Traeger Smoked Asparagus with Bacon and Parmesan Recipe

Introduction

Smoked asparagus brings a wonderful depth of flavor to this simple vegetable side dish. Using a smoker infuses the asparagus with a subtle smoky aroma, enhanced by crispy bacon and a touch of parmesan. It’s perfect for adding a smoky twist to any meal.

Ingredients

• 1 lb asparagus (fresh)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sea salt (coarse)
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper (coarse)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 slices thick cut bacon (chopped)
• ¼ lemon (optional)
• ⅙ cup fresh grated parmesan

Instructions

1. Step 1: Start your smoker according to the manufacturer’s directions, setting the temperature to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Step 2: Prepare the asparagus by holding each spear near the base and midway point and bending until it snaps. Rinse under cold running water and dry on a clean kitchen towel.
3. Step 3: Toss the asparagus with olive oil, then season evenly with sea salt, ground black pepper, and garlic powder. Massage the seasonings into the spears to coat well.
4. Step 4: Arrange the seasoned asparagus on a grill tray. Add lemon quarters if you like for a bright citrus note.
5. Step 5: Place the grill tray on the lower rack of your smoker. Smoke the asparagus at 225°F for 30 minutes.
6. Step 6: After 30 minutes, toss the asparagus with the chopped bacon. Return it to the smoker and continue cooking for another 15 minutes until the bacon crisps and the asparagus is tender.
7. Step 7: Remove the tray from the smoker and transfer the asparagus to a serving dish. Sprinkle fresh grated parmesan over the top and add a squeeze of smoked lemon juice if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use thick-cut bacon for better texture and flavor. For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and add smoked paprika for a smoky taste.
• If you don’t have a smoker, you can replicate some smoky flavor by grilling the asparagus on a charcoal grill at low heat, covering with a smoker box or wood chips.
• Serve immediately for the best texture or let cool and add to salads for a smoky twist.

Storage

Store leftover smoked asparagus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave to prevent drying out. It also works well cold in salads or as a snack.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen asparagus for this recipe?

Fresh asparagus is best for smoking because it holds up better to the slow cooking process. Frozen asparagus tends to become mushy and won’t develop the same texture or flavor.

What type of wood chips are best for smoking asparagus?

Fruit woods like apple or cherry work nicely as they provide a mild, sweet smoke that complements the asparagus without overwhelming its natural flavor.

Traeger Smoked Asparagus with Bacon and Parmesan Recipe

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4.7 from 132 reviews

This Traeger Smoked Asparagus recipe offers a flavorful, smoky twist on a simple vegetable side dish. Fresh asparagus spears are seasoned, smoked low and slow with the addition of crispy bacon, and finished with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and optional smoked lemon for a bright, savory flavor perfect for complementing any grilled meats or summer meal.

• Author: luca
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Smoking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 1 lb fresh asparagus

Seasonings & Oil

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
• ½ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Additional Ingredients

• 2 slices thick cut bacon, chopped
• ¼ lemon (optional)
• ⅙ cup fresh grated parmesan (approximately 1/8 cup used for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Smoker: Start your smoker following the manufacturer’s instructions and set the temperature to 225°F to prepare for low and slow cooking.
2. Prepare the Asparagus: Clean the asparagus by snapping off the woody ends — hold each spear at the base and midway point and bend until it naturally breaks. Rinse the spears under cold running water and pat dry on a clean kitchen towel.
3. Season the Asparagus: Toss asparagus with olive oil, then season evenly with sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, massaging the spices in to coat thoroughly.
4. Arrange on Grill Tray: Spread the seasoned asparagus in a single layer on a grill tray. Add lemon quarters if using for added bright flavor during smoking.
5. Smoke the Asparagus: Place the grill tray on the lower rack of the smoker and smoke at 225°F for 30 minutes to infuse a gentle smoky flavor and tenderize the spears.
6. Add Bacon and Continue Smoking: After 30 minutes, toss the asparagus to redistribute, sprinkle the chopped bacon over the top, then smoke for an additional 15 minutes until bacon crisps and asparagus is tender.
7. Finish and Serve: Remove from smoker, transfer asparagus to a serving dish, sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese, and squeeze smoked lemon juice over top if desired for a fresh citrus lift.

Notes

• Peeling the woody ends off asparagus by snapping ensures only the tender pieces are cooked.
• Use a grill tray or pan that fits your smoker to keep the asparagus from falling through the grates.
• Adjust bacon quantity according to preference or omit for a vegetarian option.
• Smoked lemon is optional but adds a nice bright contrast to the smoky flavors.
• Keep the smoking temperature low to avoid overcooking and maintain a tender yet firm texture.

Keywords: Traeger smoked asparagus, smoked asparagus recipe, asparagus side dish, smoked vegetables, grilling asparagus, bacon asparagus, easy smoker recipes