Bacon and Asparagus Toast

This Bacon and Asparagus Toast is the perfect balance of crispy, creamy, and savoury. Toasted pumpernickel bread layered with a rich ricotta and Parmesan spread, tender asparagus, and crispy bacon creates a brunch dish that feels elegant while being incredibly easy to make.

It’s perfect for spring gatherings, weekend breakfasts, brunch entertaining, or even a simple elevated lunch. I love using fresh farmers market asparagus for this because the flavour is bright, sweet, and pairs beautifully with the smoky bacon and hearty pumpernickel bread. It’s simple, beautiful, and packed with flavour in every bite.

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What is Bacon and Asparagus Toast?

Bacon and Asparagus Toast is a savoury open-faced toast made with crispy toasted pumpernickel bread layered with creamy ricotta, roasted asparagus and crispy bacon. It’s a simple but elevated brunch dish that combines smoky, creamy, fresh, and crunchy textures in every bite.

Here’s Why You Will Love Bacon and Asparagus Toast

• Easy but impressive: It looks café-worthy with minimal effort.
• Perfect for spring brunches: Fresh asparagus makes this ideal for seasonal meals.
• Quick to make: No pastry required! Just toast, top, and serve.
• Customizable: You can swap the asparagus for mushrooms, tomatoes, peas, or zucchini ribbons.

Equipment and Tools to Make Bacon and Asparagus Toast

Skillet

Mixing bowl

Toaster

Spoon for spreading

Ingredients

Pumpernickel bread: The hearty, slightly sweet flavour pairs perfectly with the creamy topping and salty bacon.

Ricotta cheese: Creates the creamy base and gives the toast a light, fluffy texture.

Parmesan cheese: Brings salty, nutty flavour and a delicious savoury finish.

Fresh asparagus: The star ingredient that adds freshness, colour, and spring flavour.

Bacon: Crispy bacon adds smoky richness and satisfying crunch.

Lemon zest: Brightens the flavours and adds freshness.

Fresh thyme: Adds earthy flavour and pairs beautifully with asparagus and bacon.

Olive oil: Helps the asparagus roast perfectly.

Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning to bring everything together.

How to Make Bacon and Asparagus Toast

Let’s make this dish!

Cook the bacon and asparagus. Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside. Reserve a small amount of bacon fat if desired for extra flavour. In the same pan, saute asparagus spears with salt and pepper until tender, about 5 minutes.

Make the ricotta spread. In a bowl, mix together ricotta, Parmesan, lemon zest, fresh thyme, salt and black pepper until smooth and creamy. 

Toast the bread. Toast the pumpernickel bread slices until golden and crisp. You can lightly brush with a little olive oil before toasting for extra richness.

Assemble and serve. Spread the ricotta mixture generously over each slice of toasted pumpernickel bread. Top with crispy bacon and roasted asparagus. Finish with extra Parmesan and pepper.

Bacon and Asparagus Toast Options and Substitutions

Want to mix things up with this recipe?

• Top with a soft-boiled or poached egg for extra brunch vibes.
• No pumpernickel bread? Try sourdough, rye bread, multigrain bread, ciabatta or brioche toast
• No ricotta? Use goat cheese, mascarpone, whipped feta or Boursin.
• No bacon? Try turkey bacon, smoked salmon, prosciutto or keep it vegetarian.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store the ricotta mixture separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Cooked bacon can also be stored separately.

For best results, assemble fresh rather than storing fully assembled toast.

Make Ahead Options

The ricotta spread can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the fridge.

Cook the bacon and trim the asparagus the day before for faster assembly.

For best texture, toast and assemble just before serving.

Recipe Tips

Use thick-cut bacon for extra crisp texture.

Don’t overcook the asparagus. It should stay bright green and tender.

Toast the bread well so it holds the toppings without getting soggy.

Fresh thyme makes a big difference in flavour.

Serve immediately for the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Bacon and Asparagus Toast taste like? Bacon and Asparagus Toast tastes rich, savoury, creamy and slightly smoky with a fresh spring flavour from the asparagus and thyme. The pumpernickel bread adds a deep earthy flavour while the ricotta keeps everything light and creamy. Every bite feels hearty while still fresh and bright.

Can I make this without ricotta? Yes! Goat cheese, mascarpone, whipped feta or Boursin all work nicely.

Can I use frozen asparagus? Fresh is best, but thawed and well-drained frozen asparagus can work.

Can I make this vegetarian? Absolutely. Simply leave out the bacon.

Can I serve this cold? It’s best served warm, but it can also be enjoyed at room temperature.

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Lastly, if you make my Bacon and Asparagus Toast be sure to leave a comment or give this recipe a star rating! I love to hear from you guys and respond to each and every comment. Also, don’t forget to tag me @cookwith.chopsticks and #cookwithchopsticks on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you have made makes me sooooo happy! You can also follow along on YouTube, TikTok, Facebook and Pinterest.