This sautéed asparagus and mushrooms recipe takes only 15 minutes after prep for a dish that features crispy asparagus with deep flavors of bacon and Parmesan. And the mushrooms added to make everything savory and delicious!
I’m always on the hunt for vintage recipes that fit our modern, busy lifestyle! And this recipe is all of that and more! It tastes incredible and hardly takes 15 minutes to prep. It’s something I always make for my family when I’m short on time and asparagus is in season and on sale at the grocery store.
This vintage recipe is delicious and if you enjoy the combination of bacon and vegetables, be sure to check out my bacon potato casserole recipe too. Or, if you’re in the mood for more roasted veggies, give my garlic-roasted butternut squash a try. And for a twist, try my corn and noodle casserole!
This recipe was cut out from the Dairyman Magazine from 1991. It was saved by my grandma and contained quite a few different asparagus recipes. The sauteed one caught my eye and after I added a few additions and adaptations, I find it the perfect quick side dish.
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is a time-saver. It can be made in just 15 minutes after the prep work is done, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Classic Flavors: The combination of bacon, mushrooms, and asparagus creates a dish with deep, rich flavors that are simply irresistible.
- Family Favorite: This dish is a hit with the whole family. The crunchy asparagus and mushrooms, combined with the savory bacon and parmesan, make it a meal everyone will love.
- Comfort Food: There’s something about the warm, hearty flavors of this dish that just screams comfort. It’s the perfect recipe for a cozy night in.
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Key Ingredients
- Bacon: The key to this dish is the bacon. It adds a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the asparagus and mushrooms.
- Onion: The onion adds a bit of sweetness and depth to the dish, complimenting the savory flavors of the bacon and parmesan.
- Parmesan Cheese: This ingredient adds a salty, nutty flavor that enhances the overall dish.
- Pepper: A pinch of pepper gives a little kick to the dish, balancing out the richness of the other ingredients.
- Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms add a meaty texture and earthy flavor to the dish, making it more satisfying.
- Asparagus: Asparagus brings a fresh, crisp bite to the dish, and its unique flavor pairs well with the other ingredients.
Equipment
- Large Skillet – You’ll need a big skillet to cook the bacon and sauté the asparagus and mushrooms. A large heavy-bottom skillet is best for even heat distribution.
- Sharp Knife – A sharp knife is essential for slicing the mushrooms and cutting the asparagus into 2-inch segments.
How to Make Asparagus And Mushrooms
Preparation
Start by prepping the vegetables. Slice the mushrooms and cut the asparagus into 2-inch segments.
Step 1 – Cook the Bacon
In a large cast iron skillet, cook the bacon until it’s done. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the pan and carefully drain the grease. Do not clean the pan.
Step 2 – Saute the Vegetables
In the same skillet, over medium heat, add the onions, asparagus, and mushrooms. Stir in ground pepper. Saute these ingredients for 7-10 minutes until they reach your desired level of tenderness.
Step 3 – Add the Final Touches
Once the vegetables are cooked, remove them from the pan. Sprinkle the mixture with parmesan cheese and the cooked crumbled bacon.
Step 4 – Serve
Your asparagus and mushroom dish is ready to serve. Enjoy it immediately to savor the flavors at their best.
Expert Tip
To make sure that your onions cook at the same rate as your mushrooms and asparagus, slice them into slivers. This will help them to cook evenly and prevent any pieces from becoming too crispy or undercooked.
Recipe Variations
- Cherry Tomatoes: Add cherry tomatoes to saute with the onions, mushrooms, and asparagus for a burst of color and an extra layer of flavor to your dish.
- Grilled: Instead of sauté, try grilling the asparagus and mushrooms for a smoky, charred flavor.
- Extra Cheese: For all the cheese lovers out there, feel free to add more grated Parmesan or even some shredded mozzarella for a cheesier dish.
What to Serve With
- For a hearty and delicious meal, serve your asparagus and mushroom dish alongside a roast or steak. The robust flavors of the meat will compliment the earthy flavors of the vegetables, making for a satisfying meal.
- If you’re a fan of poultry, this asparagus and mushroom recipe would be delicious beside a chicken dish. The light, fresh flavors of the asparagus and mushrooms provide a nice contrast to the rich, savory flavors of the chicken.
Recipe FAQs
For this recipe, the bacon is best cooked until it’s crispy. This will give it a nice texture and make it easy to crumble over the dish. You can cook the bacon in a skillet or the oven, whichever method you prefer. Just make sure to save a little bit of the bacon grease to start the cooking process of the asparagus and other veggies.
Yes, you can. While parmesan cheese adds a nice nutty flavor to the dish, you can also use other hard cheeses like Pecorino or Grana Padano. Feel free to experiment and find the cheese that you enjoy the most.
No, you don’t need to clean the skillet after cooking the bacon. The bacon grease will add flavor to the onions, asparagus, and mushrooms as they cook. Just make sure to drain any excess grease before adding the other ingredients.
Storing and Reheating
- Storing: After you’ve served this delicious dish, any leftovers can be stored in the fridge. Just make sure they’re in an airtight container and they’ll keep well for up to three days.
- Freeze: Unfortunately, this asparagus and mushrooms dish doesn’t freeze well due to the delicate nature of asparagus.
- Heat: To reheat, simply pop your leftovers in a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally until they’re warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave but a skillet will lend to a less chewy asparagus when reheating.
More Vegetable Side Dish Recipes You’ll Enjoy
Serving Size
- What to Expect: This asparagus and mushrooms recipe yields a delicious side dish for 4 people.
- How to Scale: If you’re hosting a larger gathering or just want to have leftovers, you can easily double the recipe. Just make sure to use a large enough skillet to sauté the onions, asparagus, and mushrooms without overcrowding them. Follow the rest of the instructions as directed, and you’ll have a larger serving in no time.
Asparagus and Mushrooms
Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1 medium onion
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
- 1 pound mushrooms sliced
- 2 pounds medium asparagus trimmed 2-inch sections
- ⅓ Cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prep the recipe by slicing mushrooms, dicing the onions and cutting asparagus into 2-inch segments.
- In a large cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed skillet, cook the bacon until done over medium heat. Remove the bacon from the pan and carefully drain the grease. Do not clean the pan.
- Into the same skillet, over medium heat, add the onions, asparagus, and mushrooms. Stir in crushed pepper. Saute for 7-10 minutes until desired tenderness.
- Remove from pan, sprinkle with Parmesan and bacon. Serve immediately.
This recipe is my go-to quick and easy recipe when asparagus is on sale. While my kids aren’t a fan of mushrooms, they add a lot flavor. If you’re like me – you’ll just have them pick them out so you can enjoy them! Enjoy friends!