparagus with Bacon
This Roasted Parmesan Asparagus with Bacon is crisp, savory, and packed with irresistible flavor. Tender asparagus roasts until perfectly caramelized, then gets tossed with salty bacon and a shower of nutty Parmesan. It’s a simple yet bold side dish that feels special enough for holidays but easy enough for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds fresh asparagus trimmed
- 6 slices bacon cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil optional, depending on bacon fat
- ½ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder optional
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional garnish: lemon zest red pepper flakes, or fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Asparagus
- Wash and dry the asparagus thoroughly. Trim off the woody ends and spread the spears evenly on the baking sheet.
3. Add Bacon and Seasoning
- Scatter the chopped bacon evenly over the asparagus. Drizzle lightly with olive oil if desired, then season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss gently to combine.
4. Roast
- Roast for 15–20 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the asparagus is tender and the bacon is crispy.
5. Add Parmesan
- Remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle Parmesan evenly over the asparagus and bacon. Return to the oven for 3–5 minutes, until the cheese melts and turns lightly golden.
6. Finish and Serve
- Remove from the oven, add optional garnishes if desired, and serve immediately while hot.
Video
Notes
📝 Notes
- Use fresh, thick asparagus spears for the best roasted texture.
- Trim woody ends so the asparagus cooks evenly.
- Cook bacon until just crisp before adding for maximum flavor.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-shredded.
- Spread asparagus in a single layer to encourage browning.
- Finish with a squeeze of lemon for balance and brightness.
- Serve immediately while the bacon is crisp.
- Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat briefly in the oven.
🍽️ Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 260 kcal,Carbohydrates: 8 g,
Fiber: 3 g,
Sugars: 2 g,
Protein: 11 g,
Fat: 20 g,
Saturated Fat: 7 g,
Cholesterol: 45 mg,
Sodium: 420 mg,
Potassium: 360 mg,
Calcium: 180 mg,
Iron: 2.2 mg