Traeger Smoked Asparagus with Bacon and Parmesan Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
