PaleoHow 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!
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!
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!
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).
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?
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
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 1x
Description
Peppered Candied Bacon and Asparagus {Paleo, Gluten Free}
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!)
Instructions
- preheat oven to 400F. Lining a baking pan with foil.
- Place 4-5 pieces of uncured smoked or regular peppered bacon on baking tray.
- sprinkle with 1/2 to 3/4 tbsp of coconut sugar. make sure it’s evenly distributed on bacon.
- Bake on bottom rack for 15- 18 minutes.
- Remove from oven. The longer the crispier. You can easily do this in the microwave too if you are short on time. See notes.
- Spoon 1 – 2 tbsp of the bacon juice into a bowl. Let it sit for later use.
- Once bacon is somewhat cooled, chop it into small pieces. Set aside.
- Next clean your asparagus and trim bottom stems.
- Slice your shallot lengthwise.
- Place the bacon fat in a large skillet on medium heat.
- Add in your asparagus, shallot, pepper, sea salt, and little more coconut sugar if desired.
- Sautee veggies for about 10 minutes or until asparagus is more golden and only slightly crispy on the ends.
- Remove from heat.
- Place asparagus on a serving dish and add your candied bacon bits.
- Spoon any extra juice from the skillet over the asparagus/shallots/bacon.
- Feel free to add more pepper/lemon/salt here if desired.
- ENJOY!
- sautee for about 10 minutes or until asparagus
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.
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!
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!
What’s your go to method for convincing a non vegetable eater to eat their vegetables?
Cheers,
KEEP ME POSTED ON YOU! LET’S STAY CONNECTED. SO VIA FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, PINTEREST, AND TWITTER.
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!
Hi, I’m Lindsay! Gluten Free Nutrition Specialist, food photographer and author of 
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Did someone say “Candied Bacon”?! Now THAT’S how you make asparagus taste delicious!!! 🙂
you know this! bacon is a magic word, for sure. and so is candy. haha
Asparagus is easily one of my favorite veggies!! It’s so good with everything. Especially bacon!
for sure! and I it’s great with fish! haha i know you love fish. 😉
No words! This looks just too good. And there is ALWAYS bacon involved when trying to get people to eat veggies!
you know it! bacon for life
totally thought of you! bacon lovers! <3
I believe you said the magic words of candied bacon. I like asparagus, but hand me the bacon NO
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. 🙂
oh you know i am coming! do you need a nanny? LOL!
I just made asparagus the other night! I can’t imagine life without it.
why i love you! food twin!
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!
Your college kid and my husband can join their own Asparagus NON eaters club! LOL! although, seriously, this dish is life changing! Keep me posted.
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 🙂
Ohh this is so pretty, and I love the sound of asparagus and candied bacon. …which, come to think of it, I don’t think I’ve ever had? Clearly I need to step up my bacon game.
step it up twin! haha kidding
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!
haha i think the bacon helps diminish the pee smell. Well, that’s what i’m telling myself. LOL!
Looks amazing! I love asparagus and this recipe is making me drool! YUM!
★★★★★
it’s so droolworthy!! agreed. <3 it
yea! drool is so required. haha. I agree!
My oldest would LOVE this!! Definitely on the list to make for her when we get back home!
yea! keep me posted. p.s happy belated bday!!
I don’t understand people that don’t like asparagus. I mean, we can still be friends, but asparagus is life. Eh hem, ESPECIALLY when you top with bacon. OMG. Amazing.
Yes, i totally agree! asparagus lovers unite!
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!
ahhh can he teach my husband to like asparagus? LOL!
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!
OMG that is genius! so trying this next. Dude, we are so related.
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!
i say it does make your heart happy. Bacon can be good for you! For sure! And if its’ made with love it’s even sweeter. hehe.
Well, I am not an asparagus fan but this might help.. although I am not a huge bacon fan either but it all together sounds great! 🙂
Sharing for my bacon fans!!!!!
what is your fav veggie? I gotta know!
I really am so boring with food Lindsay! I eat the basics.. broc, cauliflower, carrots, peppers & stuff. I buy the frozen mix from Costco! 🙂
I have to try that candied bacon.. it looks TOO good.
You have got to! you’d love!!
I feel like I could eat a giant bowl of this for dinner and need nothing more. Holy deliciousness!
I am a huge fan of asparagus. I could eat it every single day. Great recipe
Thanks friend! I am too. And bacon haha
This must be such a crowd pleaser with those flavors!! Saving to try!
It’s one of my favs!!! Let me know if you try it
“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!
which is why i love you. You keep me on my toes!
I always love asparagus but with candied bacon, I think I just might die and go to heaven!
i’m seriously obsessed with it! let me know if you try it Meg!