The name says it all—Oven-Roasted Asparagus with Asiago, Bacon, and Garlic is a flavor-packed side dish that turns a simple veggie into a show-stopping sensation. It’s tender, roasted asparagus dressed up with rich Asiago cheese, crispy bacon, and aromatic garlic. Sounds fancy? It’s actually super simple to make. This dish proves that humble ingredients can create restaurant-quality flavors. And as the saying goes, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”—but we say this asparagus wins everyone over! Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply treating yourself, this dish brings both beauty and bold taste to your plate.
Why You’ll Love This
1. Perfect Texture and Flavor
Roasting brings out the natural sweetness in asparagus while keeping a satisfying bite. Combined with savory garlic, smoky bacon, and nutty Asiago, this side dish delivers a flavor explosion.
2. Budget-Friendly and Simple
Skip overpriced gourmet veggie dishes—this one comes together with pantry staples and takes just a few easy steps.
3. Customizable and Crowd-Pleasing
Whether you dress it up with extra cheese or make it lighter with turkey bacon, this recipe can be tailored to your taste. If you loved our Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze, you’ll be just as smitten with this one!
How to Make Oven-Roasted Asparagus with Asiago, Bacon, and Garlic
Quick Overview
This side dish is ready in about 30 minutes and requires just 10 minutes of prep. Roasting creates tender spears with slightly crispy tips, while the cheese and bacon offer richness and texture. Let’s get started!
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
-
1 cup shredded Asiago cheese
-
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get the perfect roast. -
Prep the Asparagus
Wash and trim your asparagus by snapping off the woody ends. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet. -
Season and Oil
Drizzle olive oil evenly over the asparagus. Season with salt and pepper, then toss gently to coat. -
Add Flavor
Sprinkle minced garlic and crumbled bacon over the top. -
Roast to Perfection
Roast in the oven for 15–20 minutes, until the asparagus is tender and slightly browned. -
Add Asiago Cheese
Remove from the oven, sprinkle with Asiago, and return for 3–5 more minutes until the cheese is melty and golden. -
Garnish and Serve
Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately while warm and melty.
What to Serve It With
This dish makes a flavorful and elegant companion to:
-
Grilled chicken
-
Baked salmon or cod
-
Creamy risotto or pasta dishes
-
Roast beef or pork tenderloin
Pair it with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir for a balanced, flavorful meal.
Top Tips for Perfecting This Recipe
-
Choose Fresh Asparagus
Look for bright green spears with firm tips. Thinner stalks roast faster and more evenly. -
Don’t Crowd the Pan
Spread asparagus in a single layer so they roast, not steam. -
Cheese Variations
Parmesan, Gruyère, or even smoked cheddar work well if you don’t have Asiago on hand. -
Want it crispier?
Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end to brown the cheese further—but watch closely!
Storing and Reheating Tips
-
Store Leftovers: Place cooled asparagus in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
-
Reheat: Sauté briefly in a pan with a little olive oil to restore texture, or warm in the microwave for 30–45 seconds.
-
Freezing: Not recommended, as asparagus becomes mushy when thawed.
FAQs
Can I use frozen asparagus?
Yes, but it may result in a softer texture. Thaw and pat dry before roasting to avoid sogginess.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can roast the asparagus and bacon in advance. Add cheese and reheat just before serving.
What’s the best substitute for Asiago?
Try grated Parmesan, Romano, or a blend of Italian cheeses for a similar savory effect.
Conclusion
Oven-Roasted Asparagus with Asiago, Bacon, and Garlic is more than just a side—it’s a celebration of texture, flavor, and simplicity. With minimal effort and maximum taste, this dish will turn even the most veggie-wary into asparagus fans. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe brings sophistication and comfort to any table. Give it a try and get ready for rave reviews!
Oven-Roasted Asparagus with Asiago, Bacon, and Garlic
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Oven
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 lb Fresh Asparagus Trimmed
Meats
- 3 slices Bacon Cooked and crumbled
Oils
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
Condiments
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced
Seasonings
- Salt To taste
- Pepper To taste
Cheeses
- 1 cup Shredded Asiago Cheese
Herbs
- 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley Chopped, optional for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Rinse the asparagus under cold water and snap off the woody ends. Arrange the clean asparagus on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle the asparagus with olive oil, and add salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently to coat each spear evenly.
- Sprinkle the minced garlic over the asparagus, followed by the crumbled bacon.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 15-20 minutes, or until asparagus is fork-tender and starting to brown.
- Remove the asparagus from the oven, sprinkle with shredded Asiago cheese, and return to the oven for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt.
- Once the cheese is beautifully melted, sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.