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Easy Peppered Candied Bacon and Asparagus {Paleo, Gluten Free}

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How to eat more vegetables. Just add CANDIED bacon! Easy Peppered Candied Bacon and Asparagus It’s paleo, gluten free, and super easy! But there is a simple tasty trick to this bacon and asparagus dish, so keep reading!

Easy Peppered Candied Bacon and Asparagus It's paleo, gluten free, and super simple to make! Bacon and Asparagus; a side dish match made in heaven.

Hey hey it’s trivia Friday! Okay I don’t have any trivia questions per se, but I do have a real important question for you! What is a vegetable that you just love. I mean one you CAN’T live without? Got it? What is it? I’m going to assume that most of you like asparagus. Why? Because asparagus really doesn’t have a strong flavor. Which means you can pair it with um, let’s say…  candied bacon or any other sweet buttery goodness to create one magical vegetable side dish and FLAVOR OF LOVE!

Peppered candied bacon. It's a match made in heaven with Easy Peppered Candied Bacon and Asparagus It's paleo, gluten free, and super simple to make!

Plus asparagus is just so so pretty. A vegetable you can “ooooh and ahhhh” over and then drool on. Yes? Just nod your head and then stare below. Gah.. that green!

Easy Peppered Candied Bacon and Asparagus It's paleo, gluten free, and super simple to make! Bacon and Asparagus; a side dish match made in heaven.

Now, about this asparagus, besides the fact that I have an infatuation with it.

On any given day, if you came by my house, you probably would not find asparagus in the fridge. At least not on a regular basis. I always have vegetables, just not that one in particular.  I know, gasp! Keep reading. . I have a new plan for that.

You see, two of my most favorite vegetables are the ones that my husband does not like. Go figure. I did not sign up for this when I married him. Kidding. I should not complain, the man really is easy to please. He likes just about everything. But yes, when it comes to vegetables, my two loves, asparagus and mushrooms, are not so welcome here. And I’m started to feel asparagus separation anxiety. Struggles.. (I “may” be exaggerating).

Easy Peppered Candied Bacon and Asparagus It's paleo, gluten free, and super simple to make! Bacon and Asparagus; a side dish match made in heaven.

The point of this post is not to express my anxiety without asparagus, but instead, to persuade ANY of you non asparagus lovers out there to try this version with peppered candied bacon. Because let’s face it, bacon does wonders. Even the vegan coconut bacon can add great flavor! Yes, in my opinion. But I digress.

Where was I? Oh yes, this candied bacon and asparagus dish and my persuasiveness. Now, don’t get me wrong, I usually don’t care this much about an asparagus dish, I promise. But when it comes to eating your vegetables, I will do everything in my power to convince a non vegetable eater to try them, at least once. And if that doesn’t work, I hide the vegetables (ahem …. see chocolate peanut butter dough ball recipes with hidden veggies for that experiment).

So here we go. Our (my) plan of “mission” attack! We’re dressing up asparagus. We’re making it IRRESISTIBLE! We’re pulling out all the magic cooking cards! And we’re making it in just in time for Easter. Isn’t that convenient?

Easy Peppered Candied Bacon and Asparagus It's paleo, gluten free, and super simple to make! Bacon and Asparagus; a side dish match made in heaven.

I give you my peppered candied bacon and asparagus dish! Oh heavens, this really is heavenly. I mean The smell alone of this bacon with shallot and then sautéed asparagus make your mouth water; even when you’re not hungry. You can literally bring home the bacon and eat it too. Feel free to quote me on that.

It’s quite simple really. But here’s my MAGIC trick. First, a little bit of coconut sugar to your bacon, then cook it. Next save the bacon fat from cooking pan, let it thicken up a bit at room temperature, then and add it your pan just before searing the asparagus. Place asparagus, a bit of pepper/seasoning, and chopped shallot in pan then cook on medium for about 10 minutes, really! That’s it! I’d also say the key to this dish is having the BEST type of UNCURED all natural peppered bacon. Quality is UBER important.

Simple, yes. Magical —> HECK YES!

Speaking of magic, this crispy bacon wrapped asparagus recipe by Wholesome Yum is definitely added to the “let’s dress us asparagus” quest! Love the sugar free low carb option too! YUM!

Peppered candied bacon and asparagus side dish. Paleo, gluten free, super easy to make, healthy!

Peppered Candied Bacon and Asparagus {Paleo, Gluten Free}

5.0 rating
1 reviews
Prep Time 10 min Cook Time 25 min Total Time 0:35
Yields 4-6
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Ingredients

  • 4 -5 pieces of uncured nitrate free peppered bacon (keep 1 tbsp of the rendered bacon fat for cooking)
  • 1 tbsp or more of coconut sugar (divided)
  • 1 bunch of large asparagus ( about 15-20 spears)
  • 1 shallot (sliced)
  • 1/4 tsp each sea salt/black pepper
  • 1 tsp or more of lemon juice (optional but brings out the flavors!)

Directions

  1. preheat oven to 400F. Lining a baking pan with foil.
  2. Place 4-5 pieces of uncured smoked or regular peppered bacon on baking tray.
  3. sprinkle with 1/2 to 3/4 tbsp of coconut sugar. make sure it's evenly distributed on bacon.
  4. Bake on bottom rack for 15- 18 minutes.
  5. Remove from oven. The longer the crispier. You can easily do this in the microwave too if you are short on time. See notes.
  6. Spoon 1 - 2 tbsp of the bacon juice into a bowl. Let it sit for later use.
  7. Once bacon is somewhat cooled, chop it into small pieces. Set aside.
  8. Next clean your asparagus and trim bottom stems.
  9. Slice your shallot lengthwise.
  10. Place the bacon fat in a large skillet on medium heat.
  11. Add in your asparagus, shallot, pepper, sea salt, and little more coconut sugar if desired.
  12. Sautee veggies for about 10 minutes or until asparagus is more golden and only slightly crispy on the ends.
  13. Remove from heat.
  14. Place asparagus on a serving dish and add your candied bacon bits.
  15. Spoon any extra juice from the skillet over the asparagus/shallots/bacon.
  16. Feel free to add more pepper/lemon/salt here if desired.
  17. ENJOY!
  18. sautee for about 10 minutes or until asparagus

Recipe Notes

if you buy smaller thinner asparagus, they will cook faster. So watch the pan carefully.

Short on time. Just cook bacon in microwave. cover with paper towels but don't cover the bottom of the bowl or plate. You want the juice to drain there. Then cook 45 seconds at time. Probably 3 to 4 times at 45 sec. each or until crispy. Keep the fat from the plate.

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peppered candied bacon and asparagus paleo

 To Make this Dish You Will Need

Coconut Sugar Better Body Foods

Skillet- Martha Stewart brand

Baking Sheets

Then plate it and sprinkle your peppered candied bacon on top. Garnish with a bit of lemon and a touch of sea salt and you are set!

Easy Peppered Candied Bacon and Asparagus It's paleo, gluten free, and super simple to make! Bacon and Asparagus; a side dish match made in heaven.

This whole dish takes less than 35 minutes.  And if you can’t get a non asparagus eater to like this dish, then something is wrong with them. But I will say this… I “may” have made my husband an asparagus lover after making this candied bacon and asparagus dish.  The whole plate was devoured, which leads me to think he really liked it or was truly starving. Or both! Haha.

I’d also like to credit the smell of candied bacon in the oven. It’s like the most comforting and delicious smell that literally brings you to the table.

Peppered Candied Bacon and Asparagus dish  —> WINNING! —-> MISSION COMPLETE!

Match made in FOOD Heaven! EASY PEPPERED CANDIED BACON and ASPARAGUS. #paleo

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What’s your go to method for convincing a non vegetable eater to eat their vegetables? 

Cheers,

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p.s.

For those of you who need some affirmation that bacon can be good for you. I highly recommend this FOR THE LOVE OF BACON read. <3 yes!

Easy Peppered Candied Bacon and Asparagus It's paleo, gluten free, and super simple to make! Bacon and Asparagus; a side dish match made in heaven.

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2017-10-03 Cotter 27

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  5. So asparagus is my jam, although thankfully my Hubby actually likes it. Artichokes on the other hand he complains about all the time.

    Side note: asparagus is a perennial and I have it growing in my raised garden bed. This will be my third year growing those magical stalks of delight. You’re welcome to come try some. 🙂

    Reply

  7. This sounds absolutely divine! Mushrooms are one of my favorites too, and my youngest son is the only one that likes them besides me, so when I buy them, it’s just as a treat for us. I love asparagus too, and fortunately, there is only one kid that doesn’t like it, and he’s away at college so we have asparagus at least once a week now. I can’t wait to try your recipe! I’m such a creature of habit, I pretty much always make my asparagus the same way. But this looks wonderful!

    Reply

  8. Such a perfect pair! This looks to die for, Lindsay. Asparagus is definitely one of my favorites (can’t beat brussels, though!) and I’m loving the addition of the candied bacon. Definitely trying this one soon 🙂

    Reply

  10. My husband hates asparagus…. luckily I’m not a huge fan and the whole weird smelling pee thing grosses me out. However I do enjoy it occasionally I’m sure this candied bacon will be an easy way to get him to eat it too!

    Reply

  14. I mean, adding bacon to just about anything makes it taste great. And candied bacon – even better. The Hubs loves both asparagus & bacon, so I know he would eat this up!

    Reply

  15. Brother, we are on the same brain length today with the asparagus. But I think you won but adding bacon. LOL!

    We used to call sweet bacon pig candy growing up. Mom did it with brown sugar and a little bit of cayenne. I’ve started doing it now with maple syrup and cayenne. Annnnnnd… now it’s going on my asparagus!

    Reply

  16. CANDIED bacon – WTHEEEYYYYYYYY?!?!?!
    Bacon makes my heart happy – oh wait…no it’s not supposed to make my heart happy right…but wjho cares – it’s bacon and CANDIED – I’ll take it with asparagus or sprouts of beets anyday – though those are all veggies I adore…am not thinking clearly, am giddy on CANDIED bacon!

    Reply

  22. “Fun Fact” about me… Bacon kind of scares me. But at the same time, I would eat the crap out of it – but I don’t eat pigs. Yet I eat wild boar. I’m confusing myself over here! LOL!

    Reply

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