This Asparagus Skillet is a delightful combination of sweet potatoes, fresh corn, asparagus, and bacon with a drizzle of balsamic.
Asparagus Skillet
This was something unexpected that I pulled together for a dinner side dish a few years ago, using odds and ends from the refrigerator. It was one of those nights where I stood there staring just waiting for inspiration. As if I expected a meal to magically appear.
So I started pulling out things that just need to be used up, a random ear of corn, a few strips of bacon (what were those doing left alone, that NEVER happens) a bundle of asparagus that was looking just a tad sad along with some sweet potatoes on the verge of sprouting.
What resulted was a skillet full of magic. I know that sounds like I am exaggerating but I promise you I am not. This dish is so good it qualifies as a company coming over meal.
Slightly browned sweet potatoes, salty bacon pieces, fresh corn cooked just until warm, and asparagus that is tender and still just a little bit crisp are all tossed together with just a drizzle of balsamic to make this Asparagus, Bacon, Corn, and Sweet Potato Skillet.
I enjoyed the sweet and salty mix of the potatoes and the bacon combined with the crunch of the fresh vegetables. This is a great mix of textures and flavors. My kids liked this so much, that my oldest asked for seconds. Seconds of a vegetable side dish?
While I intended for this to be a side dish because I served it with some grilled chicken that night. This dish has a spot in our regular lineup. And I have been known to double and triple the recipe and call it the entire meal.
Kitchen Tip: I use this skillet, this bowl, and this spatula to make this recipe.
Balsamic Asparagus
- sweet potato
- water
- bacon
- asparagus
- corn
- kosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze reduction
Balsamic Sweet Potatoes
- In a glass bowl, combine the sweet potatoes and water. Microwave the sweet potato pieces for 2 minutes, stir and microwave another 2 minutes. Stir again and check tenderness. They should be fork tender, but still just a bit crisp. Cook 1 more minute only if necessary. Set aside.
- In a very large skillet, over medium-high heat, cook the bacon pieces and then remove to a paper towel. Add the softened potatoes to the bacon grease left in the skillet and toss quickly to coat each piece. Season with salt and pepper and cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the asparagus and stir to combine. Cook another 3-4 minutes, until the asparagus is almost softened. Add the corn, toss well to coat, and cook 3-4 minutes more, stirring frequently.
- Add the bacon back into the skillet and stir to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper and remove from the heat. Drizzle with balsamic and stir again. Serve hot and Enjoy!
I’ve served these vegetables on their own as a casual lunch and as a side dish to accompany beef, chicken, or pork. I’ve added the leftover vegetables to a quiche, and I’ve tossed them onto a salad. This is one of the most versatile vegetable dishes you can imagine.
Asparagus, Bacon, Corn, and Sweet Potato Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 large sweet potato diced into ½" cubes, about 2½-3 cups worth
- 2 tablespoons water
- 3 slices bacon cut into 1″ pieces
- ½ lb asparagus trimmed and cut into 1½-2" pieces
- 1 ear of corn kernels removed
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt adjust to taste
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze reduction
Instructions
- In a glass bowl, combine the sweet potatoes and water. Microwave the sweet potato pieces for 2 minutes, stir and microwave another 2 minutes. Stir again and check tenderness. They should be fork tender, but still just a bit crisp. Cook 1 more minute only if necessary. Set aside.
- In a very large skillet, over medium-high heat, cook the bacon pieces and then remove to a paper towel. Add the softened potatoes to the bacon grease left in the skillet and toss quickly to coat each piece. Season with salt and pepper and cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the asparagus and stir to combine. Cook another 3-4 minutes, until the asparagus is almost softened. Add the corn, toss well to coat, and cook 3-4 minutes more, stirring frequently.
- Add the bacon back into the skillet and stir to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper and remove from the heat. Drizzle with balsamic and stir again. Serve hot and Enjoy!
Nutrition
{originally posted 08/17/12 – recipe notes and photos updated 9/15/22}
Jenn says
I was just on another site and said how bacon makes everything taste better… this would be the test for me – I'm not a hue asparagus fan, but that skillet looks amazing!
Anonymous says
Use green beans! Very tasty as well.
Tricia @ saving room for dessert says
I love everything about this recipe. You are so creative. What kind of bacon do you usually buy? Have you ever tried the nitrate free kind? I have not but am very interested in exploring the bacon aisle 🙂 Hope you have a very nice weekend Mary!
Dawnye7 says
That.Looks.Awesome. What a great combination of vegetables you've put in here. Can't wait to try it.
Sue/the view from great island says
This has a little hint of fall to it…could it be your temperatures are coming down just a little? You have me so hooked on these skillet dishes, and this one looks extra good with the asparagus and sweet potato.
Mary says
In my dreams, Sue. The temps are still crazy high here. Although, it has been cloudy with a bit of rain for a couple of days. The muggy heat is miserable, but if I stay in the lovely a/c and peek out the windows I can almost pretend fall is near!
hobby baker says
Oh wow, that looks so tempting! I'd be willing to do a corn challenge with this recipe, my eldest seems to be outgrowing her allergy and this looks just too good to pass up.
motherrimmy says
Simple ingredients with big flavor – perfect!
Words Of Deliciousness says
This skillet looks delicious. A great combination of ingredients.
Jed Gray (sportsglutton) says
Great combination of flavors Mary….I'll take two serving myself!
Fragrant Foodie says
Oh yum – I'm always looking for fresh ways to do sauteed veggies and this hits the spot!
Chris says
Great mix of ingredients for a perfect blend. I love asparagus and I'm always looking for new ways to use it other than grilling it whole.
Ann Nicole says
Making this tomorrow with my grilled steaks! Can't wait!
Anonymous says
Very good! Made it last week.
Christine
Penny Legge says
This was really, really good, but I didn't cook it in the skillet. I did most of what the recipe called for, but I put it all on a cookie sheet and roasted it.
Courtney says
We've tried this and it is great!
Patty says
We loved this recipe…now I'm making it for Thanksgiving!
Cindy says
Made it for Thanksgiving, it was a hit..
Sandy says
This is really good, made this a couple times.
Ashley says
I make this one all the time at home! My husband, who grudgingly eats vegetables, says he would eat this one every day of his life that's how good it is! We love it!
Joan says
I made this and it is really good!
Donna says
I made this some time ago . . was soo good . . . ready to do it again!