How to eat more vegetables, add CANDIED bacon! Easy Sauteed Asparagus with Candied Bacon. A low carb, gluten free, side dish that’s easy and quick to make!
What is one 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 is adaptable, flavor wise. Which means you can pair it with, let’s say… candied bacon (or any other sweet buttery goodness) to create one magical vegetable side dish.
Sauteed Asparagus and Bacon – A Match Made in Side Dish Heaven? ❤️
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).
How to Make Candied Bacon in the Oven
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).
- Preheat oven to 400F. Lining a baking pan with foil.
- Toss uncured bacon (peppered flavor) with ½ tablespoon of coconut palm sugar then place them on the lined baking sheet.
- Bake on the bottom rack for 15- 18 minutes or until crispy.
- Remove from oven and set aside (For microwave oven, see notes) .
- Spoon 1 – 2 tablespoon of the bacon juice (from the pan) into a bowl. Set aside for later use * THIS IS KEY!
Meat Free Substitute
Not a meat eater? No prob! Try this dish with my vegan mushroom bacon mushroom bacon instead! It still adds great flavor!
Now all that’s left is to make the sauteed asparagus and combine!
The Key to Sauteing Asparagus!
Use a good fat (high smoke index) to saute the trimmed asparagus. That’s why we saved the bacon fat from the bacon pan.
Add the asparagus, shallot, pepper, sea salt, and optional remaining coconut sugar if, desired.
Sautee the asparagus and shallot on medium (in the bacon fat) for 10 minutes or until asparagus is slightly darker green but still crispy on the ends.
Put it all together and serve! With lemon and salt and pepper, obviously.
This whole dish takes less than 35 minutes. It’s really that simple and magical for the tastebuds!
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!
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Sauteed Asparagus with Candied Bacon
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4-5 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Candied Bacon and Asparagus {Paleo, Gluten Free}
Ingredients
- 4–5 strips of uncured nitrate free peppered bacon (keep 1 tbsp of the rendered bacon fat for cooking)
- 1 tbsp coconut sugar (divided)
- 1 bunch of large asparagus ( about 15–20 spears)
- 1 shallot (sliced)
- ¼ tsp each sea salt/black pepper
- 1 tsp lemon juice plus lemon slices to garnish (optional)
Instructions
For the Bacon:
- Preheat oven to 400F. Lining a baking pan with foil.
- Toss the uncured bacon strips with ½ tablespoon of coconut palm sugar then place them on the lined baking sheet.
- Bake on the bottom rack for 15- 18 minutes or until crispy.
- Remove from oven and set aside (For microwave oven, see notes) .
- Spoon 1 – 2 tablespoon of the bacon juice (from the pan) into a bowl. Set aside for later use.
- Once bacon is somewhat cooled, dice it into small pieces. Set aside.
For the Sauteed Asparagus:
- Wash the asparagus and trim bottom stems..
- Add the bacon fat to a large skillet and bring to medium to medium high heat.
- Add the asparagus, shallot, pepper, sea salt, and optional remaining coconut sugar if, desired.
- Sautee the asparagus and shallot on medium for 10 minutes or until asparagus is slightly darker green but still crispy on the ends. Remove from heat.
To Plate :
- Place sauteed asparagus and shallot on a serving dish and top with candied bacon.
- Spoon any extra juice from the skillet over the asparagus/shallots/bacon.
- Lemon to garnish. Salt/pepper to taste.
Notes
Smaller thinner asparagus will cook faster. 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. Cook 45 seconds at time, 3 to 4 times until crispy. Keep the fat from the plate.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: side dish
- Method: stove
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Calories: 115
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 226 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
Keywords: asparagus, candied bacon, sauteed asparagus, side dish, paleo side dish, oven baked bacon
What’s your go to method for convincing a non vegetable eater to eat their vegetables?
Cheers,
LC
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!
“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!
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
I am a huge fan of asparagus. I could eat it every single day. Great recipe
Thanks friend! I am too. And bacon haha
I feel like I could eat a giant bowl of this for dinner and need nothing more. Holy deliciousness!
I have to try that candied bacon.. it looks TOO good.
You have got to! you’d love!!
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! 🙂
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!!
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 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!
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
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 🙂
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.
I just made asparagus the other night! I can’t imagine life without it.
why i love you! food twin!
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 believe you said the magic words of candied bacon. I like asparagus, but hand me the bacon NO
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
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. 😉
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