Want to level up your veggie side dish game in under 30 minutes? This Roasted Asparagus with Bacon and Goat Cheese is next-level delicious. Crispy bacon, creamy goat cheese, and perfectly roasted asparagus—all on one pan and ready in a flash.
Asparagus season is pure gold for simple, fresh recipes like this one. Whether it’s Easter dinner, a spring brunch, or just a Tuesday night, this dish always delivers. It was inspired by my crispy parmesan broccoli chips, and it pairs beautifully with my air fryer cod fillet or low carb broccoli salad.
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💖 Why This Recipe Works
- Bold flavor from the bacon and creamy goat cheese.
- Quick & easy — ready in under 30 minutes.
- Perfect texture — tender-crisp asparagus every time.
- Great for gatherings — simple but elegant side dish.
⭐ Star Ingredients
- Asparagus – Go for thick stalks if you can—they hold up better in the oven and don’t wilt as fast. Snap off the woody ends where they naturally break for perfect texture every time.
- Bacon – I like using thick-cut bacon for bigger, crispier bits that don’t get lost in the mix. Cook it until deep golden for max flavor.
- Goat cheese – Choose a soft, creamy goat cheese that crumbles easily. It won’t melt fully, but that’s the beauty—it adds creamy bursts in every bite.
- Salt & pepper – Don’t overdo it—bacon adds plenty of salt. I use freshly ground black pepper for a subtle bite that balances the richness.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
🔀 Substitutions & Variations
- Vegetarian – Leave out the bacon or use a plant-based substitute.
- Low fat – Use turkey bacon or skip it altogether.
- Add a kick – Sprinkle with red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey.
- Deluxe version – Top with toasted pine nuts or a balsamic glaze.
- Kid-friendly twist – Swap goat cheese for mozzarella and crumble some kettle chips on top.
Looking for mains to pair with this? Try it with my air fryer butterfly chicken with citrus, baked crispy salmon bites on rice, or this super easy thin sliced chicken breast in the air fryer. They’re all quick, flavorful, and go perfectly with this roasted asparagus dish.
🔪 How To Make Roasted Asparagus
- Step 1: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chopped bacon until it’s crispy and golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the flavorful grease in the pan.
- Step 2: Toss the asparagus in the hot bacon grease until it's evenly coated. You don’t want to cook it—just make sure every stalk gets a good coating for extra flavor. If needed, take the pan off the heat to do this more easily.
- Step 3: Spread the asparagus out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese evenly over the top.
- Step 4: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a knife slides easily through the thickest part of the stalk. Keep an eye on it—overcooked asparagus can turn chewy and stringy.
- Step 5: Remove from the oven and season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the crispy bacon over the top.
- Step 6: Serve your roasted asparagus immediately. Enjoy!
💡Hint: Want your asparagus ultra-vibrant? Blanch briefly before roasting, then shock in ice water.
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Don’t crowd the pan – Spread out the asparagus for even roasting.
- Blanch if needed – If your stalks are thick, a quick 30-second boil helps soften them before roasting.
- Layer flavors – A drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving adds a beautiful sweet-savory contrast.
💭 FAQ's
Don’t overcook! Roast for 10–12 minutes max and spread them out on the pan.
Bend the stalk—it’ll snap naturally where the woody part ends. Or trim about an inch off the base.
Crumble it on as soon as the asparagus comes out of the oven. The residual heat softens it just enough.
Yes! Omit the goat cheese or use a dairy-free cheese like cashew cheese.
Pop it back in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes. Skip the microwave—it makes it soggy.
💖 Serving Suggestions
- This roasted asparagus with bacon and goat cheese is super versatile and fits into just about any meal plan. Here’s how to serve it up:
- Holiday gatherings – A gorgeous side for glazed ham, roast chicken, or turkey—especially around Easter or Christmas.
- Dinner party upgrade – Lay it out on a platter with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and a sprinkle of lemon zest for that “wow” moment.
- Low-carb dinner – Serve it with citrusy spatchcock chicken or thinly sliced air fryer chicken breast for a light, protein-packed plate.
- Family weeknight meal – Pair with crispy salmon bites over rice for a balanced, satisfying dinner that’s quick to prep.
- As part of a bowl – Toss leftovers into a grain bowl with quinoa, cherry tomatoes, and a lemony dressing for lunch the next day.
- Brunch twist – Add a poached or soft-boiled egg on top with toast on the side. It’s rich, savory, and totally brunch-worthy.
🍽 Pair With These High Protein Recipes
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Roasted Asparagus With Goats Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 Bunch Asparagus
- 3 Strips Bacon
- Salt (to taste)
- Black Pepper (to taste)
- 2 oz Goat Cheese
Instructions
- Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chopped bacon until it’s crispy and golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the flavorful grease in the pan.
- Toss the asparagus in the hot bacon grease until it's evenly coated. You don’t want to cook it—just make sure every stalk gets a good coating for extra flavor. If needed, take the pan off the heat to do this more easily.
- Spread the asparagus out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a knife slides easily through the thickest part of the stalk. Keep an eye on it—overcooked asparagus can turn chewy and stringy.
- Remove from the oven and season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the crispy bacon over the top.
- Serve your roasted asparagus immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
- Blanch First: For extra vibrant and tender asparagus, blanch the stalks in boiling water for 30 seconds, then shock them in ice water before roasting.
- Layer the Flavors: Drizzle a little balsamic glaze or honey over the top before serving for a touch of sweetness.
Just made this again for our Sunday dinner and wow—it never gets old! That combo of crispy bacon and creamy goat cheese on roasted asparagus is chef’s kiss. Let me know if you try it with a twist—I’m always up for new flavor combos!