Introduction

This Bacon Blue Cheese Asparagus is the ultimate 20-minute side dish that transforms simple spears into a savory, crave-worthy treat. The smoky bacon and tangy blue cheese create a perfect flavor harmony, making it an ideal accompaniment for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal. For another easy, one-pan favorite, try this 30-Minute One-Pan Pesto Chicken and Veggies Recipe.

Ingredients

This vibrant spring side dish combines the crisp, grassy snap of asparagus with the smoky saltiness of bacon and the bold, creamy tang of blue cheese for a flavor combination that’s truly irresistible.

• 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste

Timing

Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	15 minutes
Total Time	25 minutes

Context: This Asparagus with Blue Cheese and Bacon spring side dish comes together in about 25 minutes, which is roughly 20% faster than similar roasted asparagus recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prep the Asparagus

Rinse one pound of fresh asparagus spears under cold water. Snap off the tough, woody ends by holding each spear at both ends and bending; it will naturally break where the tender part begins. Pat the spears completely dry with a clean kitchen towel.

Step 2 — Cook the Bacon

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 4–6 slices of thick-cut bacon until crispy. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, leaving the rendered fat in the pan. Once cool, crumble the bacon into small pieces.

Tip: For easier crumbling, chop the bacon into small pieces before cooking. This also helps it cook more evenly and quickly.

Step 3 — Sauté the Asparagus

Increase the heat under the skillet to medium-high. Carefully add the prepped asparagus spears to the hot bacon fat in a single layer. Season lightly with a pinch of salt and black pepper.

Sauté for 5–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the asparagus is tender-crisp and bright green. You should be able to pierce the thickest part of a spear easily with a fork.

Step 4 — Crumble the Cheese

While the asparagus cooks, crumble 2–3 ounces of your preferred blue cheese, such as Gorgonzola or Roquefort, into small pieces. Let the cheese sit at room temperature to soften slightly, which will make it melt beautifully over the hot asparagus.

Step 5 — Assemble the Dish

Transfer the sautéed asparagus to a serving platter. Immediately sprinkle the warm spears with the crumbled blue cheese, allowing the residual heat to soften it. The cheese should just begin to melt and get creamy.

Step 6 — Add the Bacon & Final Seasoning

Scatter the reserved crumbled bacon evenly over the asparagus and cheese. For a final touch of brightness, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a light drizzle of balsamic glaze. Taste and adjust seasoning with a final crack of black pepper if needed.

Serving Tip: This Asparagus with Blue Cheese and Bacon SPRING SIDE DISH is best served immediately while warm. It pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, steak, or as part of an elegant spring brunch spread.

Nutritional Information

Calories	~185 kcal
Protein	~8 g
Carbohydrates	~6 g
Fat	~14 g
Fiber	~3 g
Sodium	~380 mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size. This Asparagus with Blue Cheese and Bacon SPRING SIDE DISH also provides a good source of Vitamin K, folate, and Vitamin C.

Healthier Alternatives

This versatile asparagus with blue cheese and bacon spring side dish can be easily adapted to fit various dietary needs without sacrificing its rich, savory character.

• Turkey Bacon or Pancetta — For a leaner protein option with a similar smoky, salty flavor.
• Plant-Based Bacon — A great choice for a meat-free version that still delivers a crispy, savory crunch.
• Goat Cheese or Feta — Offers a tangy punch with slightly less intensity than blue cheese for a different profile.
• Nutritional Yeast or Vegan Cheese Crumbles — Creates a dairy-free, cheesy flavor that complements the asparagus beautifully.
• Toasted Almonds or Walnuts — Adds a wonderful crunch and healthy fats for a lower-carb, bacon-free topping.
• Low-Sodium Soy Sauce or Coconut Aminos — A dash can enhance umami if you’re reducing salt, especially when paired with a milder cheese.
• Roasted Chickpeas — Provides a gluten-free, high-fiber crispy element as an alternative to breadcrumb toppings.
• Avocado Oil or Olive Oil — A heart-healthy fat swap for any butter used in roasting or sautéing.

Serving Suggestions

This asparagus with blue cheese and bacon spring side dish is incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas for pairing, plating, and making the most of its bold flavors.

Perfect Pairings

• With Grilled or Roasted Meats: The savory, salty notes complement a simple herb-roasted chicken, a juicy steak, or a rack of lamb beautifully.
• As Part of a Brunch Spread: Serve it alongside quiche, frittata, or fluffy scrambled eggs for a show-stopping brunch side.
• Alongside Pasta: Toss the warm asparagus and toppings into a bowl of fettuccine or farfalle for a quick, decadent pasta dish.

Occasions & Menus

• Easter or Spring Holiday Dinner: Its seasonal freshness makes it a natural centerpiece for your holiday table.
• Weeknight Upgrade: Transform a simple weeknight protein into a special meal in under 30 minutes.
• Potluck or BBQ: This dish travels well and is always a crowd-pleaser, served warm or at room temperature.

Plating & Presentation Tips

• Arrange the spears neatly in a single layer on a long platter for an elegant look.
• For individual servings, create small bundles of asparagus tied with a blanched chive or green onion.
• Finish with a final sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese and crispy bacon right before serving for maximum texture and visual appeal.
• Add a bright garnish like lemon zest or chopped fresh chives to contrast the rich colors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Overcooking the asparagus until it’s mushy and dull. Fix: Cook just until bright green and tender-crisp, about 3-5 minutes for medium spears.
• Mistake: Adding cold blue cheese crumbles that don’t melt into the dish. Fix: Let the cheese come to room temperature before sprinkling over the hot asparagus.
• Mistake: Using soggy, undercooked bacon that lacks crisp texture. Fix: Cook bacon separately until very crisp, then crumble it over the top just before serving.
• Mistake: Crowding the pan when sautéing asparagus, which steams instead of sears. Fix: Cook in a single layer in batches or use a larger skillet for proper browning.
• Mistake: Skipping the step to trim the tough, woody ends from the asparagus. Fix: Snap off the bottom inch or use a peeler on the lower third of each spear.
• Mistake: Drowning the dish in blue cheese, overpowering the delicate spring vegetable. Fix: Use blue cheese as a bold accent, not the main component, for a balanced flavor.
• Mistake: Adding salt before tasting, as both bacon and blue cheese are already salty. Fix: Always taste your asparagus with blue cheese and bacon before adding any extra salt.
• Mistake: Serving the dish lukewarm, causing the cheese to harden and fat to congeal. Fix: Plate and serve this spring side dish immediately after assembling while everything is hot.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool the asparagus side dish completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The bacon and blue cheese flavors will intensify.
• Freezer: Freezing is not recommended for this asparagus with blue cheese and bacon. The asparagus becomes mushy and the dairy-based sauce may separate upon thawing.
• Reheat: For best texture, reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through, or in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety. The microwave can be used but may make the asparagus soggy.

For optimal enjoyment of this spring side dish, serve it fresh. If you must store leftovers, refrigeration is your best option for preserving the quality of the asparagus, bacon, and blue cheese.

Conclusion

This Asparagus with Blue Cheese and Bacon spring side dish is a simple, flavorful way to elevate any meal. If you love this combo, you might also enjoy our Roasted Asparagus with Bacon, Garlic, and Parmesan Recipe. Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments below!

Print

Bacon Blue Cheese Asparagus

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

This bacon and blue cheese asparagus comes together in less than 30 minutes. A healthy-but-decadent spring side dish perfect for holidays, date night, or barbecues.[1]

• Author: Dorothy Miller
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x
• Method: Side Dish
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F or prepare grill to 325°F. Toss asparagus with olive oil, granulated garlic, salt, and pepper. Spread in a single layer in a cast iron skillet or baking dish.[1]
2. Scatter chopped bacon over asparagus. Bake or grill for 20-25 minutes until bacon is crispy and asparagus is tender, stirring halfway.[1]
3. Remove from heat, sprinkle blue cheese crumbles on top, and let melt for 2-3 minutes. Serve immediately.[1]

Notes

Use thin asparagus spears for even cooking. For extra crispiness, broil for the last 1-2 minutes. Pairs well with grilled meats or pork.[1]

Nutrition

• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 45mg

FAQs

Can I make this asparagus dish ahead of time?

You can prep components ahead. Cook the bacon and blanch the asparagus, then store them separately in the fridge. Assemble and add the blue cheese just before serving to keep the asparagus crisp and the cheese from melting.

What type of blue cheese works best for this recipe?

A crumbly, creamy blue cheese like Gorgonzola or Roquefort is ideal. It melts slightly on the warm asparagus and bacon, creating a rich sauce. This Asparagus with Blue Cheese and Bacon SPRING SIDE DISH relies on a flavorful cheese.

How do I prevent the asparagus from becoming soggy?

Ensure your asparagus spears are thoroughly dried after washing. Do not overcook them; a quick blanch or roast until just tender-crisp is key. Tossing them with the hot bacon and its fat just before serving also helps maintain texture.