Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus with Lemon Zest

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A simple, elegant side dish where crisp bacon complements tender asparagus, finished with bright citrus notes. This french-inspired keto (low-carb) ready in about 25 minutes pairs spears asparagus, strips bacon, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 French cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Wrap 3 bacon strips around 10 asparagus spears, securing with toothpicks. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  2. Step 2: Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil and sprinkle with 1 tsp lemon zest. Bake for 12-15 minutes until bacon is crisp and asparagus tender.
  3. Step 3: Remove toothpicks and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus with Lemon Zest take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus with Lemon Zest?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spears asparagus from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus with Lemon Zest?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus with Lemon Zest for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus with Lemon Zest low-carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low-carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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