Savory Roasted Asparagus with Blue Cheese and Bacon Recipe

Crispy bacon and tangy blue cheese can transform ordinary roasted asparagus into a culinary adventure that surprises your palate.

Seasonal green spears acquire incredible depth when kissed by high heat.

Salt and smoke mingle through each tender bite, creating complex layers of flavor.

Nutritious stalks emerge from the oven with delightfully caramelized edges and a rich, creamy finish.

Minimal ingredients produce maximum impact in this straightforward side dish.

Hungry diners appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together with just a few simple steps.

Flavor Twists for Roasted Asparagus with Bacon

• Vegetarian Blue Cheese Swap: Replace bacon with crispy roasted chickpeas or smoked almonds for a protein-packed crunch and vegetarian alternative.
• Low-Carb Goat Cheese Version: Substitute blue cheese with tangy goat cheese and use pancetta instead of traditional bacon for a lighter Mediterranean-inspired side dish.
• Dairy-Free Herbal Adaptation: Use nutritional yeast instead of blue cheese, swap bacon with crispy tempeh strips, and add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor complexity.
• Vegan Green Option: Replace blue cheese with cashew cheese, use coconut bacon or smoky tempeh bits, and sprinkle with nutritional yeast for a creamy, umami-rich experience.

Serving Ideas for Roasted Asparagus Side

• Elegant Dinner Party Centerpiece: Create a stunning side dish presentation by arranging the roasted asparagus on a rustic wooden platter, sprinkled with extra crumbled blue cheese and crispy bacon bits.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Match this savory dish with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio to complement the rich blue cheese and smoky bacon flavors.
• Brunch Brilliance: Transform this recipe into a delightful brunch addition by serving it alongside poached eggs or as a sophisticated side for eggs benedict, adding a gourmet touch to your morning meal.
• Healthy Protein Boost: Elevate the nutritional value by adding grilled chicken strips or toasted pine nuts on top, creating a more substantial and protein-packed vegetable side dish.

Best Storage Advice for Roasted Asparagus

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep chilled for up to 3 days, ensuring maximum freshness and food safety.
• Place asparagus on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking to prevent overcooking. Warm until cheese melts and asparagus reaches desired temperature.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread asparagus on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil. Warm for 5-7 minutes until heated through, preventing dryness.
• Not recommended due to asparagus texture changes and potential cheese separation. Fresh preparation is always best for optimal taste and quality.

FAQs

• Can I use other types of cheese instead of blue cheese?

Yes, you can substitute blue cheese with feta, goat cheese, or parmesan for a different flavor profile.

• Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

No, the recipe contains bacon. To make it vegetarian, simply omit the bacon or replace it with crispy vegetarian bacon alternatives.

• How do I know when the asparagus is perfectly roasted?

The asparagus should look bright green and slightly tender when roasted, with tips slightly crispy but not burnt. A total roasting time of 15-20 minutes ensures optimal texture.

• What size asparagus works best for this recipe?

Medium-thickness asparagus spears work best. They roast evenly and provide a perfect balance between tender and crisp textures.

Why Roasted Asparagus with Blue Cheese Excites

• Boost Flavor Profile: Combine savory bacon, tangy blue cheese, and roasted asparagus for a mouthwatering side dish that transforms ordinary vegetables into a gourmet experience.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious result without complex techniques.
• Versatile Serving Option: Great as a side dish for dinner parties, family meals, or as a sophisticated appetizer that impresses guests with minimal effort.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Can be prepared ahead of time, stored easily, and reheated quickly, making it an excellent choice for those wanting convenient, nutritious meal solutions.

Ingredients for Roasted Asparagus with Blue Cheese and Bacon

• Asparagus: A fresh, green vegetable with tender spears that serves as the primary base for this roasted side dish.
• Blue Cheese: A bold and tangy cheese that adds rich, creamy flavor to the roasted asparagus.
• Bacon: A crispy, savory protein that provides a smoky and crunchy element to the dish.

• Olive Oil: A cooking oil that helps to coat the asparagus and promote even roasting.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• Garlic: A pungent herb that adds depth and aromatic complexity to the roasted vegetables.

How to Roast Asparagus with Blue Cheese and Bacon

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 400 degrees Fahrenheit, creating the perfect warm environment for roasting.

Step 2: Prep the Asparagus

Carefully trim the tough ends of the asparagus spears.

• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Fresh garlic (minced)

Drizzle and sprinkle these ingredients over the asparagus, ensuring each spear is wonderfully coated.

Step 3: First Roasting Session

Place the seasoned asparagus in the preheated oven and roast uncovered for 15 minutes.

The asparagus will start to become tender and develop a beautiful golden color.

Step 4: Add Cheesy Goodness

Remove the asparagus from the oven and generously scatter blue cheese over the top.

The cheese will begin to melt and create a creamy layer.

Step 5: Sprinkle Bacon Magic

Distribute chopped cooked bacon across the cheese-covered asparagus, adding a delightful crunch and smoky flavor.

Step 6: Final Roasting Touch

Return the dish to the oven for a final 5-minute roast, allowing the cheese to become perfectly melted and the bacon to crisp up.

Step 7: Serve Immediately

Transfer the roasted asparagus to a serving plate right away.

The melted cheese and crispy bacon are at their peak deliciousness when served hot.

Step 8: Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

The dish will keep well for up to 3 days.

Step 9: Reheating Options

Warm the asparagus briefly in the microwave or reheat in a regular oven to restore the cheese’s melty texture and revive the flavors.

Tips for Crispy Roasted Asparagus and Cheese

• Choose fresh, firm asparagus with tight, compact tips and bright green color for the best flavor and texture.
• Cook bacon until crispy, then drain and chop into small pieces to ensure even distribution and maximum crunchiness.
• Roast asparagus for exactly 15 minutes before adding cheese and bacon, preventing overcooking and maintaining a tender-crisp texture.
• Add blue cheese during the final 5 minutes of roasting to create a creamy, melted topping without burning the cheese.
• Enjoy the dish right after cooking to experience the melted cheese and crispy bacon at their peak deliciousness.

Roasted Asparagus with Blue Cheese and Bacon Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent roasted asparagus with blue cheese and bacon delivers a symphony of savory flavors that dance across your palate. Crisp bacon and tangy blue cheese elevate this simple vegetable into a culinary masterpiece you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450 grams) asparagus
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) blue cheese
• 5 slices bacon (cooked and chopped)

Flavor Enhancers:

• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil

Seasonings:

• salt
• pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to a sizzling 400°F, creating the perfect roasting environment for the asparagus.
2. Carefully trim the woody ends of the asparagus, ensuring a tender and delectable vegetable base.
3. Arrange the asparagus in a baking dish, generously coating with olive oil and sprinkling with salt, pepper, and finely minced garlic for an aromatic flavor boost.
4. Place the seasoned asparagus in the preheated oven and roast uncovered for 15 minutes, allowing the vegetables to caramelize and develop a rich, golden exterior.
5. Remove the asparagus from the oven and liberally scatter blue cheese across the surface, creating a creamy and tangy layer.
6. Sprinkle the pre-cooked, crispy bacon pieces over the cheese-topped asparagus, adding a smoky and crunchy dimension.
7. Return the dish to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, letting the cheese melt and the bacon crisp up further.
8. Serve immediately while the cheese is luxuriously melted and the asparagus retains its vibrant, tender-crisp texture.
9. For best results, ensure bacon is pre-cooked, drained, and chopped before starting the recipe.
10. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating briefly in the microwave or oven before serving.

Notes

• Choose thin asparagus spears for faster, more even roasting and a tender texture.
• Ensure bacon is crispy before chopping to add a delightful crunch to the dish.
• Pat asparagus dry before roasting to help achieve perfect caramelization and prevent soggy results.
• Substitute blue cheese with goat cheese or feta for a different flavor profile if desired.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 298 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 530 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg